OLD ECONOMY NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT
An Opportunity for Investment

Welcome to the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District on behalf of the Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation.  We are a non-profit organization comprised of neighborhood residents and property owners, community leaders, community business people, and professional advisors who continually seek to make the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District a great place to live and work.

The Old Economy National Historic Landmark District is located along the Ohio River in the Borough of Ambridge, approximately 18 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1965, the 32- acre historic district contains the remaining buildings of the Harmony Society, a German communitarian sect that settled here in 1825. Within the historic district is a six-acre museum complex known as Old Economy Village, with seventeen restored historic structures and gardens visited by over 25,000 tourists each year. In 1986, the National Park Service designated the historic district as a National Historic Landmark. 

For prospective homeowner, existing business owner, entrepreneur or investor, the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District is full of exciting opportunities. Anchored by Old Economy Village, the quaintness of the district makes it the perfect affordable location for cottage-type businesses such as antique shops, bookstores, cafés, bistros, pottery, bakeries or children specialty stores. It is ideal for businesses with a broad customer base, an internet sales presence, or a unique line of products that draws shoppers from beyond the area.  

A preservation ordinance adopted by the Borough of Ambridge Council in 1971 enables the Economy Historic District to maintain its distinctive architectural character and charm.  A Historical Architectural Review Board reviews exterior alterations and additions using published Design Guidelines before the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness or Building Permits.

The properties listed below are currently for sale and are located throughout the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District. Some of these properties are perfectly suited for entrepreneurs to serve both as a business location and as a home for the owners. Many are conveniently located to other homes for sale in which potential owners could live while renovating the other as a business location.

Sincerely,
Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corporation   Roberta Sciulli 724-869-4177

Bruins83@comcast.net

Real Estate Property:

Geographic Description: 1599 Church Street Built In: 1830 Currently Zoned As: Residential Reason for Importance: Located directly across from the National Historic Landmark, Old Economy Village Visitors Center, walking distance to Antique Mall under construction, nice courtyard potential. Close to the Old Economy Inn, a newly opened B&B. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Potential Uses: Grocery store outlet for local products, cafe, antique shop, bookstore Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 291 13th Street Built In: 1830 Currently Zoned As: Residential Reason for Importance: Large stately home. Large enough to live in part as private residence and business potential on entry level or as single residence. Located next to newly renovated Kappy optical store and near a senior citizens residence, Elderberry Court. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Potential Uses: Law offices, art studio, private residence Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 289 13th Street Built In: Currently Zoned As: Commercial, Industrial, Business Reason for Importance: Relocated historic log home. Great bricked courtyard. Off street parking. Potential Uses: Museum, historical craft store Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 310 14th Street Built In:1830 Currently Zoned As: Residential Reason for Importance: National Historic Landmark building. Located between family-owned lumber company, Ohio Valley Lumber and Mac's Donut Shop. Across the street from the former Silk House Cafe, another historic property. Economy Family Bowling Lanes nearby. Located across from a senior citizens residence, Elderberry Court. Coming soon across the street, attorney office and BBQ sandwich shop. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Potential Uses: Restaurant, baking supplies and cooking school, needlepoint store, yarn and fiber store Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 1519 Church Street Built In: Currently Zoned As: Residential Reason for Importance: Located on footpath from the National Landmark Old Economy Village visitors center to main historic site. Located next to newly established B&B, The Old Economy Inn, Aqulina's Antiques and Everyday Esthetics Salon. Potential Uses: Gift shop, private office, vintage clothing store, tea parlor Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 1607 Merchant Street Built In: Currently Zoned As:Residential Reason for Importance: Large lot ideal for outdoor seating for destination type restaurant. Large building. Next to Antique Mall under construction, across from Old Economy Village Visitors Center and recently purchased historic home which is under renovation. Other homes for sale nearby to live close to your business. Potential Uses: Crafters mall, historic craft production, pottery studio, bead studio, bistro Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 1617 Merchants Street Built In: Currently Zoned As: Residential Potential Uses: Professional service office, candle store, book store Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

Geographic Description: 87 15th Street Built In: Currently Zoned As: Residential Potential Uses: Souvenir shop, antique toys, custom frame studio Contacts: MaryRothbauer@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-551-1057 LisaBurrows@prudentialpreferredrealty.com 412-741-6312 x 226

OLD ECONOMY NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT
Property Owner Advantages

People purchase residential properties and open businesses in historical districts for many reasons. Some like the idea of owning a piece of history and believe that quality of construction in older structures is superior.  Large rooms, high ceilings, rich materials and intricate details are often an attraction. Other people simply like urban neighborhoods in which historic properties are found.  
Established landscapes and mature plants and trees surrounding historic properties often add significant value.  Properties in need of repair can often be purchased at reduced price, enabling the purchaser to increase value through restoration and rehabilitation. Whatever the reason, investing in historic properties and in historic districts help preserve the history of the community for future generations to enjoy and learn.  Historic districts have a unique sense of place desired by many people.  
Business and personal residence property owners in the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District are eligible to receive benefits not available to others.

