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Go Inside: Schoolhouse Pittsburgh in The Detective Building

By Zach Middleton Published On
Reception desk with slatted wood front, wall shelves of plants and botanical prints, three clocks, and globe lights

Although Schoolhouse is proudly headquartered in Portland, Oregon, our company exists in an industrial tradition and design philosophy that isn’t just bound to the Pacific Northwest. The maker spirit which still informs all of our product lines has historically enjoyed a robust presence throughout the middle of the country and specifically in the Rust Belt. Think of the gorgeous lines of a Packard touring car from Detroit, or the revolutionary architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park, Illinois houses. So when the opportunity arose to open a store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the move felt almost predestined.

When it opened in the fall of 2018, Schoolhouse Pittsburgh became the first new Schoolhouse store in nearly a decade. There’s a reason why that is the case: opening a new store is a big undertaking that we take seriously, and accomplishing something truly great takes time.

Schoolhouse storefront in Pittsburgh’s Detective Building with vertical bronze window panels, glass entry, warm pendant lights, trees and planters

Schoolhouse Pittsburgh interior with long wooden communal table, mixed chairs, chrome lamps and pendant lights

In this case, that meant spending three years designing a product line, opens in a new tab that referenced the city’s culture, seeking out and partnering with locals, and most importantly, renovating The Detective Building.


Moving to a new city required having local partners that could make the right introductions and share the local culture. Fortunately, we were able to partner with some very special people. Day to day operations of Schoolhouse Pittsburgh are managed by Chrissy Norman, a Pittsburgh native and designer with an eye for the art of interior styling. Sharing the ground floor of the building is The Bureau, opens in a new tab, a coffee shop from local restaurateurs Joey Hilty and Emily Slagel. The floors above are occupied by The Beauty Shoppe, a company that operates coworking spaces all around Pittsburgh and the Rust Belt. Local cabinet makers Bones and All , opens in a new tabprovided some of the custom furniture used in Schoolhouse Pittsburgh, while Pittsburgh-based Moss Architects supervised the renovation.

Sunlit Schoolhouse showroom displaying pendant lights and wall-mounted fixtures above a table and bench near large glass doors

For Schoolhouse Founder and CEO Brian Faherty, the Detective Building renovation provided the impetus for setting up shop in Pittsburgh.

“The store in Pittsburgh probably wouldn’t exist today if I hadn’t stumbled across the Detective Building,” says Brian. “As much as I have always liked Pittsburgh, what really hooked me to the city was the undeniable urge to bring the Detective Building back to life.”


The Detective Building is so called because it once served as the home of the Pittsburgh Police Department Detective Bureau. The building is located in East Liberty, a neighborhood known for its vibrant cultural heritage. This is the same part of town where international companies like The Ace Hotel, opens in a new tab and Google chose to plant their roots. Built in a short-lived but vibrant architectural style known as New Formalism, The Detective Building has a striking cuboid silhouette constructed from cast concrete arches, hardwood siding, and glass. Closely related to the contemporaneous movement known as Brutalism, New Formalism was commonly used in the construction of civic buildings, banks, and offices. The latter usage is what stirred Brian’s memory.


Open elevator with orange and navy panels and round ceiling lights, set in patterned dark tile and light wood frame

Waiting area with three black molded bench chairs, a gray upholstered lounge chair, and a round tulip table against wood walls

Countertop with a wooden tray of napkins and syrups, a small latte on a saucer, and a potted green plant beneath two carved wooden wall panels

“In the 1970s, my dad worked in this modern, cool office in downtown Portland,” says Brian. “I guess in a certain way, seeing the Detective Building reminded me of that, and I knew I had to give this building a second life.”

As much as possible, the space was influenced by the city of Pittsburgh, opens in a new tab, and only a few of the influences in the store’s design come from elsewhere. Highlighting the local culture was such an important part of the project that the Schoolhouse product design team even developed a collection of products that celebrate Pittsburgh artists, makers, and cultural figures. The Andy Collection, opens in a new tab, named after Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol, features tables and stools designed around a cast aluminum tulip base. The Rogers Ottoman, opens in a new tab is upholstered in rich, woven fabrics reminiscent of the sweaters worn by its namesake, Fred Rogers. Celebrating the local colors, the Stiller Plaid Pillow, opens in a new tab is based on a warm yellow and black plaid.

Seating area in Schoolhouse Pittsburgh with a blue leather banquette, brown banquette, two round blue and green stools, low coffee table, wood-paneled wall and large windows

Overhead view of three pedestal stools with leather seats in blue, green and tan on a ribbed rug

ceiling with many light bulbs


When products or decor were brought in from outside, usually it was done so intentionally with the purpose of bridging the gap between the Pacific Northwest and the Rust Belt. For example, a large installation of hand-carved Leroy Setziol wood panels exude the richness and warmth of Oregon timber to compliment the Steel City’s industrial cool.

Carved wooden panel dividers in a Schoolhouse showroom with blue stool, potted plants and polished concrete floor

Carved wooden block wall in Schoolhouse Pittsburgh, with geometric symbols formed from nail heads

Opening the Detective Building Store took several years to complete. From the long days and late nights of planning, to the numerous cross-country flights, to the tireless search to find local partners and makers to source from, the process was demanding for many of us who were involved. But we think the store was worth the wait and we think you will, too.

Angled view of tweed lounge chair and ottoman with tufted back beside black floor lamp against gray wood wall

Store shelving with pillows, lamps, boxed goods, and a Make It Now sign under wall clocks at Schoolhouse Pittsburgh

Bed dressed with mustard quilt and blue pillows in a sunlit showroom corner with hanging globe lights, large potted plant, and bedside lamps

Store entryway with vintage card catalog, framed prints and a ‘National Parks’ map, and hooks holding an umbrella and red Schoolhouse tote

Sunlit dining table set with plates, textured glassware, black flatware, a bowl of lemons and a large floral centerpiece in a modern showroom

Communal wood table with chrome dome lamps in Schoolhouse Pittsburgh, mirrors on a partition wall and storefront windows

Styled bathroom vignette with black floating vanity and sink, glass display cabinet, round mirrors, framed artwork, and potted plant against gray wood-paneled wall

Communal wood table with metal bar stools at The Bureau café counter, warm wood interior, three black pendant lights, chalkboard menu reading The Bureau

Front view of framed chalkboard with Fred Rogers quote “the only one who can be you” and Schoolhouse Pittsburgh text on a white wall

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