One of the few 18th-century buildings left in Pittsburgh could become a Scottish-inspired restaurant under a proposal to be considered by the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority board Thursday.
Board members are expected to vote on a plan to sell the historic Woods House and an adjacent vacant lot at 4604 Monongahela St. and along Tullymet Street in Hazelwood to Woods House LLC for $25,000.
Oak Moss Associates LLC, operating under the Woods House name, plans to turn the house and the next door lot into a Scottish inspired restaurant and pub that pays homage to Hazelwood’s history, according to a report accompanying the URA board agenda.
The 2,000-square-foot restaurant would have 61 seats inside and another 26 outside. A 240-square-foot porch addition is planned on the west side of the building. A 536-square-foot rear addition would house the kitchen, mechanical areas and restroom.
The project’s cost is estimated at $925,000.
Built in 1792, Woods House is considered one of five or six 18th-century buildings remaining in Pittsburgh and may be the city’s oldest residence.
The URA report stated that it was built by Colonel George Woods, a noted surveyor who is credited with laying out the city of Pittsburgh.
According a 2002 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story, Stephen Foster composed famous melodies on the piano in the house, including “Nelly Bly.”
The house, made of field stone with a dirt floor basement, is considered to be in fragile condition, the URA report stated.
Because of the lack of stability, the second floor of the two-story house is inaccessible. The site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also has a local historic designation.
Krish Pandya, who is listed as managing director of Woods House LLC, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Mark Belko: mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.
First Published: November 7, 2018, 1:00 p.m.
