In A Classroom Lofts Condo, This Owner Learned Her Own History

PHOTOS BY VUE REAL ESTATE MARKETING

When Ann “Lee” Phillips moved to the South Side Flats in 1991, her daughters say it was a form of Yinzer pilgrimage that spurred her actions.

Purchasing a condo in the Classroom Lofts, a former brick schoolhouse, Phillips sought to spend her next chapter in the area of the city where her family had first made their mark.

“The Phillips family has long-standing ties to the neighborhood,” says one of Phillips’s daughters, Cara Schultz, who spoke to Pittsburgh Magazine along with her sisters, Jennifer Jeffers and Devon George; their mother passed away in late 2024, after spending the last 34 years of her life returning to her roots.

“Her grandfather was the president of Phillips Mine and Mill Co. on Jane Street, and her great-grandfather founded The Southside Hospital,” Schultz says.

Her mother’s father, John M. Phillips Jr., later served as president of South Side Hospital. Beyond that, the Phillips family left their mark on the South Side in other ways.

“Her grandmother was the founder of the Brashear Association, a United Way organization, and Phillips Elementary School was named in honor of her grandparents in recognition of their enduring commitment and contributions to the community,” says Schultz, who adds that her mother followed in her family’s footsteps closely.

Purpose-driven work came naturally to Phillips. She served as director of community relations for South Side Hospital and later became president of the Brashear Association, while also taking on numerous leadership and volunteer roles throughout the South Side. An article in Pittsburgh City Paper from 2000 highlighted the mark the Phillips family left on the community.

When Phillips moved to 120 S 15th Street #103, it was a blank canvas for her to design. Schultz says her mom had a natural flair for design and loved to create beautiful spaces; she worked at the Bradley Michaels Furniture store in Pleasant Hills for a season of her life, as well.

“The beautiful pieces she selected and collected throughout her career can still be seen today, thoughtfully displayed throughout her condo, reflecting her timeless style and love of creating welcoming spaces,” Schultz says.

Jeffers, who also lives in the South Side, says her mother lived in a community that welcomed her with open arms when she returned more than three decades ago.

“A lot of people may not be aware of how strong the community is in the South Side,” she says. “Many people think of it as an entertainment destination only, but there are many residents who have lived in the neighborhood for decades, and they are committed to making the South Side a safe and livable place for its residents.”

She says she and her mother enjoyed chatting to passersby who had once attended school in the condo building — and there were quite a few; the school closed in 1990.

“I am always surprised and delighted to meet people who actually attended school in the building or know someone who did,” Jeffers says. “I love hearing their stories about what it was like to go to elementary school there.”

Of the home itself, George says her mother chose a rare gem.

“It is a real unicorn of a home in this vibrant neighborhood,” she says.

Like her sister, George also lives on the South Side; she says her mother’s first-floor, one-level unit with accessible bathing options and no maintenance was the perfect choice for her mother later in life. While those details made it livable, it’s the original, historical details that make it special, she says.

“Beyond the beautiful finishes and fixtures, high tin ceilings and gorgeous woodwork, it includes the original chalkboards — we’ve been told it was the music room of the school,” says George.

A Juliet balcony, additional storage and well-maintained grounds add to the long list of reasons this home stands out.

“With just twelve units in the building, it feels communal when you’d like it — a mix of ages makes it fun for holidays when the residents host a parking lot barbecue or gather for the marathon,” George says.

The home is now listed for $394,900 with Maggie Jayson of RE/MAX Select Realty, who has been a family friend for years. The condo, which measures around 1,500 square feet and has two bedrooms as well as two full bathrooms, is a favorite of hers.

“I just love this home, can you tell?” Jayson says with a laugh. “This home is a keeper the minute you walk in the door. There is a plethora of light with 10-foot windows, a mosaic tile ceiling and a private balcony. It’s move-in ready, a true artistic masterpiece.”

Jayson says the kitchen, bathrooms, HVAC and mechanics are all up to date. A monthly HOA fee of $400 covers landscaping, snow removal, sewer and water. There is also one deeded parking spot.

The open-concept great room has plenty of space for a large dining table; there’s also a spacious kitchen and a cozy living area. The primary suite has a private bathroom, walk-in closet and loft area with an iron railing that is currently set up as an office space.

The second bedroom is partitioned off from the main living area by a funky glass block wall. The interior’s ornate tin ceilings, massive windows and hardwood floors with character are set against exposed brick and HVAC for a cozy, yet industrial vibe.

“You can even still see the scuff marks on the hardwood floors from the classroom desks,” Schultz says.

While Phillips left decorative touches throughout the home that suited her taste, the condo’s good bones make an excellent backdrop for any style of decor.

“This was such a great place to get together and host a group of friends and family,” says Jeffers. “The condo has a very open concept, where everyone can comfortably be together, and there is a patio space that offers fresh air, sunshine and a nice breeze

“We will miss it all… It’s truly a unique space. I don’t think I will ever find something similar.”