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“A Youthful Voice for Preservation”

Christopher Driscoll, ChairMichael Panzitta, Vice-ChairKaty Sawyer, TreasurerJulie Collins, Secretary

The Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh is an organization that fosters participation of young people in historic preservation. In the past decade, the YPA has motivated over 6,000 people to participate in projects that have brought life back to older structures in the greater Pittsburgh area, while highlighting the importance of

preservation and the role it plays in community and economic development.

René Cuenca Michael CunkoTeresa DuffChristian HughesAmanda NeatrourKatie NolanWilliam PrinceAustin Vaught

Presented by:

Matthew Craig

Executive Director:

Board of Directors:1 2 3 4

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2016YPA TOP TEN

@youngpreservationists

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Matt Shorraw is a 25-year- old, sixth generation Monessenite. He obtained a BS in Commercial Music Technology, and currently is obtaining an M Ed. In Technology Education, from California University of Pennsylvania. He is the Assistant Band Director at Monessen High School.

In his free time, aside from serving as President of the Monessen Amphitheater Committee, a board member of Monessen Community Development Corporation, or a volunteer with the Greater Monessen Historical Society, where he penned “Images of Modern America: Monessen”, Matt is passionate about architecture, and historic preservation. Matt’s current project: The 500 Donner Project is working to save and acquire the former Monessen Savings and Trust Company building, from the ownership of the City of Monessen. Upon acquisition, the building’s façade will be renovated and will house a café, music center, office space, and a recital hall.

Matt believes that historic preservation is an economic drive for depressed communities. He will continue to support architectural preservation initiatives, not only in Monessen, but in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Matt applauds YPA, PHLF, and Preservation Pittsburgh, for their continued commitment to the historic assets of our region.

Matt ShorrawAwarded: Young Preservationists Association’s

Promise Award

Willock HouseAwarded: Young Preservationists Association’s

Outstanding Preservation Project

The Larimer Avenue Bridge is among the finest and oldest extant examples of an open spandrel, poured concrete arch bridge left within the city limits of Pittsburgh. The open spandrel, poured concrete bridge typology was common in Pittsburgh at the open of the 20th century. Today, however, deterioration and demolition have claimed all but a few of them.

The design of these bridges was based largely on Philadelphia’s Walnut Lane Bridge (1908). The Larimer Avenue Bridge was the second of such open spandrel, concrete arch bridges to be built in Pittsburgh. It was believed that concrete—at that time, a recently revived building material—would need little maintenance and that the bridges, though more expensive to construct, would last indefinitely. Although the maintenance-free prediction was severely over-estimated, many of Pittsburgh’s concrete bridges endured for a century or more before demolition or reconstruction. The Larimer Avenue Bridge is among the last to survive.

Like so many other concrete arch bridges in Pittsburgh, the Larimer Avenue Bridge is now threatened with demolition. A replacement bridge is not being considered for the site. The loss of such a prominent landmark would not only serve to debase the city’s inherited architectural legacy, it has a considerable likelihood of hindering the redevelopment of the city’s East End; eliminating a vital connection between two neighborhoods.

An impediment to preservation efforts that doesn’t often get highlighted, but can have major impacts on the success or failure of a project, lies in our city’s building code, zoning requirements, and other regulations. Many aspects of municipal law can inadvertently make it costly or even impossible to undertake effective preservation projects. Some important examples we’ve seen in the past include:

-Street design requirements that prevent human-scale environments in historic neighborhoods.

-Minimum parking requirements, which add prohibitive cost to a preservation project

-Rigid historic preservation requirements that require costly review processes

-Specific codes or exceptions which are unexpected hurdles for otherwise straightforward advocacy projects.

If we are to be successful in historic preservation in the future, we must first familiarize ourselves with the potential regulatory roadblocks in place and research exceptions and workarounds to have in-hand when issues arise. Then, moving forward, we and the larger preservation community have to be vocal in municipal government to rewrite our laws to encourage and ease the process of preservation of our neighborhoods.

9Larimer Ave Bridge

Larimer, Pittsburgh | Year Built: 1912

Preservation Friendly Ordinances

In the heart of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh stands the magnificent structure of St. John Vianney Church, which began its service to the community in 1910-1911 as St. George’s. The church was renamed in a parish merger in the 1990’s, and was recently closed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in April 2016. The St. George Church Preservation Society is working with parishioners, community organizations, and local businesses to not only save the building, but also to save its place in the local Catholic faith community. They are in contact with the Vatican and the Diocese to appeal the decision to close the church. An application is also under way with the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission to grant historic status to the building.

