YPA Counts Down the Top Ten: #2 Brizzi Building, Blairsville, Indiana County

For the next several days, until May 21, YPA will count down its 2010 list of the Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities on its blog. On Friday, May 21, YPA will host a Historic Preservation Month Celebration, "Old is the New Green," at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Registration details are on YPA's website, http://www.youngpreservationists.org.

Since 2003, YPA has celebrated historic preservation with its annual list of the Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area. The list, compiled from nominations received from various individuals and organizations, is designed to encourage investment in historic sites throughout the nine-county southwestern Pennsylvania region. The list has been used by property owners to draw positive attention to their properties, raise investment funds, secure grants, and generate political goodwill for their historic sites.

The sites featured on YPA's list come from six different counties and include industrial structures, Main Street commercial buildings, schools, a train station, and a bridge. Main Street features prominently in the list, with four of the Top Ten sites being situated in an existing Main Street commercial district. The remaining six sites are within blocks of an existing Main Street community.

The criteria used to select the Top Ten List include the following:

1. 50-year Threshold (is it 50 years old or older);

2. Historic & Architectural Significance;

3. Threats to the Site;

4. Community Input; and

5. Feasibility of the Solution.

#2 Brizzi Building, Blairsville, Indiana County

This property, known as the Brizzi Building to area residents, is located in the heart of Blairsville’s Main Street District, in the section of Market (Main) Street that was improved by Home Town Streets Funds from Governor Rendell. The original brick dwelling on this property was built prior to 1847. In 1900, the impressive three-story Queen Anne section facing Market Street was added; this original façade remains intact.

Throughout the coming years, the building subsequently fell into disrepair. The building also sits in a precarious situation adjacent to an empty, crumbling structure where an out-of-town owner has not been accountable for repairs or restoration. However, new owners Jeffrey and Rebecca Marshall purchased the Brizzi Building and have made significant improvements to the property.

The owners intend to open an art gallery/studio on the second and third floors, something the Blairsville community is sorely lacking. On the first floor, the owners intend to open and operate a bakery, called “Market Street Pastries,” and plan to specialize in artisan baked goods, coffee, and gelato. The space is large enough for a great deal of seating, thus recreating a social gathering spot where folks can enjoy delicious treats – with an updated twist!

The owners will preserve the historic integrity of the architecture as it exists and encourage owners of surrounding buildings to follow through with repairs so as not to adversely affect the safety of the Brizzi Building. This venture shows promise to reignite the economic base in the community by providing jobs, ingredients will be purchased from local grocery stores, and fresh berries and fruits from local growers.