Former Boat House Bar/Sisters Hotel in Natrona to be redeveloped as restaurant, possible entertainment spot

As a kid, Brianna Thorpe spent a lot of time visiting family in Natrona.

“There was a bakery on the corner, and it was kind of awesome that you could walk around and hit different businesses,” she said of Harrison’s riverfront neighborhood.

Now, the 27-year-old Springdale High School graduate from Murrysville is banking on the continued revitalization of the neighborhood.

With partner Cameron Yockey of Murrysville-based Realty One Group, Thorpe bought the former Boat House Bar & Hotel at Walnut Street and River Avenue.

Yockey and Thorpe paid $30,000 for the three-story, brick-and-sided building that dates to the 1890s.

They expect to open a small grab-and-go restaurant on the first floor, which could be open in about eight months, Thorpe said.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” she said. “There’s a hole in the roof — it looks like a convertible.”

The building is in such disrepair Harrison commissioners in 2022 targeted it for demolition.

But Thorpe saw potential in the enormous green building. She wants to breathe new life into it because, she said, it will preserve part of the neighborhood’s history.

“You have to have hope,” Thorpe said. “I feel like it could bring more people into town. If we do something like an entertainment venue, that gives kids something to do.”

While the property was most recently known as the Boathouse, longtime residents knew it as the Sisters Hotel, said Harrison Commissioner Chuck Dizard.

The building at the turn of the 20th century was a notorious flophouse with a bar that attracted a sketchy clientele. There were 15 rooms for rent on the upper two floors.

“It is exciting to hear it was purchased by someone who proposes to renovate it,” Dizard said.

Dizard agreed it could be a valuable catalyst for ongoing efforts in Natrona.

“With development of the riverfront and other acquisitions in Natrona, there is optimism for residents to imagine a renewal of vitality for the once-thriving neighborhood,” Dizard said.

According to the Allegheny County Real Estate website, the 5,684-square-foot lot has an assessed value of $127,300.

A quick-style eatery at street level is the first goal. The menu will include lunch specials, funnel cakes, fruit and more.

“With the (ATI) mill right there, they can come in and grab an egg sandwich,” Thorpe said.

Work is expected to begin any day, she said.

Harrison Township Manager Amy Rockwell said the project aligns with recent efforts in Natrona.

“We are currently working on a grant with Friends of the Riverfront and the expanded opportunities of the kayak launch there,” Rockwell said.

Safer access for boaters is part of a trailhead project that doubles as an entrance into Natrona, along with new landscaping.

The cost of that project expected to be about $141,000, part of which was awarded through the state’s Department of Community and Natural Resources and its Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Last year, officials celebrated the grand opening of a mosaic trail near Natrona Community Park. The small concrete trail, 10 feet wide and 100 feet long, provides a link for walkers, bikers and anglers to the Allegheny River. It is decorated with colorful mosaics depicting the river’s wildlife.

“We applaud the efforts of our local community groups and investors who are bringing the properties back to life,” Rockwell said. “Everyone working together will bring about positive change. Together, we are stronger.”

Natrona resident Clarissa Ankney, 19, called the Boathouse development incredible news.

Ankney grew up in Natrona and can’t recall a family-style restaurant during her years there.

“We have a lot of bars, but not anywhere you can go and sit with kids,” she said.

“This is a great way to bring the community together. For people who don’t want to cook, or for people who are heading to work, they can stop in and grab something.”

Thorpe and Yockey believe an affordable diner might be the springboard needed to draw other businesses to town.

If response is positive, the pair will consider an indoor entertainment space or apartments on the upper levels of the building.

It’s not their first foray into Alle-Kiski Valley redevelopment. They’ve flipped several Center Street row houses in Natrona and four single-family homes for rentals.

They also are behind the Horizon Wash Spa in Brackenridge. That facility offers laundry service for humans and dog-washing for four-legged friends.

“We feel like everyone has been supportive, and we’ll continue to try to keep it going,” Thorpe said.