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Ar view of the kitchen shows off the sub-zero refrigerator and the skylights as well as the granite countertops.
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Buying Here: Modern condo hides in century-old building

Peter Theis

Buying Here: Modern condo hides in century-old building

The red-brick building at 305 Elwick St. looks like many other rambling old houses dotting the streets of Sewickley. But inside, it’s a collection of sleek, modern condominiums, thanks to a 2008 renovation.

Penthouse unit  No. 5, which has three bedrooms, 2½ baths and a private elevator, is on the market for $825,000 (MLS No. 1084462) through Peter R. Theis of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (www.howardhanna.com or 412-741-2200). He will hold an open house at 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

“The building is well over a hundred years old,” he said. “There were supposed to be two units on every floor, but they purchased the top floor when it was an open shell and did the build-out as one unit.”

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A secure key-access, commercial-grade elevator opens in the center of the 3,226-square-foot unit, where the 21- by-11-foot entry has a 10-foot ceiling. Hickory floors run throughout, except in the carpeted master suite.

The original turret was transformed into an 11- by 11-foot office with panoramic views of the Sewickley Valley. The turret’s dome was finished with a medallion detail.

“It is lit underneath the cove. It feels like a treehouse,” Mr. Theis said.

An odd space was turned into a powder room where its awkward angles become design elements along with glass mosaic tile, a copper bowl sink, marble top and offset mirror. 

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The three bedrooms are arranged with flexibility in mind. The 17-by-15-foot master has a sliding door that opens to a back deck.

“There are three closets fully loaded out with built-ins,” Mr. Theis said. “One of them has space for a wall safe.”

The master bath has a full shower finished with glass and ceramic tile and a granite bench seat. Low thresholds and grab bars are a plus for buyers looking to age in place. A double bowl vanity and mirrors sparkle under a pair of skylights that open by remote control.

A pair of sliding doors reveal a 15-by-12-foot bedroom that can be used as a sitting room for the master bedroom. Down a hallway is a second full bath with glass mosaic tile and universal design features.

The third bedroom is behind french doors with frosted glass. It also accesses an outdoor deck.

A 19-by-17-foot kitchen takes advantage of dormers and strategically placed windows and skylights. Modern cabinets with an oak finish have stainless-steel pulls. Granite tops accent professional appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf induction cooktop and Miele dishwasher. There’s also a trash compactor and built-in wine chiller. The dining area has a built-in buffet and tall storage.

The 22- by- 14-foot dining room features a Fine Arts iron and crystal chandelier and a charming window seat. It leads to the 20- by- 18-foot living room, which offers media storage, entertaining space and access to a second long balcony.

The lower level has two storage rooms, one lined with cedar. There is also a laundry and three parking spaces, one in the detached garage.

The property’s county assessed value is $685,500 (www2.county.allegheny.pa.us/RealEstate/Search.aspx). Over the last three years, five properties have sold on Elwick Street ranging in price from $340,000 in March 2015 to $600,000 in August 2012 (www.realstats.net).

The homeowners’ fee is $700 a month. Utilities included are gas, water, sewer and trash. Maintenance includes lawn care, snow removal, elevator, exterior and common areas. Homeowner association rules state that no smoking is allowed in the units or on the property.

“This was one of multiple residences so it was very little used,” Mr. Theis said. “They made sure everything was of the highest quality.”

The property has a 3D Virtual Tour created by Matterport (http://bit.ly/305ElwickUnit5-3D).

“To my knowledge, this is the first time the technology has been used in our market,” Mr. Theis said.

Rosa Colucci, rcolucci@post-gazette.com or Twitter: PgRosa_Colucci.

 

*****

Sewickley at a glance

Website: www.sewickleyborough.org

Inside out: This bedroom community on Route 65 in the Ohio River Valley is bookended by Edgeworth and Glen Osborne, with Sewickley Heights on the hill. The charm of living in Sewickley is walking to the village, where you can buy custom cakes at Ultimate Pastry Shop, work out at the YMCA or spend the afternoon at a number of spas and salons.

Families also move here to take advantage of Quaker Valley School District. The high school ranks sixth in the state and 477th out of more than 21,000 high schools nationwide. Cultural amenities include the Sweetwater Center for the Arts. Pittsburgh Airport is a 12-minute drive over the Sewickley Bridge.

Schools: Quaker Valley School District (www.qvsd.org)

Enrollment: 1,941

Average SAT scores: Verbal 553; Math: 572, Writing: 545

Annual taxes per $100,000 of assessment: $2,770.32 (median property value is $178,150.)

Township: $650.00 (6.5 mills)

School: $1,732.32 (17.32 mills)

County: $388 (4.73 mills)*

Earned income tax: 1 percent

*Includes the Act 50 Homestead Exclusion, which reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $18,000.

First Published: April 29, 2016, 2:19 p.m.

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Ar view of the kitchen shows off the sub-zero refrigerator and the skylights as well as the granite countertops.  (Peter Theis)
Peter Theis
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