Last month, we submitted an historic landmark nomination form for the former Carrick Municipal Hall (1806 Brownsville Rd.).
The borough of Carrick became an independent political entity in 1904 and construction of the Municipal Hall would begin in 1905 after noted Pittsburgh architect, Edward Stotz was commissioned for the building’s design.
In Carrick’s Borough Ordinance No. 11 Section 1, passed on December 27, 1904, Stotz was officially selected to use his design for the two-story building “to be used a house for Fire Company, Town Hall, and for other Borough purposes”10 (Figures 7, 8). The contract for the construction of the building was awarded to the George M. Hall Company which, like Stotz’s architectural firm, still exists today.
Many factors went into the planning of the borough building, but the engine company was by far the most influential in the design process. The building’s setback from the street was to allow for a greater turn radius for the fire engines, the first floor was comprised entirely of accordion garage doors, and the building featured a forty-foot bell and hose tower.
In 1927 after debate and deliberation through much of 1926 among the people and council members, Carrick was annexed into Pittsburgh becoming the 29th ward. The final meeting of the Town Council of the Borough of Carrick was held on January 2, 1927. After Carrick was annexed into the city the police and city offices were moved to different locations, leaving Engine Company Number 23 as the sole occupant of the building until they too departed for newer facilities in 1957.
Today the building is privately owned and houses two prominent business of Brownsville Road, Farnsworth Gowns and Blanc de Blanc Bridal.
In November, the Historic Review Commission found the building eligible for historic landmark status because of its affiliation with Edward Stotz, its design, and its representation of Carrick’s evolution from an independent political entity to one of Pittsburgh’s many neighborhoods.
If you would like to lend your support for the designation, please email the City's Historic Preservation Planner, Sarah Quinn at sarah.quinn@pittsburghpa.gov or come to the Historic Review Commission's public hearing and vote on Wednesday, December 5th at 1pm, 200 Ross Street.
We would like to thank Amy and Michael Kuruc and their partnership to recognize and preserve this exceptional piece of our city. If you'd like to help our landmarking efforts, please consider donating to our Landmarking Fund.
