Category Archive: PHLF News
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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.
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Public Hearing at Historic Review Commission on 200-210 Fifth Avenue, and 438 & 440 Market Street
PREPARED TESTIMONY OFANNE 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.
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Public Hearing Before Historic Review Commission on 4420 Bayard Street
PREPARED TESTIMONY OF
ANNE E. NELSON, ESQ.
GENERAL COUNSEL
PITTSBURGH HISTORY & LANDMARKS FOUNDATION
BEFORE HISTORIC REVIEW COMMISSION, CITY OF PITTSBURGH
PUBLIC HEARING ON 4420 BAYARD STREET, THE ELMHURST GROUP
OCTOBER 1, 2008
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has reviewed the Elmhurst Group’s plans for a new office building in the parking lot behind and owned by the First Baptist Church in Oakland. We appreciate the very good efforts of the Elmhurst Group in regard to the planning and redesign of the structure. In particular, the building’s height, materials, and setback on Bayard Street are in accordance with the other buildings on the street and harmonize the building with the Church. The higher portion of the building along Ruskin Avenue complements the Ruskin Apartment and its materials and to some degree its style.
However, we have the following concerns with the building:
1. The top portion of the seven-story building should be redesigned without the projecting central overhang, which is something of a cliché in modern design. We also suggest that the stringcourse be continued across the Bayard/Bigelow façade just as it does on the Ruskin Avenue façade and with the elongated windows eliminated. We believe that such detailing is inappropriate next to the architecturally-significant First Baptist Church, the Ruskin Apartment Building and the houses of Schenley Farms.
2. We recommend that the walkway around the building be planted with sycamore trees instead of columnar trees as shown. We would be happy to meet with the City Forester to discuss the matter of tree selection. A few columnar trees were planted years ago further west on Bayard Street and they are still nothing more than elongated toothpicks with a few leaves attached. Sycamore trees, used throughout Schenley Farms, arch up over the streets and provide a canopy of elegance, beauty, and shade.
We continue also to have a significant concern with the Historic Review Commission’s jurisdiction and ability to review new construction in historic districts. We hope this matter can be resolved or clarified so as not to cause issues with other new construction projects in historic districts.
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Vandergrift Main Street Gets Lift
by Shaun Yurcaba
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
September 8, 2008Sen. Jim Ferlo announced today a $35,000 grant to assist the Vandergrift Main Street program. This grant will be added to the Restoration Revolving Fund, which was created in 2006 to bring new life to downtown Vandergrift and to restore its distinctive buildings. The Revolving Fund was initially capitalized with a $300,000 grant from the Allegheny Foundation, a charitable entity of Richard M. Scaife.
In addition, the Vandergrift Improvement Program (VIP), Inc., a non-profit organization, announced the acquisition of two new buildings in the heart of downtown Vandergrift, and the restoration of a third building, all utilizing the original Scaife grant to establish the Revolving Fund.
“The VIP is using the Restoration Revolving Fund so effectively that I am very pleased to add additional state resources to it for further leverage,” said Sen. Ferlo.
143 Grant Ave: The VIP purchased 143 Grant Ave. in 2007 and has completed a complete masonry and storefront restoration of the facade. The roof has been replaced. The VIP is in negotiations with a tenant who plans to open a bakery and yoga studio on the first floor and live above in the second floor residential unit.
139/141 Grant Ave: The VIP has just secured 139-141 Grant Avenue. The roof, which had been severely compromised, has already been replaced. The VIP is also upgrading the electrical system and plans to fully restore the facade. Long term plans include renovating the 5 second floor apartments, which are uninhabitable.
134 Grant Ave: The VIP also just secured 134 Grant Avenue (the former JC Penny’s Building). The VIP has cleared the building of debris and is working on a long term plan to locate a Community Art Center and a small business incubator in this space.
According to Meade Jack, President of the VIP, downtown Vandergrift has reached a tipping point. “We have invested a lot of time and hard work in this effort. But it’s been well worth it. The seeds we’ve planted the last several years are now starting to bear fruit. We have a long way to go but we are on the right track,” Jack said. “We are demonstrating that there is still plenty of life in Pennsylvania’s small towns.”
