Architecture Apprentices Explore Homestead

Nineteen high school students will spend the next few months developing their designs for a vacant lot at 307-09 East Eighth Avenue in Homestead, as part of an Architectural Apprenticeship program offered by PHLF and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

After building geodesic domes out of newspaper during the first full-day class on September 25, students explored Homestead’s historic main street. They analyzed their site and visited the Mon Valley Initiative, Baron Batch’s Studio A.M., the Tin Front Cafe, and Voodoo Brewery.

Architects Paul Tellers and Eric Fisher, and Samantha Carter from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture, are assisting in this year’s Apprenticeship, which is designed to help high school students determine if they want to study architecture, urban design, historic preservation, or community development.

PHLF is grateful to BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Cindy & Murry Gerber Foundation, and McSwigan Family Foundation for contributing to its place-based educational programs that foster career awareness and help young people develop a sense of well-being as they explore and learn about the Pittsburgh region’s significant history and architecture.