Excerpt from PHLF April News (see below) "Tree of Life" window, Horace Rudy House, Highland Park Announcing Special Events in May Event details will soon be listed on our calendar of events. Join us on: Any Friday in May for a free downtown walking tour from Noon to 1:00 p.m. of the Gateway Center area; Reservations appreciated. Tuesday, May 10, for the premiere of "Through the Place," PHLF's 50th anniversary documentary, at The Frick Art Museum Auditorium in Point Breeze (5:00 to 7:30 p.m.). Invitations will be mailed to PHLF Members. Reservations required. Saturday, May 14, for a bus tour to the Walker-Ewing Log House and Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens (Noon to 4:30 p.m.). Reservations required. Saturday, May 21, for an urban hike in Highland Park, including visits to the Horace Rudy house, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and Joseph Tambellini Restaurant (1:00 to 4:30 p.m.). Reservations required. Questions? Contact Mary Lu Denny (412-471-5808, ext. 527) Subject: April News From: phlfnews@phlf.org To: eventlady@hotmail.com Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2016 17:01:03 +0000 April News PHLF Newsletter View this email in your browser NEWSLETTER April 2, 2016 Dear friends, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation was among the participants at the National Trust for Historic Preservation Partners Network retreat in Washington D.C., March 7-8. Among the preservation challenges we discussed, PHLF President Arthur Ziegler noted a concern about the difficulties increasingly confounding preservationists around the country due to positions taken by National Park Service (NPS) practitioners in assessing the application of tax credits on complex historic restoration projects. We believe that rigid interpretation of The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties by NPS regulators is making it difficult for practical preservation solutions to be used in complicated historic restoration and preservation efforts. To that end, PHLF proposed to the Partners Network—which is formulating a resolution on this issue—that we in the preservation community, the practitioners in the field, engage in a critical discussion with the appropriate decision-makers to: discuss the interpretation and implementation of the tax credit guidelines and how they enhance successful restoration projects when applied pragmatically while still reflecting the historic design elements of a building; recognize that reuse of historic buildings must meet market demands and feasibility without destroying basic architectural character inside and outside the building; acknowledge that architecturally non-significant elements can be altered to meet environmental and contemporary use standards; and understand that because historic buildings generally cost more to adapt and restore than erecting new ones, the NPS must realize that historic tax credits assist in funding the extra cost of restoring architectural fabric, but must also be utilized to subsidize making the building economically feasible again. This is a starting point of a much-needed discussion between practical preservationists in the field and National Park Service regulators to enhance the impact of our collective efforts in the historic preservation of our built environment. Karamagi Rujumba Director, Communications & Advocacy L-R: Stephanie Cipriani of PNC Bank; Karamagi Rujumba, Director of Communications & Advocacy, PHLF; Sumiya Tarannum, Landmarks Fellow, and Arthur Ziegler, PHLF President PNC Grant Helps Sustain Landmarks Fellows Program A $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation will help us continue funding the Landmarks Fellows Program, an academic year-long internship that exposes public policy graduate students to real-life and practical experience in community development through historic preservation. The Fellows Program, which was launched in 2011 as a partnership of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation and Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz School of Public Policy & Management, is made possible because of major funding from the PNC Foundation. Landmarks Community Capital is the non-profit lending subsidiary of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Since its inception, we have hosted 17 graduate students from the Heinz School, who have learned from and contributed to developing programs in all areas of our work in historic preservation in Downtown Pittsburgh, in Main Street communities, and in neighborhoods. Thanks to the PNC Foundation for the generous and continued support of this program. Pittsburgh Public School students read about the naming of Pittsburgh in 1758, while visiting the Allegheny County Courthouse during their "Building Pride/Building Character" trolley tour The Fine Foundation and Gailliot Family Foundation Contribute to "Building Pride/Building Character" My students were completely engaged and had a wonderful experience. For many of my students, it was their first time experiencing authentic history. ––Pittsburgh Colfax teacher "We are grateful to The Fine Foundation and Gailliot Family Foundation for recently contributing to our Building Pride/Building Character educational program involving students from 13 Pittsburgh Public Schools," said PHLF Executive Director Louise Sturgess. These contributions, combined with grants from two other foundations and donations from nine businesses through the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, are making it possible for us to offer enrichment programs in the schools and field trips throughout the city to nearly 1,000 elementary and middle-school