The 49th annual Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour took place on Sunday, September 9 and featured 11 tour locations throughout the neighborhood.
Billed as the “oldest and finest house tour in the city of Pittsburgh,” this year’s Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour featured both restored historic homes and works-in-progress. Additional points of interest included the YMCA, Alphabet City, Randyland, Mattress Factory Museum and River of Words.
Photos by Ashlee Green
First site on the tour was a work-in-progress by owner Greg Mucha
Mucha intended the house to become a bed-and-breakfast
House features 11-foot ceilings and the fireplaces are original.
So far, completed renovations include new plumbing and electrical and new windows and roof.
The second home on the tour was originally built in 1894.
Staircase showcases a secret door
Pottery on display in the dining room
Homeowner designed kitchen cabinets from an image she saw in a magazine, before the days of Pinterest.
In-between the kitchen and three-season room
Three-season room in the back of the house
This home is an example of Richardsonian Romanaesque-style and used to serve as the Parsonage to the former Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Every fourth staircase spindle is a different design.
Kitchen addition on the back of the house designed by homeowners
Beautiful wooden cabinet in the kitchen
Outdoor garden space
Owners say the landscaping for their garden space is still evolving
Rain did not stop house tour guests from exploring the neighborhood.
Building used to be a storefront before owners bought it in 1987
Today the unit is a full-time Airbnb.
Kitchen space used to be part of “Nat’s Bar,” which operated from 1940s to early 1980s.
All rooms in main portion of house feature original fireplaces.
House was build in the “Second Empire” style, and porcelain knobs, rosettes and key hole covers have been preserved.
Brand new kitchen was added to this home, originally built in 1864.
First floor half-bathroom, along with kitchen, was completely gutted and renovated.
This house on Sherman Avenue features original interior doors and floors
Homeowners added a brand new kitchen.
Brand new kitchen and first floor bathroom are part of this home.
According to owners, their home is “colorful, quirky, and great for entertaining.”
Fourteen families have lived in this home since it was built.
Art from Germany and West Point Military Academy hangs on the walls of this home.
Home was a former grocery store and open floor plan shows off 14-foot high ceilings.
Homeowner restored an antique door into this mirror; Plaque reads “Home is where the Army sends you.”
Known as “Leroy’s House” to reference the man who used to live here
Unique artwork welcomes guests
Owner collects mostly contemporary art from New York artists
A decorative Cuckoo clock hangs on the living room wall
A bedroom stocked with antique photos and books
Owner was a college professor and began by collecting the work of his students
Second floor bathroom
Garden space with custom iron work by John Walters of Iron Eden
Outdoor kitchen with brick oven fireplace
Courtyard functions as another room of the owner’s home for hosting dinner parties
House dates back to the 1880s
Bright, modern and minimalist style
High ceilings reminiscent of times past
Otter, the resident Greyhound
New floors and new kitchen installed by owner
Renovations will continue on the outdoor garden space
This carriage house was built in 1890.
Home features three stories of cozy, modern comfort.
