Events
Please join us on Wednesday, December 11th from 6:00-8:30pm at the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Irving and Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation, both located within the Ice House Studios building.
Preservation Pittsburgh’s Religious Architectural Heritage Committee (RAH) is organizing the Second Annual Sacred Spaces Historic Tour taking place on October 12th, 2019, in Wilkinsburg, PA, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will be free to attend and open to the public.
The tour will serve as an ‘open house’ for local religious properties. Tour participants will have a chance to view the interiors and exteriors of participating worship spaces. Attendees will learn about the histories of these religious structures and experience Wilkinsburg’s reputation as ‘The City of Churches’ from their congregations.
St. James Roman Catholic, St. Mark AME, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Covenant Fellowship Reformed Presbyterian, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal are among the religious properties confirmed on the tour. Properties converted to or from spaces of worship, such as the Pittsburgh Urban Christian School (PUCS) and Gethsemane Holiness Church, will also be featured.
Open houses will feature a number of activities, including artistic performances/exhibitions, craft workshops and classes, and discussions about church history and architecture. A conversational reception with light hors d’oeuvres will follow the tour in The Sleeping Octopus at 1300 Wood St. in Wilkinsburg (formerly the Yingling Mansion).
The tour will highlight the communal value and historic significance of sacred spaces in Wilkinsburg’s continuing development. RAH aims to foster constructive dialog between borough residents and cultivate healthy community relationships across religious denominations.
This tour is funded by Neighborhood Allies and Preservation Pittsburgh.
Questions regarding tour information, participating religious properties, and Preservation Pittsburgh’s Religious Architectural Heritage committee may be directed to the committee by emailing sacredspacestours@gmail.com or calling (412)256-8755.
Location: Rodef Shalom, 4905 Fifth Avenue
Date: Thursday, September 16th
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Contact: Mayda Roth, roth@rodefshalom.org or (412) 621-6566 ext. 527
The congregation at Rodef Shalom invites our members and friends to a lecture and discussion by architect Kent Bloomer on his unconventional sculpture design installed at the entrance to Freehof Hall. The discussion will focus on Bloomer’s groundbreaking 1965 sculpture, now in need of restoration.
This event is sponsored in part by the Architectural Department of Carnegie Mellon University. In-kind supporters include the Heinz History Center, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, and Preservation Pittsburgh and its Pittsburgh Modern Committee.
Pittsburgh Parks Initiative
Pittsburgh's parks are the jewels of our city and each represents a unique piece of our shared history. Preservation Pittsburgh is proud to be leading the effort to formally recognize their stories, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, neighbors and community groups across the city.
Our goal is for Frick Park, Highland Park, & Riverview Park to join Schenley Park & Allegheny Commons on the National Register of Historic Places by 2020.
Thanks to a generous grant by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission we're moving forward with a listing for Highland Park during Fall 2019.
If you’d like to hear more about Highland Park’s nomination, please join us at Highland Park Community Council’s Community Meeting on Thursday, August 15th at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to hear about the listing this year and our larger Pittsburgh Parks Initiative.
RSVP requested to info@preservationpgh.org.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206
Preservation Pittsburgh embarked on a multi-year effort to list the city's historic regional parks on the National Register of Historic Places. This case study will detail how this was accomplished with institutional partnerships, community outreach, and an important connection back to Pittsburgh's Cultural Heritage Plan.
Since 1964, pedestrians using an underground tunnel in Pittsburgh enjoyed a gallery-like experience walking past 28 sections of colorful abstract mosaics by noted artist and educator Virgil Cantini. When demolition of the tunnel was proposed, an unusual Section 106 consultation led to a complex mitigation effort involving relocation and restoration of the complete collection of panels.
Come join us at this Community Block Party & Open House at the South Side Presbyterian Church to celebrate 168 years of service in Pittsburgh's South Side, the 150th Birthday of the Church’s beautiful historic building, and it’s designation as a City Historic Landmark.
The Pittsburgh Modern Committee of Preservation Pittsburgh with ikm architecture and The Monacelli Press welcome you to celebrate the release of Imagining the Modern: Architecture and Urbanism of the Pittsburgh Renaissance with authors Chris Grimley, Michael Kubo, and Rami el Samahy and inaugurating
The Pittsburgh Modern Committee of Preservation Pittsburgh ~ an initiative to celebrate, explore and protect Pittsburgh’s 20th century Modern & Postmodern Architecture & Design.