McKeesport was once Allegheny County’s second largest populous city. Once home to many industries, the City of McKeesport grew and prospered during the Industrial Age. Several industrialists, mayors, and the elite called Shaw Ave home. 610 Shaw is a classic Queen Anne style mansion featuring a turret and many original wood details. It was built by the owners of the Union Clothing Department Store. 559 Shaw is a stately brick four square home once owned by Percy and Hazel Garland, the first African American woman to serve as editor-in-chief of the nationally circulated newspaper “The New Pittsburgh Courier.” Many in the community and region are unaware of this significant Millionaire’s Row. The homes along this stretch of Shaw Avenue continue to deteriorate. The McKeesport Preservation Society has acquired 610 Shaw and is working to mothball the site for future preservation. 559 Shaw is currently for sale at $8,700. The ultimate goal is to find preservation minded owners to help rehabilitate this beauties back to life and deter ongoing demotion in McKeesport.

1St. John Vianney Church (Formerly St. George’s)

Allentown, Pittsburgh | Year Built: 1910

Originally built in 1896 by Dr. E.G. Husler, the building sits on the banks of Chartiers creek in Carnegie. The building’s architect was S.T. McLarren, who designed it with a unique triangular shape that conforms to the shape of the lot.

The building is currently owned by the Historical Society of Carnegie and houses a museum of history for Honus Wagner. It has survived two floods and one fire, the latter of which nearly destroyed the fourth-floor ceiling. The building recently had the roof replaced and new windows installed, but many of the upper floors still remain vacant from a fire in 2005.

2Husler Building

Carnegie, PA | Year Built: 1896The Queen Anne home at 3810 California Ave built between 1895 and 1899 by the Dice family on land originally part of holes 4,5 and 9 of the nine-hole Bellevue Country Club.

The house, condemned in 2005 by the city of Pittsburgh and sold at a treasurer’s sale in 2006, remains at risk for demolition due to the current condition. The family who occupied the premises failed to make the numerous repairs necessary for occupancy. This large lot and zoning designation for the parcel is the Neighborhood Office District suggesting that it is marketable for other development. A primary concern is that a sale could result in the demolition of this well-recognized historic structure, making the land available for some other less-dignified use. Historic designation by the city could provide protection from demolition. The current owner envisioning restoring the property into a five-bedroom suite bed and breakfast.

83810 California Ave

Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh | Year Built: 1899

7Historic Millionaire’s Row / Shaw Ave

McKeesport, PA | Year Built: 1860 - 1910

Just under an hour away from Pittsburgh lies West Middletown. This historic district currently comprises 41 buildings, 31 of which were built between 1799 and 1850. West Middletown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Since then approximately 8 buildings have been lost, including log homes and a hotel. Today, locals are concerned with the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the remaining historic structures. With population loss and absentee landlords as the main issues, several buildings are in need of improvements and are facing great disrepair.

The Borough of West Middletown recognizes the value of its historic district and is taking action to preserve as many buildings as possible by reaching out to partners and gathering community support. This district was added to Preservation Pennsylvania’s At Risk List in 2016.

What makes this historic district unique is that many of the properties feature two front doors (one for the property owner’s residence and another for their business), reflecting the original uses of the buildings common at that time. West Middletown hopes that interested preservationists will discover the charm of these properties, which have an ingrained live-work historic elements, and that can see their potential.

624- 626 East Ohio St. on the Northside is owned by the Urban Development Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh. Local historian Carol Peterson estimates the building was constructed around the time or possibly before the Pennsylvania Canal was built in 1830, making it possibly the oldest building on the Northside. The URA and the Northside Leadership Conference (NSLC) are planning to demolish the structure, as well as the neighboring building at 620-622 East Ohio St. to make way for new construction. The building served many commercial uses in it’s time, including a real estate office, a saloon, a tailor, the Allegheny City Gymnastic Club, a cigar store, an office for a mining company, a bakery, a market and a barber shop.

3West Middletown Historic District

West Middletown, Washington County | Year Built: 1799 - 1850

4624 -626 E. Ohio St

E. Deutschtown, Pittsburgh | Year Built: prior to 1930

6Former Italian Christian Church of Pittsburgh

Shadyside, Pittsburgh | Year Built: 1898

This vernacular Greek Revival brick house dates back to the 1840s or earlier with a late 1800s frame addition. Fronting the Monongahela River, 203 South Water Street is highly visible from the Elizabeth Bridge on Route 51 and is just a block away from the developing business district. The key resident to the property was Colonel James Ekin. Grandson to the town’s founders, Ekin became a prominent boat builder that later served in the Civil War. He achieved fame as a member of the military commission trying the conspirators involved with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. In 1876 Ekin was named Deputy Quartermaster General of the Army and Chief Quartermaster, Department of the South.

