“This particular unit was the architect’s residence,” Mr. Tchetchko said.
Constructed in 1928 and designed by architect H. G. Hodgkins, Hampton Hall is an imposing building whose exterior features Tudor-style timbering, cut stone, brick and granite. The front walk is framed by an English-style garden.
Entering the lobby is like going back in time. It has the feeling of an ornate hotel lobby with a large antique tapestry on the wall, potted plants and antique tile made by Nemadji Tile & Pottery Co. of Moose Lake, Minn. The 1928 elevators havetheir original brass gates.
“They’re old and certainly aren’t without the occasional mishap of getting stuck,” Mr. Tchetchko said, laughing.
His 963-square-foot unit has that same attention to detail, with hardwood parquet floors, crown molding and a decorative fireplace with marble surround. Beneath a large window is one of five radiators. Three years ago, the massive boiler that heats the entire building was replaced.
“It definitely pumps out the heat,” said Mr. Tchetchko.
The kitchen is an L-shaped time capsule, with older cabinets and a mix of vintage and newer appliances. The gas cooktop and built-in double oven are stainless-steel Caloric appliances, a brand that was extremely popular in the 1960s. They match a newer Whirlpool dishwasher and double-door refrigerator purchased six years ago.
Mr. Tchetchko covered the original concrete floor with vinyl tiles that mimic the parquet flooring. The kitchen is
connected to the dining area by louvered doors. A previous owner removed an arch between the two.
“So this is another one of the arch decisions in this particular unit,” Mr. Tchetchko said. “In this
case, they added the accordion doors and removed the wall.”
He said there is room for “a pretty big table” and up to eight people.
It is not easy to make changes to the historic building. Mr. Tchetchko said the key is to come with a plan, present your proposal and be prepared to answer lots of questions.
There is one thing he said the new oner shouldn’t replace: the bathtub.
“Those tubs are practically a part of the foundation of the whole building,” he said. “All the original bathrooms have a pretty giant tub/shower and a toilet that is a tankless toilet.”
The sink that replaced the original in the bathroom is 4 or 5 inches taller. Apparently, people are significantly taller than when Hampton Hall was built nearly a century ago.
Another original design detail is that each floor had a different color scheme in the bathrooms. The bathroom in 2-E is what some may call
Pittsburgh pink that leans toward coral. On the floor is original black and white basketweave tile.
The bedroom is shaped “like a giant bay window,” said Mr. Tchetchko. The parquet floor has smaller squares than in the rest of the unit and there is is a large double closet with louvered doors.
One of Hampton Hall’s most unique amenities is a grassy space and patio on the rooftop.
“Big and we’re pretty proud of it — a little bit of earth up high in the sky,” Mr. Tchetchko said.
Other amenities include laundry facilities in the basement and a library with books donated over nearly a century.
The condominium fee is based on each unit’s square footage and covers building and common area maintenance, water and gas. It includes a reserve fee in case of emergency or to make improvements the condo association decides are important or essential. It does not include internet and cable.
This unit comes with a deeded parking spot; some residents park in the Sterling Garage across the street.
Each unit has a basement storage locker; 2-E has a 10-by-5-foot space. Owners can install ventless washers and dryers in their units as long as there is no danger of flooding. Pets are not allowed at this time.
There is no central air-conditioning but window units are allowed as long as they don’t drip onto the stone exterior.
The unit’s property assessment is $98,000. Since 2016, 18 condos have sold at Hampton Hall for prices ranging from $111,000 in 2019 to $285,000 in 2020 (www2.alleghenycounty.us/RealEstate/GeneralInfo.aspx?).
Mr. Tchetchko said he’s relieved he’s staying in Hampton Hall.
“We’d miss the place and we don’t want to leave. It’s beautiful.”
Lizabeth Gray: lgray@post-gazette.com.