students. On March 17, students from Pittsburgh Colfax participated in a full-day tour aboard Molly's Trolleys, with stops at the City-County Building, Allegheny County Courthouse, Fort Pitt Museum, Fort Pitt Block House, and Duquesne Incline. Each historic landmark is associated with "character-building" words, and the students are encouraged to become like the City-County Building, for example: "responsible, tolerant, respectful, and proud." Ten more trolley tours are planned through June 2, as well as walking tours of the Strip District. "It's experiences like these that build a child's awareness, respect, and interest in their city," noted one teacher. "Thank you for giving my students the chance to participate in PHLF's Building Pride/Building Character program." The City of Pittsburgh celebrated its bicentennial in the lobby of the City-County Building on March 18, 2016 Pittsburgh Celebrates 200 Years of City Government On March 18, 1816, the legislators of the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved a charter of incorporation that transformed a small western Pennsylvania borough on the Forks of the Ohio into the City of Pittsburgh. Two hundred years later, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Mike Turzai, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and a multitude of other government officials, civic leaders, and Pittsburghers gathered in the lobby of the City-County Building to celebrate the occasion. It was a festive atmosphere marked with civic pride as Pittsburghers gathered to revel in the history of how Pittsburgh government evolved from a township to a borough and then a city. The celebration included a display of important historical artifacts, including the City's Articles of Incorporation, minutes of the first City Council meetings and tributes to the living descendants of some of Pittsburgh's former mayors, including our first mayor, Ebenezer Denny. PHLF docents and staff helped facilitate a student art project in which Pittsburgh Public School students created birthday cards featuring the architecture and unique character of their school. Students also signed their names and initials, the idea being that the names of future mayors were signed on these birthday cards. The Bicentennial Education Committee, chaired by Esther Bush, thanked PHLF and Pittsburgh Public School administrators and art teachers for working together to make the Birthday Card Project such a success. Click here to see photos of the 46 birthday cards designed and presented by the students. As a member of the City's Bicentennial Commission, PHLF has been involved on the Preservation, Education, and Events Committees in the planning of the year-long celebration and festivities. PHLF is also supporting Pittsburgh's Bicentennial observation by receiving, acknowledging, holding and disbursing donations to fund commemorative activities chosen by the Pittsburgh Bicentennial Commission, chaired by Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center. Click here to learn more about the Pittsburgh Bicentennial and to see a schedule of upcoming events and to get involved. 150 students participated in PHLF's 20th Architectural Design Challenge at Monessen High School in Westmoreland County 20th Architectural Design Challenge in Westmoreland This marks the 20th year that PHLF has partnered with the Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition to involve middle and high school students in an Architectural Design Challenge. "Each year we create a new design challenge, either in Westmoreland County or in the City of Pittsburgh," said Education Coordinator Karen Cahall, "and each year students amaze us with the solutions they present and the beautifully crafted models they create." Thirty-four teams from 10 schools in Westmoreland County presented their models to a jury of architects on March 30 and 31 at Monessen High School. Their task was to: (1) explore their school and research its history; (2) analyze the pros and cons of their school; and (3) create a scale model showing a new or renovated space that would fulfill an unmet need in the school and strengthen connections with the community. "What was fascinating about this Design Challenge," said Executive Director Louise Sturgess, "was how students were able to change the culture of their school through architecture." Click here to see the models––and come to PHLF's library to read the written reports describing the remarkable program ideas. A special thanks to the following people for serving as judges: Samantha Carter, Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture; Roger Hartung, AIA, IKM Incorporated; Jan Mori, educator; Kelley Stroup, architectural historian; Jessica Stuck, Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel; and Paul Tellers, AIA. Executive Director Louise Sturgess gave new members a tour of our offices after a reception on March 16, 2016 Welcome New Members! The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation is a membership organization and we have so far welcomed 331 new members in 2016. Welcome, friends! Our members include people from the Pittsburgh region and throughout the United States, as well as community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, historic property owners, developers, schools, and others. Our members believe that architectural landmarks are community assets, and that historic preservation can be a catalyst for renewal. Click here to learn more about the benefits of PHLF membership and please join us! Our annual issue of PHLF News—24 pages, more than 100 photos—is only mailed to members. Join today so you receive the 2016 issue reporting on recent projects and announcing events for this year. The restored former Engine House No. 16, 7101 Penn Avenue in Point Breeze, now houses Fireman Creative Behind the Scenes: Restoring Engine House No. 16 Fireman Creative’s Engine House 7101 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Thursday, April 7, 2016 6:00p.m.