The VIP began in 2003 with a grant from Sen. Ferlo and received DCED Main Street designation in 2006. The main street program is in year three and is being managed in partnership with the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF).
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- Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr.
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- Shaun Yurcaba and Senator Jim Ferlo
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- Vandergrift Flower Shop Rendering
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- Vandergrift Art Center Rendering
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Technical Assistance Workshop for Guardians of Historic Religious Properties
PHLF News
September 5, 2008On Monday, September 15, the Historic Religious Properties Committee of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) will host a technical assistance workshop at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Congregation leaders, representatives, and guardians of historic religious properties in Allegheny County are invited to attend. The workshop fee of $25 includes box lunches for up to three people.
“Historic religious properties play a significant role in the spiritual, social, cultural and educational life of this region,” says George C. Dorman, Chair of PHLF’s Historic Religious Properties Committee, “and we know how difficult it is for congregations with limited budgets to preserve and maintain their architecturally-significant historic structures. Therefore, it is our goal to help these congregations by offering this workshop that will answer questions they may have and help them care for their buildings.”
This workshop will give congregation leaders an opportunity to speak with professionals in the field of building construction and maintenance.
Experts will speak on:
• Prioritizing building projects;
• Planning and organizing building projects;
• Financing a project: raising funds, seeking grants and loans;
• Working with contractors, getting bids and estimates, contracting the work;
• Stained glass window restoration, masonry work, roof and gutter replacement and repair;
• Energy conservation in large structures.Historic Religious Properties Technical Assistance Workshop
The workshop will feature assistance in prioritizing, planning, and organizing building projects; financing a project; working with contractors; specific building maintenance issues; and energy conservation in large structures. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and network with other church leaders.
When you come, please bring a list of questions and photos of your structures demonstrating areas where maintenance is needed and where you have successfully done work.
Plenty of off-street parking is available in Calvary Episcopal Church’s parking lot.
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. - Meeting Location: Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue. (Google Street View Map)
- Fee : $25, includes up to 3 people from your church or synagogue and box lunches.
- RSVP one day before this event. Contact Carole Malakoff, Historic Religious Properties Coordinator at hrp@phlf.org.
Program Agenda:
- 9:30: Coffee and Registration
- 10:00: Welcome
- Mark Bibro, Chairman, PHLF Board of Trustees
- George C. Dorman, Chairman, PHLF Historic Religious Properties Committee
- Arthur Ziegler, President, PHLF
- Tom Keffer, Property & Construction Manager, PHLF
- 10:30: Jack Scalo and Jacqui McMenamin, Burns and Scalo Roofing (dealing with roof problems)
- 11:00: John Kelly, Kelly Art Glass (preservation and maintenance of stained glass windows)
- 11:30: David Hounshell, member, First Methodist Church of Pittsburgh and professor, CMU Departments of History and Social & Decision Sciences (planning and organizing a church building project)
- 12:00: Sister Florence Lynch, CEO, Angels in Overalls; Jack Miller, PHLF (organizing a project and the role of volunteers)
- 12:30: Lunch
- 1:15: Greg Smith, Keystone Waterproofing; Aaron Wolk, Cathedral Stone Products (brick and masonry preservation)
- 1:45: Greg Wozniak––G. A. Wozniak & Assos., Energy Management & Consulting
(conserving energy in historic religious structures)
- 2:15: Susan Brandt, PHLF Trustee (searching for grants and loans: approaching funding sources)
Some photos of the workshop in progress.
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
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Landmarks Community Capital Announces New Board Member
PHLF News
August 21, 2008Today, Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr. Chief Executive Officer of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation announced that founder of 84 Lumber, Mr. Joseph A. Hardy III, recently joined the Board of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
Landmarks Community Capital Corporation was formed in October 2007 with a mission that focuses on community revitalization and economic development in urban neighborhoods and expands a radius of 250 miles from the City of Pittsburgh. Dr. Slaughter said, “We are fortunate to have someone of Mr. Hardy’s caliber and expertise in business development and a former commissioner to join our board. Mr. Hardy has a stellar career of successful business ventures and will provide significant input and guidance on the work that we continue to do to help revitalize communities around this region including Fayette County and Uniontown.”