The house has been under the threat of demolition for parking since 2012, but community members have been able keep it standing. The Elizabeth Area Development Corporation (EADC) has worked with Preservation Pennsylvania and students at Carnegie Mellon University on workshops with reuse ideas. Although the site has suffered some deterioration, EADC hopes to pursue riverfront developers or turn the site into a riverfront park extension by preserving the brick portion of the house and adding heritage and park amenities for the public to enjoy.

Built in 1898, this unique and lovely 19th century church has been gracing Shady Avenue in Pittsburgh’s East End for over one hundred years. Originally known as the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, this structure also has connections to Pulitzer Prize winning author Willa Carther. Founding members of the church became an inspiration for characters in her famous novels of frontier life on the Great Plains including O Pioneers!, The Song of the Lark, and My Antonia. The Church later on became the Italian Christian Church of Pittsburgh, and more recently The Shady Ave Christian Church Assembly.

Due to the rapid development of the East End many historic buildings in the area have unfortunately been lost or threatened. Luckily however this building’s interior remains in good condition. The church was purchased by development company Beatrice Icon LLC in March 2015. It is being advertised as a rental space for commercial use although it currently remains vacant.

Ekin House

Elizabeth, PA | Year Built: 1840s

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TOP TEN TOP TENSuccess Sites Still need some love

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Armstrong Cork Factory Strip District (2003) From industrial, to vacant, to city living, the Cork Factory Lofts have become a preservation model for adaptive reuse.

New Granada Theater Hill District (2003) The landmark theater has been stabilized to help keep Pittsburgh’s jazz history alive.

Aaron’s Building Connellsville (2010 - 2013) Originally a furniture store/factory, the site sat vacant for over 30 years before being redesigned into a community asset

B’Nai Israel Synagogue East Liberty (2003) A Henry Hornbostel design, this iconic sacred place is now up for sale.

The Union Project Highland Park (2004) The former church has cleaned up its exterior and restored its stained glass windows. It is now home to many community activities and special events.

Overholt Distillery BroadFord (2008) The former rye whiskey site was run by industrialist Henry Clay Frick. The site’s remains are located right along the Youghiogheny River.

Paramount Pictures Film Exchange Uptown (2009) Right along the busy Boulevard of the Allies, the site was considered for demolition but now home to a co-working campus.

Brownsville National Register Historic Distric Brownsville (2003) Home to the National Road and the first cast iron bridge, this business district’s architecture is treasure waiting to be restored.

Beaver P&LE Train Station Beaver (2007) The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation has restored this site back to its former glory as cultural destination.

Monessen Savings & Trust Monessen (2015) YPA toured Monessen this summer to see the potential of this stately bank building located across from the Monessen Area Historical Society.

Dormont Pool Dormont (2005) The summertime favorite was threatened to close after neglected repairs, but community members have created a buzz to keep this South Hills landmark splashing.

Allegheny Commons Pedestrian Bridge Northside (2014) Partners are working together to let you cross again. This site was featured as part of OpenStreetsPGH in August.

6012-18 Penn Avenue East Liberty (2014) While not completely saved, the unique terracotta storefront facades were reused and relocated among new development.

St Cloud Hotel Beaver County (2006) This former railroad era hotel has seen neglect for several decades, but community members still look to reuse it to reflect a railroading heritage.

Strand Theater Zelienople (2005) Movies, musicals, comedy, and more have helped revive the once shuttered theater to become an attraction in this Main Street community.

John Wood’s House Hazelwood (2005) One of Pittsburgh’s oldest known homesteads, this stone home dates back to the 1790s and is for sale with the URA.

McCook Mansion Shadyside (2006) A once forgotten icon of Pittsburgh’s “Millionaire’s Row” has been restored as an inn and special events space.

G.C. Murphy Building West Newton (2008) With three storefronts and ties to a regional favorite, the Murphy Building now sits boarded up.

Hays Woods Hays (2005) The largest tract of undeveloped land in the City of Pittsburgh is set to become the city’s newest and largest park that will preserve our urban forest.

Drover’s Hotel Mexican War Streets (2014) YPA and friends “heartbombed” this corner property in February 2016.

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