Wilkinsburg's First Skyscraper

Real estate developer Leopold Vilsack erected Wilkinsburg's first "skyscraper" on Wood St at Ross Ave in 1908. He named the seven-story Carl building after his youngest son. The post office was on the ground floor, which has housed many commercial establishments over the past century. The upper floors were offices for doctors and other professionals. Vilsack was also the founder and first president of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company.

The building later became known as the Shield's building and held various offices and shops.

In 1975, it became the first building in the United States opened for occupancy under the Section 8 Program of the National Housing Act of 1974 when it was converted into apartments for the elderly. Freeman Cut and Styles now occupies the ground floor of the building.

More about Vilsack here.

Source: Wilkinsburg Historical Society. (2007). Images of America: Wilkinsburg. Arcadia Publishing.

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