84 Lumber, founded by Mr. Hardy, has grown significantly. The company hit its $1 billion sales mark in 2004 and its 2002 sales toped $2 billion and it then increased to more than $3 billion. With more than 368 stores and more than 6,800 associates nation wide, 84 Lumber sets the standards for service to the professional contractor market.
In addition to 84 Lumber, Mr. Hardy founded Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts, one of North America’s premier resort destinations. He is a full time resident of Fayette County, a business man with a commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve – a vision we share at Landmarks Community Capital Corporation.
Mr. Hardy said, while he has many opportunities to serve on boards throughout America, he finds that working with Landmarks Community Capital Corporation will be a wonderful experience because, “the group is meaningful and has significant opportunities to revitalize neighborhoods throughout this region.” “I support the work of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation and under Dr. Slaughter’s leadership, the organization already has a significant start and I hope to bring additional support that will help catapult the company to higher levels of success in revitalizing this region.”
Landmarks Community Capital Corporation is a new company but relies upon the experienced staff of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation that is a leader in neighborhood revitalization.
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Heathside Cottage For Sale, 416 Catoma St., Fineview (SOLD)
Offered by Pittsburgh History & Landmarks FoundationSOLD
Judith Harvey, a member of Landmarks and the librarian of the Frank B. Fairbanks Rail-Related Archive, has donated her remaining life interest in Heathside Cottage to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.
Built in the mid-nineteenth century by bridge engineer James Andrews in what is now the Fineview Neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the early Victorian brick cottage located at 416 Catoma Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is protected by a Landmarks preservation easement. Heathside Cottage is a model of Early Victorian design, with delicate bargeboard, a steeply-pitched roof, and diamond-paned sash windows, and has been renovated for modern living. It’s adjacent to an urban garden, looks out over the City, and is less than ten-minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.
“Judith spent 15 years restoring this historic treasure,” said Landarks President Arthur Ziegler. “Now we will do our best to find an owner who shares her enthusiasm for the uniqueness of this property.”
Persons interested in learning more about purchasing Heathside Cottage should contact Jack Miller at 412-471-5808, ext. 538 or jack@phlf.org
Proceeds from the sale of the property will endow Heathside Cottage’s preservation easement and support Landmarks’ mission.
Amenities / Points of Interest
- Completely remodeled interior that includes a home security system.
- Whole-house central air conditioning and three fireplaces.
- Detached one-car garage and a bus stop at the front door.
- Includes adjoining lot with an urban garden.
- Less than ten-minutes from downtown: save gas on your commute.
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featured on WQED’s North Side Story.
- Exceptional View of Downtown Pittsburgh, and less than a block from a city overlook. .
- May be eligible for URA first-time home buyer low interest loan program
Published & Honors
Heathside Cottage In Print
- Heathside Cottage’s mystery adds to its appeal (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
- Heathside Cottage: One Woman’s Legacy to Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Pittsburgh’s Landmark Architecture
By Walter C. Kidney- “This kind of outright Gothic Revival is rare in Allegheny County today, and its quite rare to find it with its vergeboard and other sawn-out wooden trim still present and diamond-paned sash still in the windows. This is an EarlyVictorian design in spirit rather than a Mid-Victorian one, emphasizing delicacy rather than dignified massiveness, and is very much a borrowing from English Romanticism. The very word “heath” –an open area with wild shrubbery–is English, not American. it suggest the Romantic seclusion this house originally had, looking southward over the growing City of Allegheny from a vantage point 400 feet up”.
Honors
- Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Historic Landmark Plaque
- WQED’s North Side Story Video
- National Register of Historic Places, I.D.#: 74001740, Certification Date: 12/30/1974
Downloadable Fact Sheets
- Printable Form
- Exterior Photos
- First Floor Photos
- Second Floor Photos & Garage
- Video Snippet of View of City from Fineview
Photos and more information below.
