An Upper Burrell retiree is close to fulfilling her dream of providing a historically influenced, coffee-themed dining destination, one room at a time.
The 1st Street Cafe, housed in the former Addison House Restaurant & Lounge on First Street in Leechburg’s business district, has a fresh new look, thanks to former IT professional-turned-restaurateur Devra Gromley.
The mansion was once home to Addison Leech, son of Leechburg founder David Leech.
Gromley cautiously climbed the attic access ladder from the second floor on Saturday inside 1st Street Cafe.
She stood admiring and pondering the memories that occurred more than 100 years ago in the brick home that commands the corner of First and Market streets.
“I bought the house because of this room,” she said, pointing to where a 5-foot stage once stood. Details that remain include the original attic wallpaper, now tattered and peeling, and the intricate tin tile ceiling.
“I can only imagine what these walls would say if they could talk. It’s a piece of Leechburg history.”
For now, the attic serves as a spot for tools and renovations supplies for her husband, John. But plans include renovating the space, when time and money allow.
Gromley said folks sometimes ask her why she chose Leechburg for her retirement business adventure, considering she didn’t grow up in the riverside borough.
“I tell them this building,” she said. “We came for the building.”
Gromley co-owns the business with her husband.
The couple have squeezed in renovations and repairs, with John doing the lion’s share of the construction, since buying the property in 2015.
An antique piano remains along one of the walls. Gromley noted the 36-foot-by-36-foot open room once served as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
She wonders what Addison Leech might think of her passion project.
“I think he’d be happy to know it’s still alive and serving people and the community,” she said.
Leechburg Mayor Doreen Smeal grew up across the street from the former mansion, which also once served as the Old Mansion Restaurant, a popular eatery owned by the Freilino family of Leechburg.
“I spent many days there with the Freilinos, and it’s wonderful to see a business owner take pride in the town as much as I do,” Smeal said. “They’re doing an amazing job in their renovations. We’re glad to have them in town and wish them the best of luck in their business and continued growth.”
Renovations are nearing completion on the home built during the mid-1800s. The outside is expected to be completed by spring.
The biggest hurdle was replacing the dormers on the roof, and John is doing all of the board and batten work.
Painting the exterior gray with black brick accents took about four months.
“It’s turned out better than we could imagine,” Gromley said.
A new upstairs rooftop deck will offer seating and a bird’s-eye view of downtown Leechburg.
“We tried to keep as much of the history as we could. And it makes me feel good to see people in here eating and having a good time,” Gromley said.
Addison and his wife, Mary, resided in the home until 1868.
The rooms upstairs are available to rent and have been remodeled into different venues — a tea room, a baker’s kitchen and a private dining room.
The Gromleys had to replace the original wooden stairs with oak because the original pine had deteriorated and was unsafe.
The old, green carpet was ripped up, and new flooring was installed. Gromley chose earth-tone paint colors because she wanted a relaxing atmosphere.
All of the landscaping was cleared from the grounds. Next up is pouring concrete for a large outdoor patio.
“The coffee bar is my favorite part in this building because that’s what brought me here,” Gromley said.
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Executive Chef Kimberly Barderstock of New Kensington is embracing whipping up new recipes in the very old venue.
“It’s so cool, and and it’s been serving people since 1936,” Barderstock said. “I think it’s awesome to be in here and have this building come back to life.”
The eatery currently employs nine people and is open for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast is busier than lunch, with omelettes and pancakes dominating sales.
Dinner is expected to debut in early 2025 as more staff is hired.