— 8:00p.m. Join us for a Behind-the-Scenes tour of the restored former Engine House No 16. The historic red brick firehouse opened for business in 1898 in what was then the richest neighborhood in Pittsburgh. Prominently located on Penn Avenue in Point Breeze, the firehouse served the Heinz, Westinghouse, Armstrong, Frick and Card estates. In 1913, it became the first firehouse in the City of Pittsburgh to have a motor-powered engine. The building was recently purchased from the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and has been comprehensively restored and adapted for reuse as the offices of Fireman Creative a marketing firm that moved in on March 1, 2016. Join us for a tour of the three-story building and hear from Paul Fireman about the complicated restoration process and how aspects of this former firehouse are being applied to contemporary use. This event is FREE to PHLF Members. Non-members: $10 Light snacks and refreshments. Space is limited to 30 people. First come, first served. RSVPs to marylu@phlf.org 412-471-5808, ext. 527 Street parking in the neighborhood. The Landmarks Preservation Resource Center is located at 744 Rebecca Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. Landmarks Preservation Resource Center Events Join us in April for our continuing lectures, workshops and seminars on house restoration and maintenance tips, architectural history, cities, and preservation. All events are FREE to PHLF members. Non-members: $5. RSVPs appreciated: Marylu@phlf.org or 412-471-5808 ext. 527 All events: Landmarks Preservation Resource Center 744 Rebecca Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 Lecture: Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences Matthew Christopher Writer & photographer Tuesday, April 5, 2016 6:00p.m. — 7:30p.m. Lecture: Heritage Preservation in the City Allen Dieterich-Ward Associate Professor of History Shippensburg University Thursday, April 14, 2016 6:00p.m.—7:30p.m. Illustrated Lecture: "1/125 of a second" A glimpse into the North American travels of Frank Fairbanks David Kelsch Railroad enthusiast and photographer Tuesday, April 19, 2016 6:00p.m.—7:30p.m. Gardening Lecture: Selecting Trees and Shrubs Martha Swiss Garden Writer & Designer Thursday, April 21, 2016 6:00p.m.—7:30p.m. Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside, designed by Ralph Adams Cram in 1905-07 Come to the "Cram Jam" on April 16 Saturday, April 16, 2016 1:00 to 5:30 P.M. Three East End Churches (details follow) Free and Open to the Public (including church tours, music, plaque dedication & reception) Reservations Appreciated: marylu@phlf.org; 412-471-5808, ext. 527 OR lwells@calvarypgh.org; 412-661-0120, ext. 110 Bring your family and friends to the first-ever "Cram Jam," so named by Phil Hallen, PHLF Chairman Emeritus. Here is your chance to visit three spectacular Modern Gothic Pittsburgh churches designed by Ralph Adams Cram (1863-1942), one of the most distinguished American church architects. Participants must provide their own transportation (bike, bus, or car) to each of the three churches in Pittsburgh's East End, and may attend all or any one part of the program. Each location is accessible by bus. Call the Port Authority for details: 412-442-2000. Please arrive at each church according to the following schedule: 1:00 p.m.: St. Charles Lwanga Parish at Holy Rosary Church (1926-31), at 7114 Kelly Street in Homewood (15208) 2:00 p.m.: East Liberty Presbyterian Church (1930-35), at 116 South Highland Avenue in East Liberty (15206) 3:30 p.m.: Calvary Episcopal Church (1905-07), at 315 Shady Avenue in Shadyside (15206) Church docents and PHLF staff will provide information and lead tours at each site. Within breathtaking architectural spaces, participants will see remarkable sculpture, stained glass, and woodwork by exceptional American craftsmen and artists. At Calvary Episcopal Church, participants will be able to see a series of stained glass "History" windows recently restored by John Kelly. In addition, Philip Maye, chair of the Calvary Architectural History Committee, will unveil an interpretive plaque honoring architect Ralph Adams Cram; Al Tannler, PHLF's historical collections director, will give brief comments about the architect; Dr. Alan Lewis, organist, will perform the "Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor," by J. S. Bach; and a wine-and-cheese reception will follow in the Parish Hall, concluding at 5:30 p.m. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Ralph Adams Cram in Pittsburgh by attending this Saturday afternoon event. Reservations are appreciated. Please contact either PHLF or Calvary Episcopal Church. The historic Kaufmann's Clock on Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh Iconic Clock in Downtown Ticking, Again Passersby recently noticed that the iconic Kaufmann's Clock, a Downtown Pittsburgh landmark, had stopped ticking. A local bank executive called a City Councilman about it and offered to pay for the cost of making sure the clock was functional again. As it happens, Core Realty, a Philadelphia firm, which owns the former Kaufmann's Department Store building—and the clock—had switched off power to the clock because of an electrical problem. That problem has since been fixed and the clock is working again. Congratulations all around! Landmarks Scholarship for County High Schoolers Application