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When Colby and Ellen Jarrett first laid eyes on their Lawrenceville home nearly a year ago, they knew they had found where they wanted to live for the long run.

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms spread over 2,500 square feet, 3865 Howley St. checked so many boxes on their list. The couple loved the original aspects of the century-old home, including how well those details had been melded with bold, modern updates. The two-car garage and backyard were major selling points, too.

But living long term in the home wasn’t meant to be; the Jarretts’ careers are taking them out of Pittsburgh.

“If we could pick this house up and move it with us, we absolutely would,” the couple wrote in an email. “We also had our first child in this home, and we absolutely adore the decorations in the nursery.”

The distinctive home is now listed for $894,000 by Realtor Jennifer Waters of Howard Hanna.

Even from the curb, it’s evident the home has one foot in the past and one foot in the present. The original brick exterior, a leaded glass front door and wrought-iron railings on a classic city stoop all fit the tone of historical Lawrenceville.

On the other end of the spectrum is the home’s trendy horizontal cedar siding, transom windows and a contemporary glass garage door — a nod to Lawrenceville’s evolving future.

The coveted two-car garage, not often found in most city neighborhoods, also was not part of the original structure, which was built in 1900.

“This home combines modern fixtures and functionality with original character and charm,” says Waters. “The row home encompasses two lots, the second of which was converted into the attached garage.”

The addition of the vacant lot to the property not only made space for the garage, it also provided a rare urban backyard alongside a rooftop deck, a full bathroom and a laundry/mud room combination.

On the home’s first floor, the original interior has been blown wide open, with a two-sided brick fireplace, extraordinary suspended staircase and gourmet chef’s kitchen.

Waters says she can’t get enough of the first floor; while she sells a lot of homes, this fun twist on an old home is not something realtors come across often.

“The original tin ceiling was preserved in the kitchen and highlighted with a backlit tray ceiling,” she says. “This original feature and the exposed brick are juxtaposed with sleek, modern lighting and single-touch lift system cabinetry.”

She also points out the recessed, lighted shelving, which provides a handy spot to display cookbooks, photos or other decorative items in the kitchen.

The Jarretts noted they love how the first floor’s spacious redesign lends itself to family living.

“The open living and dining room with a gas fireplace creates such a warm and inviting atmosphere,” they wrote.

“I’ll miss winding down after a long work day in that space with my family, either in front of the fire or cooking together in the huge kitchen,” adds Colby.

Out of convenience, the fireplace has been converted to gas — and a projector TV can be rolled down right in front of it for family movie nights. Open joists from the floor above also highlight the age of the house in an elegant way.

The striking suspended staircase — which is sturdy despite its lighter-than-air aesthetic — leads to more well-utilized living space. The second floor contains three large bedrooms, each with a generous closet and loads of natural light. They share a nicely sized and updated full bathroom with a shower/tub combo.

On the third floor, the primary suite spans the entire length of the home. Exposed beams under a soaring ceiling take advantage of the home’s height, plus adds some wow factor. Large glass doors separating the bedroom from the oversized bathroom create a spa-like feel to the space.

There also is ample room in the primary suite for an office, sitting area or home gym.

Beyond the livability of the home itself, the Jarretts have come to love Lower Lawrenceville’s collection of local businesses, which are just steps from their door, Some of their favorite local spots include Arsenal Park, Ineffable Cà Phê, Brooklyn Bagel, El Sabor, and White Whale Bookstore — if they have to narrow it down.

“We will miss being able to walk in any direction and find a coffee shop on weekend mornings,” the couple wrote. “The balance of modern convenience with the authentic charm of the original structure truly made it our dream home.”

About: Lower Lawrenceville
Population: 2,659
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Residents of Lower Lawrenceville do not need to own a car, and many don’t. Pittsburgh is improving its bike infrastructure, and Lawrenceville is becoming more and more bike-friendly. There are also plentiful bus routes and rideshares available. The trendy city neighborhood is a walkable community where many errands can be accomplished on foot. The airport is an easy jaunt on Interstate 376, or accessible via the Airport Flyer with one bus transfer.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: Evolving from its industrial past, Lawrenceville, which is technically composed of Lower Lawrenceville, Central Lawrenceville, and Upper Lawrenceville, is a bustling hub of restaurants and retail shops, interspersed with historical row homes and multi-unit buildings. Besides UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, restaurants, coffee shops and local businesses such as Arsenal Bowl and Row House Cinema dot the community. Formerly a working-class neighborhood, Lawrenceville today has a booming housing market reflected by soaring prices. Many residents still report a strong neighborly feel to the community and enjoy regular block parties and local festivals.