PHOTOS BY ROSEANNE R. MARTIN

Walkable to Bloomfield, Shadyside and Friendship, Bloomfield Lofts drew buyers attracted to the great location at 622 Gross St. as it was being developed. This included Bret Doverspike, who opted for Unit 303, a two-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath unit on the building’s top floor. 

“The views are great out on the balcony,” he says. “You can see the Cathedral of Learning.” 

After adding lots of personality to the space, Doverspike’s life has taken him to the eastern side of the state. His unit is now on the market for $499,000 (Kaedi Knepshield, Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, MLS #1456891 412/855-0077, piattsothebysrealty.com) It is open by appointment in accordance with the state’s COVID-19 guidelines.

The turn-of-the-century building was once home to a commercial laundry. Shuttered in the late 1990s, it sat vacant until 2016, when I-Con Development transformed it into 18 units that feature 15-foot-high ceilings and large, industrial-style windows.  

Doverspike hired interior designer Lauren Levant — a frequent Pittsburgh Magazine Best of Design winner — to amp up the style. 

The entry includes black grasscloth wallcovering that envelops the space, creating an unexpectedly warm feeling. Because the corner unit is flooded with light, shadows play from all angles. 

Heading into the main living space, the kitchen was transformed by a custom iron bookshelf that rides high above the run of cabinets. A matching custom ladder hangs on a wall. New stone countertops seamlessly transition into the backsplash, creating more depth. 

On the opposite side of the room, warm gray walls and tall windows are framed with floor-to-ceiling black drapes that accentuate the room’s height and provide visual stability. Offset by contemporary furniture, the layout puts the condo’s best assets front and center. 

The master bedroom continues the unit’s decor theme with an accent wall behind the bed. This one is finished with thin pieces of slate. A dramatic commissioned piece by Ed Parrish hangs above the bed. “It’s made with aluminum from the Carrie Furnace,” Doverspike says. “Molten aluminum is poured over the snow and it cools into that abstract shape.” 

Modern sconce lighting flanks the bed. Drapes frame the windows here and in the second bedroom. A door opens to an outdoor covered balcony (with dual access to the living area). Its expansive feel takes in views from all points east. 

The connected master bath was remodeled by Luxe Pittsburgh. It features a large double vanity, updated lighting, a grand walk-in shower and a TOTO DXV bidet toilet — a highly sought-after item these days. 

The second bedroom features an accent wall with black metallic thread wallcovering. The space is currently used as an office and is serviced by a second full bathroom. There is a half bath in the loft as well. 

Knepshield is also representing Unit 306, a two-bedroom, two-bath condo listed for $490,000. The building has forced air gas heat, central air and a monthly HOA fee of $396. There also is assigned parking and an elevator.

“There is bike storage, a dog wash and a gym in the building,” Doverspike says. “Recently, storage units were installed for all owners and the Bloomfield Farmer’s Market is 50 feet away. It’s a nice place.”

Drawing on her years of experience covering the region’s real estate industry, Rosa Colucci’s Hot Property will offer an inside look into unique and historic homes currently on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh area home.  And four times a year, Hot Property will give an in-depth look at the region’s real estate market in Pittsburgh Magazine HOME, track housing prices and sales and detail where the hot properties can be found. Rosa can be reached at onecordovaroad@gmail.com.

About: Bloomfield  

Population: 8,442

Planes, Trains & Automobiles: 25-minute commute to the airport. Daily transport via Port Authority. East Busway is 1 mile away. City bike lanes on Liberty Avenue. Downtown is a 3-mile commute. Street parking.

Schools: City of Pittsburgh, features extensive magnet programming, including the award-winning CAPA in the heart of Downtown. (pittsburghschools.org)

Neighborhoods: Although settled in 1886 by German-Catholic immigrants, Bloomfield became widely known for its Italian community that settled there from the Abruzzi region beginning in 1900. Still known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, the business district is home to grocers, restaurants and colorful shops from many ethnicities. Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days draws thousands of visitors to celebrate all things Italian. The Bloomfield Bridge is one of the city’s best-kept secrets; It crosses a ravine 150-feet below and a stroll across the 1,500-foot span yields the sights of rooftops, railroad tracks and sports complexes.