Help save history in your community by restoring and reusing historic buildings.

“Without history, we would not exist. So it's very important to learn about history in any way you can. Exploring buildings is a great way to learn about history.”
—student quote

1739 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Date and Style

Built in 1873

—Victorian (Second Empire) style

With its steeply sloping mansard roof and fancy dormer windows, this grandiose building in the Second Empire style has the most panache of any building on East Carson Street. This style originated in Paris, France. The “Second Empire” refers to the empire of Napoleon III, who ruled France from 1852 to 1870.

Facade improvements funded through the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Streetface Program

Facts and Stories Worth Knowing

• The building was built as Mohrhoff Millinery, a hat shop. The original owner was Mary Mohrhoff (see photo below). Part of the building was rented. Renters in the early years were the Farmers and Mechanics Bank and the Manufacturer's Bank of the South Side, headquartered here in the 1880s and early 1900s.
• In the 1930s, Lublin's Furniture Store was located here, and a photograph also shows Nora's Beauty Shop located in a portion of the building, along with G. G. Wolak Insurance Agency and Notary Public.

• Restoration work on the building exterior was completed in 2006 (see photo below).

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