Two historic buildings to be renovated in downtown Pittsburgh

Two more historic buildings in Pittsburgh’s downtown are set to be restored to their original grandeur.

Mayor Bill Peduto announced the restoration of the so-called Skinny Building and the Roberts Jewelers building, both on Wood Street and Forbes Avenue.

 

This story was first published by partner station WESA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Two more historic buildings in Pittsburgh’s downtown are set to be restored to their original grandeur.

Mayor Bill Peduto announced the restoration of the so-called Skinny Building and the Roberts Jewelers building, both on Wood Street and Forbes Avenue.

Standing across from construction on the new PNC building and by the recently restored Italian Sons and Daughters building downtown, Peduto laid out a vision for Pittsburgh that does not shy away from new development, but also harnesses its historic architecture and local businesses so the city doesn’t become another “Anyplace, USA.”

“That’s why it’s absolutely critical whenever we use government money – tax payers’ money – that we do all that we can to preserve our history, our culture and our legacy as a part of an economic strategy of creating uniqueness,” Peduto said.

Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation President, Arthur Ziegler, said the new renovation projects will be paid for by the same $4 million grant that has already funded the exterior restoration of eight historic buildings downtown.

Peduto said he’s directing the Urban Redevelopment Authority to put historic preservation at the core of its strategy going forward.