Pfaffmann + Associates

Attached is a link to our August Wilson House Section 106 presentation at Kaufmann Center last night. While the turn out was small, it was a very special with Dr. Larry Glasco and a number of other Hill and AW Historians. Mel Williams, a retired Anthro professor at U.Mich. who grew up on Cassatt St. and is writing about those memories. The video from Walter Hood came thru just in time and is also included in the link below. As always happens when we have events, we learn new ...things about the people and polaces surrounding August Wilson’s life and work. Thanks to the great team of Jeff Slack, Megan Crutcher, Vivian Walker, and Jimmy DeCecco from P+A. Thanks again to the PHMC, NPS and Duquesne for their financial and staff support! https://www.dropbox.com//AAAAACqJevdApWB14fHrGkq7XqDOOeoR1 Since this is part of a Section 106 Historic Preservation Review Process we are required to solicit interested parties to review and comment on the project. Send them to: [email protected] Thanks! We will repost this on our website and FB page. My plays insist that we should not forget or toss away our history. August Wilson See more

AIA 2019 Submissions on exhibit next week!

An update via testimony submitted to PennDOT.. Good Morning Anthony, I have reviewed the CDF document and find that it is a comprehensive analysis of the mosaic...s and captures important considerations for the reinstallation of the mosaic. However, I have two concerns that need to be addressed in the final version: 1. Reinstallation of Mosaic within the lower hill development area: The CDF Document recommends that the Mosaic be installed within the city of Pittsburgh. The history of the Cantini work clearly is a result of the history of the site. Specifically the work was intended to be part of a circulation path regularly used to gain access to the lower hill area path just after the construction of the Civic Arena and adjacent structures. Therefore, a character defining feature of the mosaic is its location in the lower hill area or an approach to the lower hill. This can be further justified by a number of abstracted elements that I believe were inspired by the architectural and urban patterns of the lower hill before and after redevelopment. I noticed in the panels a number of instances where the traditional lights of the city also included classic modernist techniques of abstracting plans, elevation and sections superimposed on one another. There is one specific composition that caught my attention that is easy for many to recognize: The saw tooth roofs of the Connelly School, the old street grids of the lower hill, and the clear bold geometry of the civic arena. This work from my observation (and this is what Cantini wanted to inspire) is an urban palimpsest that allows the observers own memories to be superimposed. There are other references that reinforce this idea: One panel uses the form of ancient colosseums, which is a direct reference to Roman/Italian antecedents. These are just a few examples of why the relocation somewhere in a similar pathway to or within the lower hill would be required and is as important Character Defining Feature. I have mentioned this in previous commentary. I would note that there may be a relatively simple solution very close by. I have attached a conceptual proposal for a new location on the approach to the existing tunnel which will become a ramp leading up to the Chatham Place Street Corner. Please include this quick sketch model as my input on this matter. 2. Relocation Process: While the funds and process for interpretation and reinstallation have not been pursued that I am aware, it should be a high priority for a TRANSPARENT and OPEN process for discussion. This should not happen behind closed doors at City and State agencies, but will full access from Interested parties. The City (URA) has a special obligation through its civic design staff and arts and preservation organizations. A charrette workshop should be considered as mitigation for removal. Thank your for your inclusion of my testimony and commentary on this matter. I look forward to hearing more about the relocation process and offer my help in developing a positive outcome.I should also note that I serve as president of the August Wilson House and I have taken Paul Ellis, executive Director who grew up on Bedford Avenue on a tour of the site. There are so many great opportunities to connect our work on Bedford Avenue, including a current Keystone Planning grant that is underway beginning at the nearby Connelly School (now the Energy Innovation Center). Robert S. Pfaffmann, FAIA, AICP

MBA Award winners...2 of 3! Great job,Landau and Jendoco!