Detailed Description
Property Name :
Heathside Cottage Address:
416 Catoma Street at Myler Street (Google Street View) City, State, Zip Code:
Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Sale Price:
$169,900
Architectural Style:
Gothic Revival, Early Victorian Year
Built :c. 1855 Property Type:
Residential, Single Family Lot Size:
6,863 sq. ft. (double lot) Stories:
2 HVAC :
Central Air & Heating Water:
Public Sewage:
Public Parkling:
Off Street, Detached Garage School District:
Pittsburgh Contact Information
Company:
Jack Miller Phone No.:
412-471-5808, ext.. 538,
FAX: 1-412-471-1633Email:
Jack Miller: jack@phlf.org
Exterior Views
Click Any Photo For Larger Image
Interior Views
Click Any Photo For Larger Image
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PNC Bank Invests $5 million Loan in Landmarks Community Capital Corporation
PHLF News
July 24, 2008PNC Bank, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, has invested a $5 million loan in Landmarks Community Capital Corporation’s Urban Economic Loan Fund. The Urban Economic Loan Fund provides short-term flexible financing at below market rates to non-profit organizations involved in revitalizing their communities.
Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation (LCCC) said, “This first investment in the Urban Economic Loan Fund will be the catalyst for more development in urban markets throughout Pittsburgh, where an economic stimulus is important for neighborhood revitalization, which advances more stability and creates viable places to live and work. We are appreciative of PNC’s willingness to invest in the Fund and have already made commitments to utilize this funding.”
“LCCC has already demonstrated its ability to effectively finance urban development,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “This significant investment from PNC will allow Dr. Slaughter to help reverse the disinvestment in Pittsburgh’s urban cores and be a differentiating factor in supporting the financing of Pittsburgh’s urban fabric – exponentially and strategically. This will be critical for sustainable urban revitalization.”
Congressman Mike Doyle stated, “This initiative is another important contribution to the revitalization of our community. I want to commend PNC Bank and Landmarks Community Capital Corporation for working together on this Urban Economic Loan Fund.”
City Councilman Ricky Burgess, whose district this is said, “PNC has consistently committed themselves to the communities of the City of Pittsburgh. I am confident that this worthy loan investment will be of great benefit to the urban cores of our great city, and will encourage other organizations to follow suit. My sincere thanks to PNC and Landmarks Community Capital Corporation for their efforts.”
“Landmarks Community Capital Corporation’s loan program supports PNC’s goal of strengthening communities through investments and partnerships with local organizations,” said Linda F. Morris, Senior Vice President & Western Pennsylvania Market Manager, PNC Bank. “Our commitment makes it possible for Landmarks Community Capital Corporation to offer below-market interest rates on loans, which will stimulate initiatives in affordable housing and community development. These are sustainable projects that should have a positive ripple effect throughout the region.”
State Representative Joe Preston said, “I am very pleased that PNC continues to support
the neighborhoods. First by providing banking services, and now reinvesting their dollars in the communities. The leadership at PNC and Landmarks Community Capital Corporation are greatly appreciated.”
State Representative Jim Ferlo stated, “Once again PNC has made a strong statement demonstrating their commitment to the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. This is a real win-win for our City because we can have the utmost confidence in the stewardship of this commitment as well.
Landmarks Community Capital Corporation’s track record of investment speaks clearly to their dedication to quality projects that meet with their high standards for preservation, sustainability, and green building principles.
I am very excited by what can be achieved through PNC’s outstanding commitment and I applaud Dr. Slaughter’s continued efforts on behalf of Pittsburgh neighborhood reinvestment.”
Scheduled speakers at the press conference include: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor of Pittsburgh; Mr. Charlie Batch – President & CEO Batch Development Company, Inc. and Landmarks Community Capital Corporation Board Member; Honorable Ricky Burgess, Pittsburgh City Council District 9; Ms. Linda Morris, Senior Vice President & Western Pennsylvania Market Manager, PNC Bank; Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr. , CEO, Landmarks Community Capital Corporation; Honorable Joseph Preston, Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 24; Honorable Jim Ferlo, Pennsylvania State Senate District 38, Mr. Doug Smith, Sr. Vice-President, Wilbur Smith Associates and Chair, Landmarks Community Capital Corporation Board.
