Pittsburgh’s State Correctional Institution—commonly known as Western Penitentiary or Western Pen—was built in 1826. It was relocated in 1882 to this building on the Ohio River. This prison contained 1,280 cells across five levels in two wings. It reportedly was the first prison to feature gang locks, electric lights, running water, steam heat and a toilet in each cell.
The prison held maximum-security inmates in its early years; later, it hosted inmates who required treatment for substance abuse. Western Pen closed in May 2017. Students from Carnegie Mellon University recently used these photos and others taken by the photographer for a senior project in which they considered new uses for the site.
CONTENT AND PHOTOS: Abandoned Pittsburgh