Category Archive: PHLF News
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100% of Your Gift Funds Preservation Work
I really appreciate the work PHLF does to maintain historical buildings in our city. These projects touch so many lives and make our city a much better place.
––Everett Ramer, Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, January 27, 2014One of the most direct ways that PHLF helps maintain architectural landmarks throughout Allegheny County is by continuing its Historic Religious Properties (HRP) program, supported each year by generous donations from its members and friends.
“We improve the quality of life for people as we help renew the institutions they value,” said David Vater, Chair of PHLF’s HRP Committee. Since 1997, PHLF has awarded 247 matching grants totaling more than one million dollars to help restore key historic religious properties in Allegheny County and, in the process, has created community pride and encouraged renewal.
“The contributions we receive in support of our HRP program, now through December 31, will make it possible for us to offer another cycle of matching grants and technical assistance in 2015,” said HRP Committee Vice-Chair Kathy Testoni. “Since PHLF underwrites the staff and operating costs of the HRP program, 100% of each donation is awarded in the form of matching grants to directly fund restoration work.”
“This is PHLF’s 50th anniversary year,” noted Mr. Vater. “I encourage people to give generously, in thanks for all that PHLF has done to improve the quality of life for people in this region.”
Please click here to contribute; please direct your gift to the Historic Religious Properties program. For more information about the HRP program click here.
Your support will help us continue this valuable program of financial and technical assistance that has produced significant preservation results since its inception in 1997. We thank you!
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Fairbanks Feature: Switzerland––Any Time of the Year
James D. Van Trump Library | Frank B. Fairbanks Transportation Archive | Fairbanks Features
Showcasing a variety of materials located in the Frank B. Fairbanks Rail Transportation Archive Number 21 Presentation
Fairbanks Feature: Switzerland––Any Time of the Year
Frank Fairbanks was a world rail traveler, from the 1950s until early in 2001. These “rails” were not just for trains, but for trolleys and inclines of all kinds as well. From the collection that he donated to the Fairbanks Archive, it seems he loved the rails outside of the United States very much. That conclusion is based on the vast amount of out-of-country material that was in the many boxes he donated to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. While most of the brochures are from decades ago, the places are still there, the spectacular facilities are still there, and even the times of arrivals and departures have barely changed. Rail lines continue to be an essential method of transportation for Europeans and for all who visit the countries in that region.
The following photos show some of the materials that Frank Fairbanks collected while exploring the rail systems in Switzerland. They are in the Archive now for patrons to enjoy:
- The possibilities of rail usage are endless when planning a trip to Switzerland. Using the Swiss rail systems would even be easier, if you first spent time familiarizing yourself with the schedules here at the Archive. This photo shows a sampling of scheduling and time books that can be used to plan you trip.
- Our Switzerland book collection is very good. Each volume is filled with wonderful photographs showing the exciting places to visit and scenery to enjoy.
- A sampling of scenes to whet your appetite––before you see the real thing.
- These many slides, taken on several different trips, show the beauty of Switzerland in all kinds of weather. Climbing the snow-covered Swiss Alps, or swinging in cars from high cables, were experiences Frank Fairbanks did not want to miss.
- Awesome photographs of Swiss rail travel not shown in Frank’s slides can be seen in these postcards. These are just a few from the several hundred he collected while traveling.
The Frank B. Fairbanks Rail Transportation Archive is open by appointment on Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Use of the archive is free to PHLF members (one of the benefits!); non-members are assessed a $10 use fee.
The Archive is located on the fourth floor of The Landmarks Building at Station Square, in the offices of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
To schedule an appointment, email the Librarian James Halttunen: James@phlf.org
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June 2 Scholarship Celebration: A “Milestone Event”
On June 2, PHLF held a Landmarks Scholarship Celebration at the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Sylvia Dallas, a member of the Landmarks Scholarship Committee, commented that “everyone who attended was duly impressed with the wide range of ages that are touched by PHLF’s education programs.” Marco Cardamone, a member of PHLF’s Community Advisory Board, added that it was a “wonderful milestone event.”
PHLF members and friends enjoyed an opening song by third-grade students from Pittsburgh Dilworth, poetry readings by students from Pittsburgh Phillips and Obama, and a brief play by Point Park University students. Four 2014 Scholarship winners were introduced and were welcomed by 19 more scholarship recipients. Since 1999, PHLF has awarded college scholarships ($4,000 each) to 56 students who care deeply about the Pittsburgh region.
