Allegheny Public Square Plaza / Park, North Side, Pittsburgh
Formerly Known as Diamond Square & as Ober Park
Now Known As Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square
1970s-era photograph of the Allegheny Square Fountain and Amphitheater,
with The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science in the background.
This image comes from a postcard sold in the gift shop of Buhl Planetarium.
Authored By
Glenn A. Walsh ***
Sponsored By
Friends of the Zeiss
Electronic Mail: <
allegsq@planetarium.cc > ***
Internet Web Site Cover Page: <
http://www.planetarium.cc >
Twitter Page:
SpaceWatchtower ***
Facebook Page:
SpaceWatchtower ***
Blog Page:
SpaceWatchtower
2008 January
SpaceWatchtower Blog |
Earlier known as Diamond Square and Ober Park, Allegheny Public Square is the site of the original town square of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania (which was annexed to become the North Side of Pittsburgh in December of 1907), in front of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science and caddy-corner to America's first publicly-funded Carnegie Library, Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny and the very first Carnegie Hall (which now contains the New Hazlett Theater).
Allegheny Public Square Plaza Rehabilitation Project
The winner of the 2007 Design Competion of Ideas for Allegheny Public Square (sponsored by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh) is Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture, San Francisco, California.
Photographs of Allegheny Square Through the Years
Diamond Square (1937 - 1938): 1937 April 23 - Image 1 *** 1937 April 23 - Image 2 *** 1938 Oct. 22
Ober Park (1950s) *** Allegheny Square with Fountain / Amphitheater (1970s) *** Allegheny Square Fountain / Amphitheater, looking west (1980s) (5).
Allegheny Square Amphitheater, looking north toward Buhl Planetarium (early 1980s) (5)
Annual Summer "Solstice Day" Event Held by Buhl Planetarium on Allegheny Square Plaza (June 21):
* Display of Tripoli Rocketry Association rockets in front of Buhl Planetarium (Allegheny Square Plaza), 1984 June 21 (5).
Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square
(2012 June to Present)(Unless otherwise indicated, all of the following photographs - 2023 June - Image Source: Friends of the Zeiss; Photographer: Glenn A. Walsh)
Feature Water (H2O) Sculpture: "Cloud Arbor" by Ned Kahn - Explanatory Sign
Poles Without Water: Link 1 - Looking from Northwest Entrance *** Link 2
Water Sculpture Photographs: Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3 *** Link 4 *** Link 5
Buhl Community Park & Allegheny Square Plaza ---
Park (views from south end of park) -
Looking northeast toward The Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny building: Link 1 *** Link 2
Looking north toward The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building: Link 1 *** Link 2
Institutions & Facilities Adjacent to Buhl Community Park & Allegheny Square Plaza ---
Transportation on Children's Way (formerly a portion of Allegheny Square West) - between The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building and the former Allegheny Center Mall (now Nova Place); particularly useful to the general public when an A & P grocery store existed on the lower level of the Allegheny Center Mall in the 1960s (at that time, Giant Eagle and Kroger also had grocery stores on the Lower North Side of Pittsburgh) -
Taxi Cab Stand: Link 1 *** Link 2
Bus Stop - Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT), Now Doing Business As Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) -
Served by Bus Route 54C / 54D North Side - Oakland - South Side; bus route originates and terminates at Children's Way / Allegheny Square West bus stop.
Formerly 77 / 54 Streetcar Line (known as "The Flyin' Fraction", made famous by well-known WWSW-AM and later KDKA-AM morning drive-time radio personality Rege Cordic, from his "Cordic and Company" radio program.
Formerly served by Bus Route 19C City View shuttle bus service, which originated and terminated at the Allegheny Square West bus stop. The 19C was extended from Allegheny Square West into Downtown Pittsburgh on 1977 June 19. Hence, the 19C became one of the oddballs of the PAT route numbering system with the 19C numbered local community route becoming a regular Downtown bus route. This was remedied when the 19C was redesignated as the 16F on 1979 September 2.
Formerly served by Bus Route 16F City View (now Bus Route 15 Charles Street Valley). Originally, the 16F was a North Side-only shuttle bus numbered 19C, until it was renumbered 16F on 1979 September 2. During a complete renumbering of PAT routes in 2011 [except the Light Rail Subway Lines which received color designations in March of 2010 (six months after MARTA Subway Lines in Atlanta received color designations on 2009 October 1) and the eight major Oakland bus routes (61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D)], the 16F City View and 16F Charles Street bus routes were consolidated and redesignated as Bus Route 15 Charles Street Valley to Northview Heights and Summer Hill. At that time, this bus route stopped serving the Children's Way / Allegheny Square West bus stop.
Formerly served by Bus Route 34B Mount Washington to North Side shuttle bus service via the West End Bridge; bus route originated and terminated at Allegheny Square West bus stop. 34B bus route discontinued on 1981 August 30.
Bus Stop Photographs: Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3 *** Link 4
Port Authority Staff Porta-Jon - This porta-jon was not necessary, and did not exist, when The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science / Buhl Science Center was open to the public (1939 to 1991). Buhl Planetarium was open every day of the year except Christmas Day, and several evenings a week (no less than four evenings each week). Buhl Planetarium management allowed PAT bus drivers, in uniform, to enter Buhl Planetarium and use Buhl's restrooms (located on the Lower Level Mezzanine) for no charge. One day, one bus driver mentioned to the author (Glenn A. Walsh) his appreciation for the ability to use a clean restroom in the Buhl Planetarium building, for no charge; he said he made it a point to alert other bus drivers to the access to the Buhl Planetarium restrooms.
