Penn & Liberty Avenues (Commercial Buildings), Whitten Building, 641 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA

Written data includes sketches & photocopies of maps & photographs.
Significance: The Whitten Building's primary significance was tied to its use as a commission house in the last quarter of the 19th century. Although it was one of numerous produce houses that lined Liberty Avenue between the 600 and 1100 blocks, it stood out with its paired neighbor, number 639, as one of the earliest warehouses built specifically for the commercial trade. At the time of its construction (sometime between 1860 and 1873), converted dwellings more commonly housed the produce markets. The Whitten Building not only was important for its Victorian roots, but also for its 20th century physical and functional changes that reflected the organic evolution of Pittsburgh's downtown.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-202
Survey number: HABS PA-5152-C
Building/structure dates: after. 1860- before. 1873 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1908 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1952 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1984 Demolished