“After hearing the scholarship recipients speak,” said Beechwood teacher Marie Mrvos, “it was quite evident that a lot of thought goes into the scholarship selection process and that each recipient was well-deserving of the scholarship and put it to great use. The PHLF financial support given to past recipients helped to put each and every recipient on their road to success.”
Lead donors to the Landmarks Scholarship Celebration and Fund included the David and Janet Brashear Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Gailliot Family Foundation, Cohen & Grigsby, Merging Media, the Dollar Bank Foundation, and Snow Capital Management, L.P.
“We have raised more than $73,000 so far,” said PHLF Trustee and Scholarship Chairman David Brashear, “so we are well on our way to reaching our fundraising goal of $100,000. By augmenting the Scholarship Fund, we will be able to increase the amount of each scholarship award in 2015 from $4,000 to $6,000, payable over a four-year period for book and tuition expenses, and we will be able to award more scholarships.”
Please help us reach our fundraising goal for the Landmarks Scholarship Fund by clicking here to contribute; direct your gift to “Scholarship Programs.” Thank you.
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Manchester Renaissance II: New Businesses and Residents
Landmarks Community Capital Corporation (LCC), a subsidiary of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, is working in partnership with Manchester Citizens Corporation (MCC) to bring two classic Manchester storefronts back to life. The properties are part of the Manchester Renaissance II Program and are located at 1401 Columbus Avenue and 1109 Liverpool Street. Each will feature apartments above retail or office space—the specific use of each will be determined by the end buyer.1401 Columbus Avenue is already under a sales agreement to a couple from the Mexican War Streets, Courtney Centner and Nathan Davidson, who plan to operate their graphic design business, Little Kelpie, out of the first-floor storefront. They were drawn to Manchester based on its proximity to town, where many of their clients are located, and the historic nature of the community.
The building was a natural fit, as Courtney remarked: “You absolutely cannot miss 1401 Columbus Avenue when you walk down the street. With its commanding position on the corner and so many of its original architectural details, we loved it immediately. The renovation has modernized the interior spaces, but left the historic character intact.”
Connecting the past to the present is a theme that MCC and PHLF have highlighted through their partnership. The building at 1401 Columbus used to house a neighborhood market. Courtney reflected upon the inspiration of working in a building that was originally constructed in 1887 by saying: “The storefront’s warm brick walls, huge windows, and soaring ceilings will be an inspiring backdrop for our work, and will connect us to the people who made their livelihoods there before us.”
Courtney and Nathan plan to close on the property later this summer, and complete the first-floor renovations to their specifications.
The Manchester Renaissance II program is being funded by PHLF’s affiliate, Landmarks Community Capital Corporation, Tri-State Capital Bank, PNC Bank, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Heinz Endowments, the Northside Leadership Conference and Rivers Casino. It is an appropriate way for PHLF to highlight a half-century of work in revitalizing Manchester that work will continue in partnership with MCC with a rehabilitation program aimed at the remaining vacant and blighted housing stock.
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LANDMARKS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AWARDED MAJOR TAX CREDIT DEVELOPMENT IN WILKINSBURG
Governor Tom Corbett has announced that the Falconhurst Neighborhood Restoration development program has been awarded low-income housing tax credits by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).The $10.5 million development, which will utilize these credits with federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, will be carried out by Landmarks Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, and consists of a combination of historic building restoration and new construction.
This development will lead to the restoration of the expansive Falconhurst Apartment building in the National Register-listed historic Hamnett Place neighborhood; a condominium complex at Rebecca Avenue and Coal Street; a two- and three-unit apartment building, and construction of two new townhouses for a total of 33 new affordable housing units.
“We are very pleased to win this competitive tax credit project for the continued historic restoration of this Wilkinsburg neighborhood,” said Michael Sriprasert, president of Landmarks Development Corporation.
“This project is unique because it involves the restoration of historic buildings along with new construction on a scattered-site basis, which will enhance the ongoing neighborhood renewal in this part of Wilkinsburg,” said Mr. Sriprasert.
“These low-income housing tax credits are the best investment tool available to us to support the construction of affordable rental housing across Pennsylvania,” said PHFA Executive Director Brian A. Hudson, Sr.
“We are pleased that PHFA has funded a second major development by LDC in Wilkinsburg. This award recognizes the significance of our historic architecture as an anchor for community revitalization,” said Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson.