In partnership with the neighbors of Roslyn Place, we’re pursuing a listing for the district (wood block street included) in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
We took the first step of this process earlier this year in submitting an historic resource form to the State Historic Preservation Office and on April 16th, they found both the street and the surrounding homes eligible to be listed on the NRHP.
In anticipation of the nomination being heard before the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Board in their June session, we’re hosting a community meeting on Roslyn Place to talk about the effects of being listed on the National Register.
As space is limited, please contact us at info@preservationpgh.org to learn more and attend.
Historic tax credits and Keystone grants are vital tools in revitalizing older buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. These financial incentives encourage private investment, create jobs, and return abandoned or underutilized properties to active service. Successful projects balance the building’s and neighborhood’s historic character with the property’s new or continued use by using the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation as guidance.
How can architects, design professionals, communities, and property owners take advantage of these programs? Join Preservation Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) for this workshop to learn more about these important state and federal incentive programs.
Agenda includes:
Understanding and applying the National Park Service’s Standards for Rehabilitation to historic properties,
Overview of the federal and state historic tax credit programs including program eligibility, the application & review process, and a best practices case study, and
Introduction to Pennsylvania’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program
Registration is requested by Friday, May 17.
For more information, please contact Bill Callahan, PA SHPO’s Western Region Community Preservation Coordinator at wcallahan@pa.gov or 412-565-3575
Pittsburgh Parks Initiative
Pittsburgh's parks are the jewels of our city and each represents a unique piece of our shared history. Preservation Pittsburgh is proud to be leading the effort to formally recognize their stories, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, neighbors and community groups across the city.
Our mission is for Frick Park, Highland Park, & Riverview Park to join Schenley Park & Allegheny Commons on the National Register of Historic Places by 2020.
We're starting this multi-year effort by pursuing a listing for Frick Park during Fall 2018.
Join us for a community meeting on Monday August 20th at the Frick Environmental Center to hear about the Frick Park listing this year and our larger Pittsburgh Parks Initiative.
RSVP Requested, Free Event
Frick Environmental Center
2005 Beechwood Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Following up from our March 2017 gathering where we discussed Pittsburgh’s urban renewal of the past along with present day concerns due to development pressures and other factors, Preservation Pittsburgh and the East Liberty Valley Historical Society are coming together again: this time to learn more about City-designated historic buildings and districts with a special focus on the East End.
We invite you to participate in the discussion and to learn more about our organizations, welcoming audience questions, feedback and conversation.
The Greater Good: How Historic Designation Saves Our City
Friday, March 9th 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Free and Open to the Public
RSVP Not Required
Chapel of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church
116 S. Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
ELPC is located at the corner of Penn and Highland Avenues in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. Street parking is available in the blocks close to the church, and there is also a parking lot behind the Carnegie Library.
Historic Preservation laws and ordinances protect our most important, inherited architectural and cultural assets. But what happens when we sell our historic homes? How do we navigate the intricacies of preservation law and ensure that new owners of old buildings understand their obligations? Is the house Nationally or Locally designated? And what does that mean?
Fellow Preservation Pittsburgh Director and REALTOR®, Justin Greenawalt, will be teaching a course to Real Estate Professionals (3.5 hours CE Credit) through the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh on November 17, 2017 from 9AM to 12:30PM. In this course, he profiles National and Local designations, the local designation process, marketing historic properties, and what designation means for Buyers and Sellers.
Details at: https://www.realtorspgh.com/Education/Shop-by-Search/CategoryID/3/ProductID/275
Please join us on Thursday, November 16 from 6:30-8:00pm at The Firehouse (former Engine House No. 16) at the crossroads of Point Breeze and Homewood!
Get a behind-the-scene tour of the projects Preservation Pittsburgh has worked on this year and those upcoming. Also come learn about how Paul Fireman of Fireman Creative and his team renovated the abandoned 1888 Firehouse. The address is:
Engine House No. 16; 7101 Penn Ave.; Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Fireman Creative has a free parking lot across the street on Penn Ave. marked by a sign that reads "Church in Pittsburgh". There is also on-street parking.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Our Annual Meeting is a member appreciation event and admission is complimentary for current Preservation Pittsburgh members. If you are not currently a member, we'd love to have you join us (individual membership ranges from $10-$30). Click here to become a member or renew your membership.
