Pennsylvania National Bank Building
| Industry | Banking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1893 |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , United States |
The Pennsylvania National Bank Building stands as a notable historic commercial edifice within Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville district, prominently situated at Doughboy Square—the principal junction where Butler Street meets Penn Avenue. This location is widely considered the main entrance to Lawrenceville.
History
Erected between 1902 and 1903, this structure originally functioned as the central office for Pennsylvania National Bank, which had been operating from a previous building on this exact site since 1893. In 2019, it was officially recognized as a contributing element of the Lawrenceville Historic District, followed by its designation as a historic landmark by the City of Pittsburgh in 2020.
The architectural design was crafted by the Beezer Brothers, who also designed the nearby St. John the Baptist Church. The building is an example of Beaux-Arts style, characterized by buff brickwork coupled with terra cotta detailing. Its unique trapezoidal shape aligns with the irregular plot formed by the surrounding streets.
The front elevation features a solitary entrance bay crowned with an arched parapet embellished with a keystone motif. Along the side walls are five bays incorporating both arched and pedimented windows; notably, the Butler Street facade reveals a basement level due to the natural slope of the terrain. At the rear, there are two extensions, with the latest addition completed in 2019 by Desmone Architects, the current occupant, illustrating ongoing adaptive reuse and sustained investment in this commercial property.