Benedum–Trees Building

The Benedum-Trees Building is a commercial high-rise made of brick and terracotta that rises 19 stories on Fourth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. Inside, it holds office spaces and serves as headquarters for a major foundation.

A female entrepreneur commissioned this structure in 1905, making it the first skyscraper in Pittsburgh ordered and funded by a woman. Later, two prominent oil industrialists acquired it and shaped the city's business landscape for decades.

The building reflects the influence of two oil industrialists whose names it bears, shaping how the financial district developed and grew during the early 1900s. Walking past it today, you see how private wealth shaped downtown Pittsburgh's character.

The building sits on a main downtown street and is easy to reach on foot from other financial district landmarks. Its original architectural details remain visible from the street, giving you a clear view of early 1900s design.

The building received recognition in 1973 from a local preservation organization for its architectural and historical importance in the city. This acknowledgment reflects its standing as a key example of Pittsburgh's industrial-era development.

Location: Pittsburgh

Inception: 1905

Architects: Thomas H. Scott

Floors above the ground: 19

Made from material: brick, terracotta

GPS coordinates: 40.43980,-80.00220

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:41