If you plan on attending, please RSVP to mmcswigan@preservationpgh.org
Advanced reservation is required as capacity is limited!
Oakland Modern
A guided walking tour of modern and late modern architecture and design throughout the neighborhood of Oakland and the University of Pittsburgh campus.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017
3:30 - 5:30pm
Rain or Shine
Join Preservation Pittsburgh and the organization’s Modern Committee (ModCom) on Saturday, October 7th to explore a range of modern and late modern structures and interiors. The Oakland neighborhood is home to a unique, dense collection of banks, apartment buildings, and campus facilities - from libraries to parking garages - completed in the 1960s and 1970s. Enjoy our original walking tour designed and led by Preservation Pittsburgh board members.
The tour will end at 5:30pm at neighborhood favorite, Butterjoint, where guests can enjoy drinks and conversation with fellow architecture and design lovers.
This free tour marks the inaugural event of the ModCom: Preservation Pittsburgh. Through its Modern Committee, the organization will highlight Pittsburgh’s modern-era design and advocate for its preservation.
In partnership with Docomomo US Tour Day 2017, the annual national celebration of modern architecture and design featuring public tours and special programs across the United States.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – CONTEST RULES!
What kind of photos should I submit?
When can I submit a pictures?
Who can enter contest?
How do I submit?
Then What?
Why??
Your photographs help Preservation Pittsburgh bring community attention to Wilkinsburg’s Historic Religious structures! All are welcome.
Still Have Questions?
Email us! photocontest@preservationpgh.org
This year Preservation Pittsburgh turns 25 and we have much to celebrate, like the landmarking of Spring Hill's Voegtly Spring!
Help us celebrate our Silver Anniversary and the landmarking of Pittsburgh’s historic springs on Friday, August 11 at Wigle’s Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden on the North Side! Stop by the Barrelhouse (1055 Spring Garden Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212) between 6 and 9 pm. Graciously, Wigle Whiskey is helping the cause and Preservation Pittsburgh will receive a portion of all sales of Wigle cocktails, bottles, and merchandise!
The event is rain or shine (in case of rain, we’ll be under cover in the barrelhouse & tasting room).
Come support our endeavors by purchasing drinks at Wigle Whiskey. There is no admission charge for the event. Bring your friends, buy drinks (responsibly), and mingle with those who love Pittsburgh! Baby Loves Tacos will also be joining us at the event, so, come hungry!
You are welcome to park in all the following places:
Please do not park on sidewalks on Spring Garden Avenue! Wigle enjoys a good relationship with their neighbors and your cooperation is appreciated.
For more info (including parking):
https://www.wiglewhiskey.com/barrelhouse
Special thanks to Wigle for allowing us to host this event!
Since its inception, Wilkinsburg has been recognized as a city of beautiful religious buildings; its religious art and architecture is unsurpassed in design, quality, and workmanship. Historic buildings are places and spaces people hold dear and are integral to our past, present, and future. Wilkinsburg, the City of Churches.
This fall Preservation Pittsburgh will recognize Wilkinsburg’s irreplaceable religious architecture by sponsoring an amateur photography contest open to all residents and congregations in the borough.
Please join us for the awards ceremony, November 5, 2016, at 10:00am, when winners will be selected from two categories, adults and children 12 and under. Those selected will receive a prize of up to $100 and breakfast will be provided to all participants and their friends.
We hope you will participate in our contest and show off your beautiful historic building!
Join us to learn about the restoration of the Beckert Building from Verna Arnold, owner of Arnold's Tea, and about the history of the building and East Ohio Street from our friends Bill and Kim Gandy of the Allegheny City Historic Gallery!
The City of Pittsburgh will hold a preservation summit on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Point Park University to give an update on the recommendations of its Cultural Heritage Plan.
Host: City of Pittsburgh Department of Planning
Date: Monday, November 16, 8:00a.m.—3:30p.m.
Venue: Point Park University, Third Floor Ballroom, Lawrence Hall
212 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Featured speakers:
—Donovan Rypkema, a principal at PlaceEconomics, will discuss the conclusions of the Historic Preservation Economic Study commissioned by the City.
—Nore Winter, a preservation specialist, will focus on the City's Historic Guidelines and the utility of conservation districts.
In addition, discussion will feature ongoing historic preservation initiatives in the City, including a question-and-answer session with City officials and with representatives of all three preservation groups.
For more information and to register please contact City Planning at 412-255-2243. This event is free and open to the public.
