The 31st Street Lofts History
Our Building’s history is one of varied uses that followed the history and development of the Strip District, Lawrenceville, and surrounding neighborhoods. The 31st Street Lofts History is fascinating to those who love Pittsburgh’s past and who care about preservation.
The Springfield Schoolhouse
The 31st Street Lofts are a complete historic preservation and renovation of the “Springfield Schoolhouse,” a building constructed in 1871 as a school for children living in the flats along the Allegheny river, the area now known as the Strip District.
The Springfield Schoolhouse last served as an educational facility in 1934. The Pittsburgh School District continued to use the building as a warehouse until 1946.
Crucible Steel
Later in 1946, the school was sold to the Crucible Steel Company who remodeled it to serve as their administration headquarters located across the street from their extensive foundry facilities.
The foundry still stands and is a today a mix of offices and flex space. In addition there are many other buildings surrounding the 31st Street Lofts that are historic old warehouses and industrial buildings that helps give our location a unique industrial feel.
Pittsburgh Decorative Center
In 2000, the building became the Pittsburgh Decorative Center. It was used as a Creative Arts Center with showroom spaces for interior design and decorative accessory retailers. It has since been completely renovated using Historic Preservation guidelines to create an upscale urban living environment in Pittsburgh’s most sought after neighborhood.
History of the Strip
To learn more about the history of the Strip District visit the Wikipedia page, check out this information from the Carnegie Library, visit the Neighbors in the Strip History page, visit the Senator John Heinz History Center, or come visit and tour any of our available units.