Family Life is Key at This Classic Foursquare in Bellevue

PHOTO BY KEN LAGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Back in the 1970s, Richard and Joanne Stuempges relocated to Pittsburgh in search of educational opportunities. Richard was working on education degrees at Duquesne University while Joanne was in the biology and chemistry fields at the University of Pittsburgh. 

While the couple was new to the city, they both felt a tug to stay — forever. 

“I always tell people if you move away from your family for one reason or another, Pittsburgh’s the greatest place to be because people are really friendly,” says Joanne. 

During their search for a house, the couple came across 693 Orchard Ave. They would spend the next 51 years at the Bellevue home and raise four children there. 

“The first day we moved in, an older couple across the street brought us food and said hello,” Joanne says.  

Though Bellevue has changed plenty over the last five decades, the Stuempges say it hasn’t lost that neighborly feel. It’s why they stayed so long in the community — and why they are only moving a short distance away to a home with less stairs. 

The family was also heavily involved in the community. After a stint in Pittsburgh Public Schools, Richard served as a longtime principal for Bellevue and Avalon elementaries. The couple’s children were involved in school activities and sports that forged strong local connections. 

While their children eventually moved away to other cities, and even countries, the Stuempges say they all once again live in the Pittsburgh region.

“That’s another thing you hear,” says Joanne with a laugh. “The Pittsburgh people come back.” 

The couple’s son, Christopher Stuempges of Coldwell Banker, has since listed his childhood home for $290,000; he also found his parents a new home in the North Hills that better meets their changing needs. 

Though he’s nostalgic about selling the place that holds so many of his memories, Christopher says he’s also excited for the home’s next chapter. 

“I may be biased because I grew up there, but I’d say my favorite feature of this home is the warmth it gives off as soon as you walk in the front door,” he says.  

He adds the home’s walkable location to Bellevue’s bustling business district, proximity to Downtown and complementary mix of modern updates and historical charm are reasons he expects someone to fall in love with it. 

As for the condition of the century-old home? Christopher says it’s in great shape. 

“They would have been too embarrassed to sell it with issues,” he says of his parents and their pride in their home. 

Built in 1904, the classic Foursquare home measures just under 2,000 square feet and contains four bedrooms, one full bathroom and two powder rooms. The basement is finished, a rarity in a home of this age. There’s even a grill in the basement perfect for indoor s’mores and hot dogs — something the family enjoyed. 

The Stuempges say they’ve made necessary updates to the home over the years, such as exposing the brick fireplaces and adding a gas insert, as well as updating the kitchen and bathrooms. 

They left as much intact as they could, including the plaster walls and historical details that drew them to the home in the first place.  

“It’s got personality,” says Richard. “And, we’re familiar with it.” 

While so many corners of the home come with memories, the back deck and surrounding greenery have always felt special to the family. The yard once contained grass for their kids to play, but is now a sea of colorful perennials and mature trees. 

“My favorite thing to do is go get up in the morning, have my coffee and take it out on my deck,” says Joanne. “Considering we live near the city and all I have to look at is trees, that is pretty amazing.”