Schoolhouse Electric Goes Yinzer

The Northwest Industrial District's favorite boutique lighting business is expanding to Pittsburgh, Pa.

Portland craft lighting and lifestyle company Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Co. is once again expanding its business eastward: all the way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh is currently enjoying Portland's former status as America's "next cool city," and now frequents "best of" lists from across the land.

Today, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the city's economic development agency, approved a deal to sell the Detective building, located in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood, to Schoolhouse owner and founder Brian Faherty for $250,000.

Schoolhouse Electric plans to restore the building for the purpose of eventually housing some of its business operations as well as a retail store, café and partner business. The project is expected to contribute to the once-depressed neighborhood's revitalization.

"We believe in craft, community and making things that improve lives and spaces," said Faherty. "Pittsburgh—and East Liberty in particular—is primed for a vibrant renaissance. This building inspired us because it can be used as a catalyst for change."

The Detective building will follow the same model Schoolhouse Electric applied to its 125,000-square-foot renovated brick factory building in Portland's Northwest Industrial District, which it renovated.

"Reimagining the familiar in relevant, modern ways is at the heart of everything we do," says Faherty. "We've been given an opportunity to alter the story of the Detective building for the better and we're going to make the most out of it. By highlighting the space's rich heritage, working with other local businesses and celebrating the East Liberty community, we can turn what is now an empty space in to a magnetic destination."

Schoolhouse Electric was founded in Portland way back in 2003 and has long been one of its neighborhood's biggest attractions. Faherty expanded Schoolhouse to Brooklyn in 2014.

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