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For many years the Penn Arts building at 16th and Pennsylvania streets was nothing more than a home for derelicts and transients, a hazard rather than a historical asset to its surrounding Old Northside neighborhood.
But after more than $1 million and three months in renovations from Stenz Construction Co., the 65-year-old Penn Arts building has a new lease on life. In traditional Stenz fashion, the 80-unit apartment building is undergoing a facelift -- reviving its historical details while making it a viable and comfortable place to live and work.
The restored Penn Arts building will be much the same as it was in the 1920's except for the addition of modern amenities such as a new heating system, new carpeting and new appliances. One apartment unit will be devoted to laundry facilities, making 79 units available total. The building had 61,000 square feet of floor space before renovation.
The first floor will see a few changes as well. Originally a commercial space for doctors, dentists and shops catering to the wealthy...