Sewickley Valley Historical Society Letter Regarding 'Pink House'

The letter below was sent from Sewickley Valley Historical Society to The Presbyterian Church of Sewickley in advance of distribution at a community meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, in the Community Room of the Sewickley Public Library.

The Sewickley Valley Historical Society encourages the
preservation of the “Pink House,” 202 Beaver Street, Sewickley.  The mission of the Sewickley Valley
Historical Society is to promote interest in and to record, collect, preserve and document the history of the Sewickley Valley.

Sewickley's "Pink House" is important both architecturally and historically. This mansion is one of a very few remaining intact "in-town" estate properties.  Most of the other extant houses of this era are located on "Millionaires Row" in Shadyside.

The second owner of the property was Samuel G. Cooper, President of The Republic Iron and Steel Company. 
He greatly expanded the residence in 1913-14 to the designs of Pittsburgh's foremost architects, Alden and Harlow, whose work is of national significance. The house was nearly doubled in size, and the carriage house was relocated to an adjacent lot.  Stone terraces and a garden
appear to have been added at this time as well.  The Alden and Harlow expansion is contemporaneous with the firm’s work at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the Parish House of The Presbyterian Church by Frederick Russell,
who had been senior draftsman for Alden and Harlow before forming his own practice.

The resulting structure is a Beaux Arts masterpiece with classical detailing.  Very tall hip and mansard roofs allow for a full third story and give the building a massive presence. The eclectic style employs a large cornice with oversize dentil modillions that anchor the roof to the body of the house.  Full sash leaded windows of multiple design comprise the fenestration.  The house is quite imposing from all elevations.

For the last fifty years, 202 Beaver Street has been identified with the Coyle family.  The late Carolyn Coyle was an accomplished and well-known multimedia artist.

This property is one of the few remaining examples of Gilded Age domestic architecture and, with The Presbyterian Church and surrounding green space, contributes to the historic streetscape of this important block of Sewickley’s main street.

Volunteers have come forward to assist in raising the necessary funds to preserve the house and have suggested options other than demolition. 

Sewickley Valley Historical Society welcomes a dialog within the community that will ultimately preserve this historic property.