This project will continue the work of PHLF in Wilkinsburg, which has already seen the restoration of the historic Crescent Apartment and Wilson House Apartment buildings; seven single-family houses; the creation of an educational facility— Landmarks Preservation Resource Center—from a restored car repair shop, and beautification of two vacant lots that include a vegetable community garden and a green space. To date, the total investment of PHLF in Wilkinsburg including this development exceeds $23 million.
Funding for this development is very complex and Landmarks is grateful to many agencies, and in particular to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Economic Development Director Dennis Davin and their team that works with PHLF in a variety of ways.
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PHLF Awarded Scholarships to Four College-Bound Students in a June 2 Reception at Fairmont Pittsburgh
During a reception on June 2 at the Fairmont Pittsburgh, David Brashear, Chair of the Landmarks Scholarship Committee of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF), announced that four high-school graduates from Allegheny County will receive $4,000 college scholarships (payable over four years), for book and tuition expenses only.
Lead sponsors of the event included Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the David and Janet Brashear Foundation, Gailliot Family Foundation, Cohen & Grigsby, Merging Media, and the Dollar Bank Foundation. Proceeds from the Landmarks Scholarship Celebration will benefit the PHLF Landmarks Scholarship Fund that has awarded 56 scholarships to high-achieving students in Allegheny County since 1999.
The four scholarship recipients in 2014 are:
- Andrew D. Hyatt, from Shaler Area High School, who will be attending the Savannah College of Art & Design (Architectural History/Historic Preservation). In his scholarship essay, Andrew wrote about his experience in helping to restore the Isaac Lightner House of 1833 in Glenshaw, located on Mt. Royal Boulevard, close to where he lives. On Saturday, June 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., the owners of the Lightner House will be hosting an Open House for PHLF members and friends. Andrew will be on hand to provide commentary.
[Reservations to attend the Open House are required; space is limited. Please contact marylu@phlf.org; 412-471-5808, ext. 527].
- Jordan R. Maben, from Pittsburgh Brashear, who will be attending Dickinson College (Biology/Health Sciences). Jordan’s scholarship essay about the Warrington Recreation Center described how that “strong solid brick” building in Beltzhoover serves as a positive symbol for the community and helped him establish many of his morals, values, and goals. He hopes that “many more young people will find their passion, their inspiration, their desire to achieve within the walls of the Warrington Recreation Center … ”
- Marissa C. Marks, from Bishop Canevin High School, who will be attending Purdue University (Engineering). Marissa described the “modern inspiration” of Highmark SportsWorks, designed by Renaissance 3 Architects, at the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Side. She has volunteered there every summer since 2010. The transparent and green design of the building inspired her design of several projects that she created through the ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) Mentor Program.
- Natalie M. Morrissey, from North Allegheny Senior High School, who will be attending Penn State University (Chemical Engineering). An accomplished flutist, Natalie described her first concert in Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Even though she has performed on many stages since that freshman-year experience, Natalie realizes that Carnegie Music Hall is “home to the concerts that have shaped” who she is as a musician.
Gifts in 2014 Make Larger Scholarships Possible
Lead contributions from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, The David and Janet Brashear Family Foundation, Gailliot Family Foundation, Cohen & Grigsby, Merging Media, and the Dollar Bank Foundation helped underwrite the June 2 Scholarship Celebration and will make it possible for PHLF to increase its scholarship award in 2015 to $6,000 (payable over four years).
“Since 1999 we have awarded scholarships to a remarkable group of high-achieving young people,” said Mr. Brashear. “Each recipient cares about Pittsburgh and is likely to stay connected to the city and region, we believe, no matter where he/she lives or works. Since applicants are asked to write about a place in Allegheny County that is important to them and that has affected them personally, we are connecting with the next generation of future leaders who share our values and realize that place matters.”
“Sixty-four people applied to PHLF’s Scholarship Program this year and so many of the applicants were deserving of the scholarship award,” said Louise Sturgess, Executive Director of PHLF. “Many of the essays were inspiring and so many of the students have made outstanding contributions to their communities,” she added. Applicants wrote about Freedom Corner, the Cathedral of Learning, Kennywood, Station Square, the Strip District, Manchester Craftsman Guild, Benedum Center,
Burtner House, Rachel Carson Homestead, Depreciation Lands Museum, North Park, Boyce Mayview Wetlands, Gus and Yia Yia’s in Allegheny Commons, and Carrie Furnaces, among many other places.
“Our goal is to increase our Scholarship Fund through contributions from others so we can award more scholarships and increase the scholarship amount,” said Mr. Brashear.
