Public Hearing on 200-210 Fifth Ave, and 438 & 440 Market Street

PREPARED TESTIMONY OF

ANNE E. NELSON, ESQ.

GENERAL COUNSEL

PITTSBURGH HISTORY & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION

BEFORE HISTORIC REVIEW COMMISSION, CITY OF PITTSBURGH

PUBLIC HEARING ON 200-210 FIFTH AVENUE; 438 & 440 MARKET STREET

NOVEMER 5, 2008

As the future holder of a preservation easement on the Buhl Building and current holder of design control rights on the adjacent properties, Landmarks supports N&P Properties’ plans to rehabilitate the exterior of the Buhl Building, demolish the adjacent structures, and build a new building adjacent to the Buhl.  The size, scale, and color of the proposed adjacent building compliment the blue terra cotta Buhl Building.  Landmarks’ support of N & P Properties’ plans for the Buhl Building and adjacent structures, however, is contingent on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approving Part 2 of their Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit application.