Commonwealth Building

Commonwealth Building is a commercial high-rise with 21 floors in Pittsburgh's downtown, featuring a stone facade with Gothic and classical design details. Office spaces occupy multiple levels throughout the structure located at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Wood Street.

Architect Frederick J. Osterling designed and completed this building in 1906 during Pittsburgh's period of rapid industrialization and economic expansion. It rose at a time when the city was quickly building new business spaces as its industries grew.

The building shows how Pittsburgh designed structures during its industrial growth and mixes stone details with large windows that brought natural light to the work spaces inside.

The building stands at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh and is easy to locate and approach. The facade is visible from the street, and the area is well served with shops and other services nearby.

The stone facade features carefully carved Gothic details that guide the eye from top to bottom, giving the building an elegant structure despite its height. Such intricate ornaments are rarely seen today and show the craftsmanship of the early 20th century.