Buhl Building

By Doug Kerr CC BY-SA 2.0

Location:

200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Description:

The Buhl Building is a six-story Italianate commercial landmark located at 204 Fifth Avenue, at the corner of Fifth and Market in downtown Pittsburgh. Completed in 1913 and designed by the noted firm Janssen & Abbott, the structure stands out for its vivid facade adorned with blue-and-cream glazed terra-cotta tiles that evoke the detail and elegance of Wedgwood Jasperware. This richly decorated exterior features urns, swags, cartouches, and plate motifs, making it an artistic delight in Pittsburgh’s architectural landscape.

Originally known as the Bash Building—after its initial tenant M.H. Bash Sons—the property was acquired by Henry Buhl Jr. while still under construction. The two names were used interchangeably until around 1922 when it settled into the name that endures today.

Over the years, the first-floor retail space and upper-level offices have hosted an array of small businesses, from shoe stores and florists to opticians and candy shops. In the late 2000s, a new ownership group launched a restoration effort that included removing later-era alterations on the ground floor and restoring original arched windows. A side addition was added, and a preservation easement was granted to ensure its distinctive facade is protected going forward.

Today, the Buhl Building is recognized for both its architectural and historical importance: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation landmark in 1981. Its compact yet richly detailed facade continues to capture attention in Pittsburgh’s Market Square district.