The Gatehouse

Architect:
Landmarks Design Associates

Owner:
Chatham College

Sota Construction Services was chosen early in the design process for the re-use of this 6,000 square foot historic structure that had been open to the weather for many years and had suffered extreme damage.

The Gatehouse or the Howe-Childs Mansion is steeped in history and is one of the oldest structures in the City of Pittsburgh.

The structure is re-used as a welcome and guest center for this private higher learning institution. The restoration was true to the original, though the work included installing state-of-the-art energy conserving measures and life/safety and mechanical/ electrical systems.

Extensive structural work was required along with a particularly high level of interior finish work. The exterior restoration included
re-creation of damaged and missing woodwork and the careful and complete removal of all existing paint at wood siding and trim, and re-painting.

Recycled rubber “slate” was used with copper flat lock roofing, gutters and downspouts. Custom windows were fabricated to match the originals, while incorporating insulated Low-E glazings to conserve energy.

Custom millwork was fabricated both off site and in the tradition of the Victorian era, much of the millwork was fabricated on-site using modern equipment to produce siding profiles and miscellaneous custom wood trim parts. Stair spindles were turned on-site to match the existing pieces.