To contribute, visit: www.phlf.org or contact Mary Lu Denny at PHLF (marylu@phlf.org; 412-471-5808, ext. 527).
The Landmarks Scholarship Program is the culmination of PHLF’s educational programs for thousands of students (pre K-12) and the beginning of its programs for adults. It gives Allegheny County students an incentive to excel in school, become involved in their communities, and express their commitment to this region in a meaningful way.
The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Scholarship Program is offered each year. Applications for the 2015-16 school year will be available in January 2015. Applicants must:
- live in Allegheny County;
- be a high school senior who has been accepted to a college or university;
- have a cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester senior year of 3.25 or greater;
- have a significant interest in local history, architecture, and/or landscape design; and
- write an essay describing a place in Allegheny County that is important to them; complete an application; and submit two letters of recommendation (one must be from a community representative).
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Strip District Listed on National Register of Historic Places
Mayor William Peduto announced that the National Park Service has designated Pittsburgh’s Strip District as a National Historic District by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.
Recognized for its historic significance as an area of commerce, religion, and architecture, the 13-block district is bounded by Railroad Street, the Pennsylvania Railroad Yards, Liberty Avenue, 15th Street, and 22nd Street. It is comprised of 64 buildings that contribute to the designation and also includes the previously National Register-listed St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church.
“The Strip exemplifies what we love about Pittsburgh— it is a special place that honors the past while looking forward to the future,” Mayor Peduto said.
National Register designation promotes authenticity of place by celebrating the historic character of a place, and stimulates economic development through federal rehabilitation tax credits and easements that are available to property owners for the certified rehabilitation for income-producing purposes.
“This is an important recognition for an area that is vital to the culture and history of our city and our region,” said PHLF President Arthur Ziegler.
Listing on the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner’s right to alter, manage, or dispose of property as long as government funding is not involved. Indeed, it often changes the way communities perceive their historic resources and gives credibility to preservation efforts.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and other donors helped fund this application and Michael Baker Corporation was the consultant on the project.
Some of the prominent structures now in the district include: the Pennsylvania Railroad Fruit Auction and Sales Building (1929)—commonly known as the Produce Terminal— Peoples Bath (1908), which now houses a yoga studio, General Merchandise Outlet, and Little Bangkok; the Produce Exchange Building (c. 1904), now housing the Mike Feinberg Company and Schorin Company; and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (1936).
“Neighbors in the Strip is delighted that the National Register of Historic Places has recognized the Strip District as an Historic District. We celebrate the 100-year-old local businesses, steeped in tradition, that have contributed to creating Pittsburgh’s Historic Market District, and look forward to supporting the next generation of local businesses,” said Becky Rodgers, executive director of Neighbors in the Strip.
PHLF completed its nomination in December following broad public input. The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission unanimously approved the application in February.
The Strip District now makes 18 such National Register-listed districts in Pittsburgh and joins some 10,000 other such districts in the United States.
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Restoration of Roberts and Skinny Buildings Facades
Mayor William Peduto, and Arthur Ziegler, president of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, announced the exterior restoration of two additional historic buildings in Downtown.
The Roberts Jewelers and Skinny Buildings at the corner of Wood Street and Forbes Avenue are part of a $4 million grant of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which has already funded the exterior restoration of eight other important historic Downtown buildings.
Completed so far:
• Fifth Wood Building (Kashi Jewelers and adjoining buildings at 445 Wood and 254 Fifth Avenue)
• Italian Sons and Daughter Building at Forbes and Wood Street
• Cast Iron front buildings at 418 to 422 Wood Street
• The Thompson Building, 435Market Street being developed by Landmarks Development Corporation, a subsidiary of PHLF. Ralph Falbo, Ernie and Julian Vallozzi, have entered into an agreement with Landmarks to develop a grocery store in the building that will open in early fall.
“These projects bring together much of what makes Pittsburgh great: government working hand-in-hand with outside partners like the PHLF, and the ability to preserve and celebrate our past while building for the future,” said Mayor Peduto.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority contracted with PHLF to administer the RACP including selecting architects, overseeing drawings and specs, taking bids, and providing construction management, in partnership with URA.
“I believe our government and preservationists working together to preserve the best historic blocks while providing ample space for new development to rise among them is unique among the cities in the United States,” said Mr. Ziegler.
Landmarks Design Associates is the architect and Waller Construction is the general contractor.
