The Old Stone Tavern
Creative LEAD
In 2018 I was the creative lead for an initiative to restore and reopen a forgotten historical tavern as a valuable restaurant, distillery, and entertainment venue to reenergise a historical borough of Pittsburgh PA.
Update: I have been leading the creative push to bring this to reality for the new owners as of 2022. More updates to come thanks!
My analog rendering of the tavern as it may have looked in the late 18th century
Old Stone Tavern on 1882 map of Pittsburgh
The Old Stone Tavern (also called Elliott's, Coates Tavern, and the Old Stone Inn) is a historic building located at 434 Greentree Road in the West End neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A datestone of 1752 is on the building. However, local architectural historians have argued it was built circa 1782, shortly after the American Revolution, by Daniel Elliott, who served in the war. The Tavern was continuously operated as a restaurant or bar (except during prohibition when it was operated as a "confectionary store") until 2009.
An account ledger from the Tavern exists at the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh dated from 1793 to 1797.The Tavern is located at a bend in what was the historic Washington and Pittsburgh Turnpike, a toll road connecting Pittsburgh to Washington County and the National Road (Route 40).It is believed to have served as a tollhouse and frontier trading post and likely played a role in the Whiskey Rebellion, the late 18th century uprising against a federal excise tax on liquor, that ended with the implementation of martial law. "John Woods was in the tavern and used the owners' ferry the night before the raid on John Neville's estate" (July 16, 1794). Moreover, the ledger contains over 70 names connected with the Whiskey Rebellion.
The Old Stone Tavern was added to the List of City of Pittsburgh historic designations on October 6, 2009. Pittsburgh's Old Stone Tavern Friends Trust incorporated in December 2013 with the mission statement "To secure Pittsburgh's Old Stone Tavern and its property, provide for its long term preservation, and educate the public regarding its significance in United States History".
To read the full 60 page revitalization package please click the button below. You will need the password to access this confidential information.
Entrance Vista View on Woodville Ave
Overall area concept
Rendering of the basement tavern
Existing Interior as of 2018
