Westinghouse Air Brake Company General Office Building

Location:

325 Commerce St, Wilmerding, PA 15148

Description:

The Westinghouse Air Brake Company General Office Building, affectionately known as the Castle or Library Hall, stands as a historic landmark in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1890. Recognized by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in 1975 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, this architectural gem originally served as the office headquarters for the Westinghouse Air Brake Company.

Crafted by architect Frederick J. Osterling, the building boasts distinctive features, including a striking four-sided clock tower, operated by an intricate system of chains and pulleys. Over the years, it underwent renovations and expansions, notably by Janssen & Cocken in 1927, who added the "Executive Wing," housing executive offices, conference rooms, and dining facilities.

With an architectural style blending elements of Renaissance Revival and Romanesque, the building faced adversity when a fire ravaged it on April 8, 1896. Remarkably, the foundation endured the blaze, prompting a rebuilding effort that included the addition of the iconic clock tower. During reconstruction, the ground floor was dedicated to employee amenities, featuring a library, gymnasium, restaurant, swimming pool, and bowling alleys, enriching the building's interior space to 55,000 square feet.

Beyond its role as an office hub, the building housed essential utilities, including a boiler house and light station, which supplied steam and power not only to the plant but also to local businesses like the Wilmerding YMCA, underscoring its significance within the community. Despite challenges, including the recent impact of the global pandemic on redevelopment plans, the building's legacy endures, poised to embark on a new chapter as an art academy and classroom facility for the Westinghouse Arts Academy.