The possibilities which exist when renovating a historic building or buildings within the Historic District are best demonstrated with real examples of before and after building renovations in the Old Economy National Historic Landmark District. 
As Ambridge experienced resident growth in the early 1930’s continuing through the 1960’s, buildings both inside and outside of the Historic District were converted to housing units to accommodate the inflow of people who worked in the areas many industrial factories.  These buildings are ideal to convert back to single family residences, quaint business or professional offices.


In 2005 this historic building, which was once housed the silk production for the Harmonists, was converted from an apartment complex and bar to The Silk House Café, a coffee shop and internet café. A portion of the renovation was made possible by the facade program. This property is currently available for purchase.

Once a home to a Harmonist member, this building serves as the primary residence for the current owner and home of Akulina’s Antiques.  It was a duplex when purchased.

This newly renovated building is the new home of Kappy Optical.

OLD ECONOMY NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT RESOURCE GUIDE
For information on the local scene www.merchantstreet.org , www.ambridgeboro.org , or www.ambridgechamberofcommerce.com
StartingGate is in the business of helping businesses. Small business technical assistance programs, in combination with incubator, are specifically tailored to regional entrepreneurs and small start-ups to improve their success in growth and job creation.
www.starting-gate.com
Façade Grant information Bob Nelson at Rtnelson@comcast.net
www.Beavercountymainstreets.com click on Ambridge.
Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development The Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development (CED) is a non-profit, industrial development corporation certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. CED provides incentive financing to valued-added firms, supports investment in real estate.
www.beavercountyced.org
RENOVATION RESOURCES
Ambridge Lumber

Do It Best 500 Ohio River Boulevard, Ambridge, PA 15003
www.ambridgedoitbest.com

Ohio Valley Lumber
328 14th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
www.ovlumber.com
 (724) 266-4700
John Brooks Independent  Restoration/electrical/plumbing/painting
(724) 777-1617

Mike Fitzpatrick Contracting L.L.C. General Contractor with workers Inside/Outside restoration  Knows the process for County Façade Money 
(724) 777-3895
Michael Eversmeyer  architect  Focused on historic preservation, renovation and adaptive reuse, and historic documentation 1124 Euclid Ave Pittsburgh , PA  15206 412-443-4727
http://www.michaeleversmeyer.com
Mikush Service Specialist in antique and vintage light repair and restoration 811 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA  15003
(724) 266-3140
Pietroboni Mechanical
1411 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
http://www.contractors.com/h/contra...
(724) 266-2100

A diverse variety of contemporary, traditional, and ethnic places of worship are convenient to those living in Ambridge.
Roman Catholic Churches
Good Samaritan Roman Catholic Church 724-266-6565 www.goodsam1.org
Orthodox Churches
Holy Ghost Orthodox Church 724-266-5009 www.holyghost-oca.org
St. John Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church 724-266-2879
St Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church 724-266-2030
St Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church 724-266-2640 www.StMaryPittsburgh.org
St Vladimir Ukranian Church 724-266-8330
Sts Peter and Paul Ukranian Catholic Church 724-266-2262 www.SSPeter-Paul.org
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 724-266-5336 www.HTGOC.org

Jewish
Beth-Samuel Jewish Center 724-266-5238 www.BethSamuel.org
Bridgeway Church 724-266-3052 www.bridgewaypa.org
Church of the Savior 724-266-4412 www.cotsambridge.org
Lutheran

Our Saviors Lutheran Church 724-266-1169 www.lutheransonline.com/christoursaviors St Johns Lutheran Church Old Economy Village 724-266-5618 www.stjohnsambridge.org Zion's Lutheran Church 724-266-8378
Methodist
First United Methodist Church 724-266-5030 www.ambridgefirstumc.org
Economy United Methodist Church 724-266-5030 www.ambridgefirstumc.org
Fellowship United Methodist Church 724-266-8636 www.fellowshipumc.org

Presbyterian
First United Presbyterian Church 724-266-1900