Kennywood Park and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium — both celebrating their 125th anniversaries this year — have trolley routes to thank for their origins.
It’s true that the Golden Triangle is uniquely scenic, and it’s also true Pittsburgh has played an outsized role in the nation’s history. But while our pride is justifiable, it also can make locals a bit too gullible, particularly with these stubborn urban myths.
Designed by noted local architect Frederick Scheibler Jr., the home along Beechwood Boulevard has a notable rounded roof that makes it resemble the fungi.
When it opened in 1929 as the city’s tallest structure, crowds of sightseers paid a quarter to visit the rooftop observation deck of the Grant Building — named for the street, which was named for the hill, which was named for the somewhat hapless general.
Noted scientist Rae Stiening grew up in the fanciful Tudor-style home in Mt. Lebanon that features a turret as well as a 6-foot stained glass window of D’Artagnan.
As Pittsburgh has grown and developed, new buildings have emerged throughout the city. But we haven’t ignored our past or demolished it entirely. Meet the visionaries who have argued that historic preservation does not impede progress.
The building originally operated as a tavern, tollhouse and inn on the Washington Pike. It had served patrons for more than 220 years before closing in 2008.