The extensive building renovation project for client, Schoolhouse Electric Company, was to transform a former Pittsburgh Police Bureau known as The Detective Building into a new showroom, coffee shop, and co-working space. The overall design vision was to uncover the building’s potential, focusing on how best to honor and respect the original building design and allow its existing character to shine through, while breathing new life into it. Vital to the success of the project was using the building’s transformation as a catalyst of change for its neighborhood block, as well as an anchor for the greater East Liberty community.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect
mossArchitects
Architect
mossArchitects
Designer
mossArchitects
Designer
mossArchitects
Designer
mossArchitects
Designer
mossArchitects
Contractor
Nelcon, Inc
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Tower Engineering
Structural Engineer
Atlantic Engineering Services
Civil Engineer
Langan
Owner’s Representative
Owen Gabbert, LLC
The Detective Building
Category
2020 Architectural Excellence DESIGN AWARDS > Preservation Architecture
Description
FIRM
mossArchitects
PROJECT LOCATION
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LOCAL AIA CHAPTER
AIA Pittsburgh
IMAGE CAPTION & CREDITS
Image 1 // Portland, Oregon based Schoolhouse Electric Company undertook a unique building renovation to open a new East Coast outpost – their first store in nearly ten years – in the storied East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a former Pittsburgh Police Bureau known locally as The Detective Building. Credit: Schoolhouse
Image 2 // The design took a subtractive, minimalist approach to uncover the essence of the architecture utilizing existing materials and maximizing natural light. Credit: Schoolhouse
Image 3 // Vital to the success of the project was using the building’s transformation as a catalyst of change for its neighborhood block, as well as an anchor for the greater East Liberty Pittsburgh community. Credit: Jason Snyder Photography
Image 4 // The renovated building includes The Bureau coffee shop operated by prominent Pittsburgh restaurant, the Vandal. Credit: Schoolhouse