The Howe-Childs Gateway House, once known as Willow Cottage, is one of Pittsburgh’s earliest frame cottage-style Gothic Revival houses. Built just before the Civil War, it was once part of a larger estate.
In 1989, the owners applied for a demolition permit, arguing that there was no viable economic use for the property. The Historic Review Commission denied that request, a decision the owners appealed through the legal system until it reached the State Supreme Court.
In 1996, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the City’s denial of the demolition permit. Meanwhile, this significant house was vacant and deteriorating, causing it to be listed on Preservation Pennsylvania’s At-Risk list in 1996.
Chatham College, whose campus adjoins the house property, acquired the house for use as a college visitor’s center. Landmarks Design Associates was retained to direct the restoration and reuse.
The house was structurally stabilized, exterior drainage improvements were made, and interior space planning was completed. When it was expanded from one story to two, the exterior was restored to its c. 1870 appearance.
Paint research was done to determine historic colors, restore the extensive ornamental woodwork, and revive significant features. Appropriate landscaping revived significant features, and the house is once again beautiful and functional. The Howe-Childs Gateway House is only one of the many Pittsburgh houses restored by Chatham College, which chose to demonstrate its commitment to the community through historic preservation.