deadline: April 20 If you are a high school senior living in Allegheny County and enrolling in college in the fall of 2016, consider applying for a Landmarks Scholarship Award. Since 1999, PHLF has awarded 60 scholarships to high-achieving students who care deeply about the Pittsburgh region and are interested in connecting with our organization. The $6,000 scholarship award, for book and tuition expenses only, is paid over a four-year period to the recipient's college/university, assuming he/she maintains good academic standing and is involved in campus activities. To learn more, click here. PHLF's scholarship program is funded by the Brashear Family Named Fund and by donations to the Landmarks Scholarship Fund, including contributions to the 2008 and 2014 Scholarship Celebrations. Thank you donors! "Tree of Life" window, Horace Rudy House, Highland Park Announcing Special Events in May Event details will soon be listed on our calendar of events. Join us on: Any Friday in May for a free downtown walking tour from Noon to 1:00 p.m. of the Gateway Center area; Reservations appreciated. Tuesday, May 10, for the premiere of "Through the Place," PHLF's 50th anniversary documentary, at The Frick Art Museum Auditorium in Point Breeze (5:00 to 7:30 p.m.). Invitations will be mailed to PHLF Members. Reservations required. Saturday, May 14, for a bus tour to the Walker-Ewing Log House and Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens (Noon to 4:30 p.m.). Reservations required. Saturday, May 21, for an urban hike in Highland Park, including visits to the Horace Rudy house, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and Joseph Tambellini Restaurant (1:00 to 4:30 p.m.). Reservations required. Questions? Contact Mary Lu Denny (412-471-5808, ext. 527) April Events at Woodville Plantation Sunday, April 3, 2016 House open for tours 1:00p.m.— 4:00p.m. $5/adults; $3/children under 12 Sunday, April 10, 2016 Volunteer Day Noon—3:00p.m. Friday, April 15, 2016 Conservation Program for Woodville Windows 7:00p.m.—9:00p.m. Reservations highly recommended. Register: www.woodvilleplantation.org/events or call 412-221-0348 “Woodville,” the John and Presley Neville House of c. 1775, is the Pittsburgh area’s principal link to 18th-century American life and architecture. The National Historic Landmark is located in Collier Township. The Oakmont Country Club is located at 1233 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA, 15139 Guided Tours of Historic Oakmont Country Club Three Mondays, from 8:45—10:30 a.m. April 11, 2016 May 9 and May 23 (Clubhouse only) Oakmont Country Club 1233 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA, 15139 Explore this National Historic Landmark golf course and clubhouse that has hosted 19 major championships featuring eight U.S. Open Championships since its opening in 1903. (June 2016 will be the record ninth U.S. Open for Oakmont Country Club.) Tour participants will be escorted by a golf historian through the handsomely–preserved 113-year-old clubhouse and will view a wealth of architectural features, historic photographs, memorabilia, early 1900s golf equipment, championship trophies, and the original men’s locker room. Weather permitting (unless otherwise noted), participants will also tour the legendary “inland links” golf course and see first-hand the extraordinary vistas, narrow fairways, iconic “church pews,” and some of the other 200-plus sculpted sand bunkers. $10 donation to The Fownes Foundation per participant. Children under 16, seniors over 65, and active duty/retired military are admitted free. Advance reservations required; limit of 12 individuals per tour. For reservations and further information, contact Oakmont Country Club (412-828-8000) or jchristy@oakmont-countryclub.org Additional Details: Please arrive at Oakmont Country Club by 8:45 a.m. (light refreshments provided) Casual attire (no jeans or denim please) and comfortable walking shoes with flat sole. Coat or jacket depending on weather forecast. Umbrellas will be provided. Disabled access available Tours are sponsored by The Fownes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of nationally recognized, historically significant golf sites. Docent Pat Farkas points out the carved faces and lions adorning Fourth Avenue buildings, during PHLF's Downtown Dragons walking tour. Become a PHLF Docent Are you eager to learn about Pittsburgh? Do you enjoy walking and exploring outdoors? Do you enjoy being with people and sharing information? If you answered YES to all three questions then consider becoming a PHLF docent. Please contact Mary Lu Denny (412-471-5808, ext. 527) for further information or click here. PHLF docents participate in training and continuing education and lead a variety of walking tours throughout the year. A great sense of camaraderie develops among the group. Please join our group of 40 docents that continues to grow! Solve the mystery and win a one-year complimentary PHLF membership Mystery Photo If you know where this detail is located, then contact Mary Lu Denny (412-471-5808, ext. 527) with the current name of the building. If you are correct, you will win a complimentary one-year membership in PHLF. Hint: The letter "G" below the circular window recalls the original name of this building that opened on Halloween night. Congratulations to 18 people who correctly identified last month's mystery photo showing the colorful block of buildings on S. Trenton Avenue in Wilkinsburg. Get Involved Donate Now Copyright © 2016, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation 100 West Station Square Drive | Suite 450 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 www.phlf.org