This Original Sewickley Building Became a One-of-a-Kind Loft — With a Storefront Included

PHOTOS BY EXPOSURE IT

There’s a daily rhythm to life at 443 Walnut St., a mixed-use building in the heart of Sewickley that Zachary Kappel and Alexis Corry have called home since 2015. 

While the building is distinctively Pittsburgh, the renovations and design choices in the loft home itself feel unexpected and fun. 

The couple found the property by chance. They were not even in the market for a new home, but noticed a for-sale-by-owner sign in the window of an older building with potential. At the time, they were happily living in Mt. Lebanon — but something about the building pulled them in.

“We called immediately, saw it that same day, and instantly knew that this was our home,” says Corry. “It completely caught us by surprise, but there was never any hesitation. We had to live here. It was, and still is, one of the coolest spaces we have ever seen.”

Now listed for $2.95 million with Liza Barry Christ of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, the property includes three bedrooms, six baths and whole-building ownership. A private Walnut Street entrance leads to the residence, while a separate Beaver Street entrance serves the commercial space below.

Christ says this home is unlike anything else she’s represented previously. 

“What you’re buying is full building ownership in the heart of the village: a three-bedroom residence with a private elevator, a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views, and an income-producing commercial suite below.” 

Beyond the list of amenities, Christ says this home comes with a built-in lifestyle. 

“There is nowhere else in Sewickley where you can entertain four stories above the village, with the clock tower, the Sewickley Bridge, Beaver Street below, and the hills of Sewickley Heights stretching out in the distance,” she says. “The views are breathtaking from every direction. This is whole-building, private ownership at its finest — entirely yours.” 

Because the property is classified as a commercial listing, Christ says buyers selling an investment property may have the opportunity to utilize a 1031 exchange. 

“That would defer capital gains taxes and make this an exceptionally smart acquisition,” she says. “As always, I’d recommend working with your tax advisor to explore what’s possible, but it’s a meaningful advantage that sets this property apart.”

The divided setup gives the home a rare blend of privacy and flexibility that’s delivered with a warm, cozy energy. The separation of space creates a sense of calm that lets residents forget there’s a retail space on the main level. 

Upstairs, the home feels more like a city loft than a traditional borough residence. The main living level has 15-foot ceilings, hand-scraped hardwood floors and large windows that pull in the changing light over the village. 

“We’ve always loved history and the feeling you get from authentic old brick and woodwork,” says Kappel. “The soaring ceilings, exposed beams and original brickwork from the late 1800s were immediately captivating. There’s a warmth and character in historic architecture that simply cannot be recreated in new construction.” 

At the same time, Kappel says the recent renovation meant the couple did not need to choose between charm and convenience. 

“We instantly began imagining spring and summer evenings with the Juliet balcony doors open — hearing the energy of the town, feeling connected to the streets below and experiencing Sewickley in such an immersive way,” she says.  

The couple expanded the space within the home after purchasing the building, but in a way that feels seamless. 

“We loved the original structure so much that when it came time to expand, we worked with the original team to thoughtfully build upon what already existed rather than lose the integrity of the home,” says Corry. 

The couple added another floor to create more bedrooms, and moved the rooftop patio up one level. 

“That made it even larger and more breathtaking,” Corry says. “It was important to us that the evolution of the home felt totally aligned with its original spirit.” 

The living area of the building now measures just under 3,700 square feet, with three bedrooms and six total bathrooms — including powder rooms on the main living level and rooftop deck, ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom and a full bathroom in the finished basement. The deck is plumbed for an outdoor kitchen as well.

Translating their creative endeavors into home design, the couple worked to craft a home that felt serene and styled all at once. A custom hydraulic elevator connects the levels, including the rooftop deck. 

The kitchen includes an oversized island, custom pantry, wine refrigerator, warming drawer and reverse osmosis water system. Bathrooms feature marble showers, brass fixtures and high-end finishes at every turn. 

Corry says the space reminded her of the kind of architecture she and Kappel admired while traveling and working in cities such as New York, Dublin and London.

The couple adds that while the building was a truly unique find, Sewickley itself was another major part of the draw. 

Corry, who owned a boutique in Sewickley for over ten years and served on the local Chamber of Commerce, says she has had the privilege of watching the village’s business district and community evolve over time. 

“It is now such a thriving, vibrant small town filled with thoughtful independent businesses, seasonal markets and community events,” she says. 

Living right in the center of all of that while still having the privacy and calm of the Walnut Street home is rare, and it’s that’s Kappel says he’ll have a hard time leaving behind. 

“I fell in love with Sewickley because it combines the charm of a small, walkable New England-style town with the accessibility of a major international airport less than 20 minutes away,” he says. “Every part of Sewickley is beautiful, but it was the heart of the town that truly captured us.”