Hendel Building (Skinny Building), Pittsburgh

The Hendel Building, often referred to as the Skinny Building, stands as an architectural curiosity nestled in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. With its minuscule width of just 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters), it claims the title of one of the world's narrowest commercial buildings. This slender construction presents a striking contrast to the conventional urban landscape, drawing parallels with Vancouver's Sam Kee Building, which holds the Guinness World Record for the narrowest building, measuring 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 meters) across its ground floor. However, the Sam Kee Building is famous for its second-floor bay windows, which are 6 feet wide, slightly wider than Pittsburgh's Skinny Building.

The origins of the Skinny Building trace back to a unique set of circumstances in 1903, following a street-widening project that left behind an unusually narrow lot. In 1926, Louis Hendel capitalized on this slender parcel of land to erect the building, partly motivated by a desire to retaliate against neighboring business owners who had criticized him for his fruit-selling venture that occupied the sidewalk. This construction not only served as a form of spite but also manifested Hendel's entrepreneurial spirit in a tangible, albeit narrow, form.

Despite its constrained dimensions, the Skinny Building's ground floor has hosted a diverse array of businesses over the years, including a notably popular lunch counter. The upper floors, however, due to their limited space, have seen little to no practical use. Adding to its historical significance, the building is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, where it is listed as a contributing property within the Fourth Avenue Historic District.

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Sight Name: Hendel Building (Skinny Building)
Sight Location: Pittsburgh, USA (See walking tours in Pittsburgh)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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