As Wendy Pashman entered 420 Pressley St. in the Deutschtown Historic District, she was struck by the large, heavy double front doors and welcoming vestibule, the high ceilings throughout, and the woodwork underneath the front staircase leading to the second floor.
That is how a love story between Wendy, her husband, Michael Patrizio, and this notable Victorian house began. The couple has shared a passion for restoring heritage homes, reflecting their longstanding appreciation for architecture and design.
While they loved seeing the dramatic Pittsburgh skyline at night from the attic, the quietness of the space seemed like the perfect setting for a creative duo to establish their studios.
I could relate to all of that when I visited this 1880 registered landmark with four bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, and 3,184 square feet. The overall feeling of spaciousness and openness is not often the case in Victorian residences, giving this exceptional gem a surprisingly modern vibe. Eduardo, my hubby, whispered, “This house has a soul…”
Then, the interview I had with LGBTQ+ mortgage broker Mauricio Gonzalez-Roberts for QBurgh came to mind. He remarked on how much queer couples appreciate houses with a history behind them. So, I asked myself: Can this one-of-a-kind treasure catch the queer eye?
Looking Back in Awe
For realtor Ella Serrato, this is more than a renovated place. “It is a preserved piece of Pittsburgh history. The original architectural details, including the stair railings, stained-glass windows, and other handcrafted elements, help tell the story of its past.”
What sets this property apart, she says, is its thoughtful balance between preservation and modern living. “Unlike renovations that strip period homes of their identity, this old lady incorporates high-end updates while enhancing its architectural charm.”
- Advertisement -
Wendy, what was your vision for the restoration?
We wanted the kitchen to feel like a natural extension of the home’s character while adding the comfort and functionality of modern living. We restored it with extra-tall cabinetry to emphasize the ceiling height, incorporated abundant storage and open shelving for easy access, and used a moody Farrow & Ball color palette to create a seamless flow from the living room to the reading room and kitchen.
A chef-worthy kitchen was essential for her, as she owned a catering business in Chicago. She equipped it with premium appliances: a Wolf range, a Miele dishwasher, a Sub-Zero commercial refrigerator, and a Franke stainless steel sink and faucet, as well as granite countertops throughout.
She added plenty of storage and prep space for two people to cook together comfortably. “We like the way the finished kitchen is modern and yet blends well with the architectural nature of the house.”
The neighborhood also played a role in your decision to acquire and steward this place…
We love the vibe of a transitioning urban neighborhood. It reminds us of Chicago, where we moved from, and the kind of environment we were accustomed to. Being able to walk our dog, take public transportation, and enjoy easy access to cultural activities and Allegheny Park, with its weekly farmers market, has been wonderful.
Wendy and Michael found the entrepreneurial spirit alive in the neighborhood, with lots of indie small businesses. The Priory, a European-style boutique hotel, was a welcome surprise for them. “Having a small lodge nearby for overflow family and guests during the holidays was convenient. It also has an atmospheric bar, ‘The Monk’s Bar,’ which is great for socializing, with snacks available,” she says.
Tell us about the neighbors.
Great, friendly neighbors! We were immediately invited to neighborhood get-togethers and enjoyed having our neighbors over, too.
Ella Serrato also highlights the appeal of the location in Deutschtown, with its unique vibrancy and proximity to downtown, parks, and restaurants. Cultural attractions such as the Warhol Museum, Benedum Center, City of Asylum, National Aviary, and Mexican War Streets are also within close reach.
Queer Eye Enters the Conversation
What about this home do you think might resonate with QBurgh’s readers?
We fell in love with its origin story. It was built in the 1880s by Mr. Frederick Bussman, a prominent painter, vocalist, and vocal instructor who was single and never married. From the very beginning, the house reflected the creativity and vision of an independent thinker.
The bright, sun-filled third-floor art studio is a wonderful bonus for anyone with creative passions. We also transformed a small extra bedroom into a spacious dressing room and closet, perfect for anyone with a love of fashion.
The kitchen was designed for two people to cook, create, and entertain together. And for home chefs who enjoy getting their hands dirty, the community garden at Allegheny Commons Park offers garden plots, seasonal events, and a welcoming way to connect with neighbors.
What kind of person do you envision becoming the next steward of this legacy property?
We would like to see a creative person or couple looking for the full urban Pittsburgh indie experience! Someone who could make use of the entertaining space, the green spaces nearby, and maybe have a dog… or two! Someone who would love this old dame like we do.
For Ella Serrato, the ideal buyer will be “someone who appreciates the opportunity to become a steward of a distinctive piece of Pittsburgh’s architectural heritage.”
Those who feel that 420 Pressley Street is calling their name can join a special open house on Thursday, August 20, from 5–7 p.m. Write to ellaserratorealtor@gmail.com, step in, and experience an architectural masterpiece where history meets functionality, all thoughtfully preserved for a new chapter.
