21 Hickory St, Pittsburgh, PA 15223

The Commons, located on Hickory Street, opened in February 1991, as a residence for elderly persons of limited income who are capable of independent living. Managed by Senior Care Network, an affiliate of Presbyterian Senior Care, it is subsidized by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.). Last year, the facility received the Elderly Housing Overall Community Appeal award from the Apartment Excellence Awards Association. They also received a Superior rating last year during their inspection from H. U. D.

The building, which once housed the Etna Public High School, has been converted into 46 one bedroom apartments with living room, bath, and fully-equipped kitchen. Each apartment has phone and cable lines and a thermostat for heating and cooling. There is an elevator in the building. The former school auditorium is now a well-lighted, comfortable recreation area. Bus service, post office, and local businesses are located just one block away.

In-house activities planned by the social committee include bingo, card games, birthday parties, prayer, and trips for those interested. The social committee concerns itself with community spirit among the residents. There is a resident manager in the building.

Residents have keys for their apartments and for the two exterior doors. Voice and visual contact with visitors allows residents to know who is seeking admission to the building and they release the door from their apartment. Emergency cords in the bathroom and bedroom enable residents to contact the manager. Each apartment has a smoke detector and fire extinguisher. The building alarm system ties in quickly with local policy, fire, and emergency personnel.

An onsite physician’s office offers medical services in the offices located on the High Street side of the building.

For further information, call the office at (412) 782-2711 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m