This Mexican War Streets Home Boasts a One-of-a-Kind Mural

PHOTOS BY EXPOSURE IT REAL ESTATE MEDIA

When Alex and Theresa bought their home at 1213 Boyle St. four years ago, they were drawn to it for a myriad of reasons.

The location in the Mexican War Streets on Pittsburgh’s North Side was stellar. Built in 1900, the home enjoys easy access to all of the city’s amenities. Beyond that ever-desired “location, location, location,” the couple loved the vibe of the immediate community right around the home.

Alex says being able to walk to the Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park stadiums was a huge perk, but they underestimated how much they’d enjoy the walkability of the War Streets and Central North Side as a whole.

“It’s a diverse neighborhood with people who have lived there a long time, as well as newer neighbors,” he says. “There is a mix of cultures, and everyone is super friendly.”

Theresa adds that the food scene is beyond enticing for locals.

“It’s an easy walk to all kinds of restaurants, without even heading Downtown,” she says. “There are Italian, German, Hungarian, Indian, Caribbean, American Pubs, Eclectic, Mexican, and so many more options to enjoy.”

The couple also enjoys the ability to walk to attractions like the National Aviary and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, as well as the many festivals and events that take place on Allegheny Commons.

When they purchased the home, they expected to settle in for a long stint as residents of the Mexican War Streets, but the needs of extended family have called them out of the area.

The couple invested time and resources into making their house a home, and are confident someone else will fall in love instantly, just as they did.

“I remember when we first walked out on the deck in the evening. The view was beautiful and peaceful; it’s a great escape,” says Theresa. In addition to the deck, there is a covered patio and a fenced yard space for pets or kids.

Featuring four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, the house measures just over 2,000 square feet; it has been thoroughly renovated and updated to modern needs and standards. The home also is a blank slate for the next owner as far as design choices, with crisp white trim and neutral walls that will work well with any decor scheme.

Theresa says the interior of the home is well-laid out for entertaining and family life, with plenty of natural light and a floor plan that was opened up via renovations. The first floor’s living room, dining room and kitchen open onto one another, creating one large family living space.

Upstairs, four spacious bedrooms have been nicely updated for use as sleeping space, home offices or as a bright and airy studio space.

The couple has listed their North Side gem with Rick Brown of Next Home PPM Realty for $479,900; he says he’s honored to get to bring such a unique home to the Pittsburgh market — though he has a hard time narrowing down the best features.

The custom exterior is an immediate draw, but so many other features make this home truly livable.

“Eight off-street parking spots are almost unheard of for a city property,” he says, adding that the parking, combined with the deck, patio, and yard are things most buyers won’t find within the city limits.

Brown says the next owners could easily create a primary suite with some simple renovation steps — he’s even included a rough floor plan in the Zillow listing.

As for that incredible exterior? As part of putting their mark on the home, the couple hired one of the city’s top mural artists, Jeremy Raymer, to customize the front and one side of the long and narrow brick home.

“We wanted to add to the vibe of the area,” says Alex of their decision to hire Raymer. The mural, entitled “Light Wave,” features a vibrant undersea scene.

The mural ties the home to the Mexican War Streets, which have long been famous for its colorful, funky homes.

“We invited the steel drum band from Steel City Arts Initiative, just down the road, to play Calypso music as the mural was unveiled to our neighbors,” says Alex. “It was such a fun party.”