Porta-Jon Photographs:
Link 1 ***
Link 2 ***
Link 3 ****
Link 4
Other Facilities and Artifacts Adjacent to Buhl Community Park and Allegheny Square Plaza
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building (1939)
The Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny building (1890 - First publicly-funded Carnegie Library in America)
Carnegie Hall / New Hazlett Theater (1890 - World's First Carnegie Hall)
Old Allegheny Post Office building (1897)
Old Allegheny Market House - previously located across East Ohio Street from The Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny: Historical Marker located across Children's Way from the Old Allegheny Post Office building
Nearby Institutions
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (1939 to 1991)
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Regional Branch
Originally Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny (1890 to 2006)
First Publicly-Funded Carnegie Library in America
Carnegie Hall - now home to the
New Hazlett Theater
World's First Carnegie Hall
Old Allegheny Post Office - now home to the Children's Museum
Boggs and Buhl Department Store (building demolished - 1869 to 1958)
Allegheny Center Mall and Office and Apartment Complex
NRG Thermal Natural Gas Steam Plant (serving North Side institutions)
Other Lower North Side Neighbors of Allegheny Public Square Plaza/Park
History of the Lower North Side of Pittsburgh
Including Buhl Planetarium and Carnegie Library
News Regarding Allegheny Square and Proposed Rehabilitation
SpaceWatchtower Blog |
"HFF Announces $127.5M Financing for Nova Place and 106 Isabella in Pittsburgh." News Release.
BusinessWire.com 2017 Sept. 18.
Nova Place, a former urban mall that was converted into office use in the early 1990’s, comprises three office complexes
totaling 1,250,702 square feet – Concourse, Tower 1 and Tower 2 - and a 3,000-space parking garage. The property is
86 percent leased.
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building and the original
Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny
building are located just north of Nova Place (former Allegheny Center complex), in
Allegheny Square.
Blazina, Ed.
"Work starts on bike lanes around Allegheny Circle on Pittsburgh's North Side."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2017 Sept. 12.
The city’s long-term goal is to reconnect East and West Ohio streets, with the street running through the plaza at Nova Place and in front of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (including original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building) and the New Hazlett Theater (and the adjacent Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny building). The city already owns the rights of way for most of that project.
"Two-way bike lanes to be added to Allegheny Circle."
The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh 2017 Sept. 12.
Strebig, Neil.
"Closer look at AGH’s proposed Institution Master Plan for new cancer center."
The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh 2017 Sept. 8.
Paletta, Anthony.
"Renewing Renewal in Pittsburgh."
CityLab.com 2017 Sept. 5.
Neither catastrophic nor beloved, the post-war regeneration of Allegheny Center has quietly gone stale in recent years. Today, it’s getting a much needed facelift.
Over 500 buildings and 850 families were removed and all but about ten structures within 30 blocks in the area. Preservationists scored successes in retaining the former city’s Carnegie Library, Buhl Planetarium, and Post Office, but nearly all else was leveled, including a historic market house.
Batz, Jr., Bob.
"Even the partial eclipse can be totally fun at Pittsburgh-area events."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2017 Aug. 13.
The local hot spot to be for this one will be Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore, which is going all out with activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Monday.
With admission, Science Center guests can safely view it on equipment including a solar telescope. They can also watch live video feeds of the total eclipse in other places in the Science Stage, with commentary by center experts. There’ll even be a chance to use a solar telescope to take a photo with your mobile phone.
For an additional $5 ($3 for members), guests can get reserved seats in Buhl Planetarium for live feeds with commentary plus other shows and demonstrations, and those tickets come with a set of eclipse glasses.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on the North Side is holding an “Eclipse Viewing Celebration from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 21. Guests will gather in front of the museum not just watch to directly through glasses, but also to hear eclipse folktales from around the world. In the museum’s Makeshop, guests can make their own pinhole projector to indirectly view the eclipse.
Mt. Lebanon Library’s 1 to 4 p.m. viewing party will include live feeds on a big screen indoors and, weather permitting, a safe-for-solar-viewing telescope provided by the Friends of the Zeiss (friendsofthezeiss.org).
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Snowballs on the First Day of Summer!" Blog Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2015 June 21.
Kirkland, Kevin.
"Century Club: Arts and education supporter Ann Power Wardrop turns 100." Column: Century Club.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2015 March 3.
As Life Trustee of The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Ann Wardrop was instrumental in having "Labor," the Andrew Carnegie memorial to his mentor, Col. James Anderson, reconstructed in the late 1980s. Originally donated to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania in 1904 by Andrew Carnegie, the Daniel Chester French memorial, which includes the statue, "The Reading Blacksmith," was originally located adjacent to the original Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny building at the corner of East Ohio Street and Federal Street (now known as Allegheny Square, caddy-corner to the Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square). The memorial was reconstructed directly across a pedestrian mall walkway (former Federal Street) from the main library entrance, on the east lawn of Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Northside Chronicle: Buhl Planetarium Turns 75." Blog Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2014 Feb. 8.
The 2014 February edition of North Side Pittsburgh's monthly newspaper, The Northside Chronicle,
includes a feature article on the 75th year of Pittsburgh's Buhl Planetarium.
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Historic Buhl Planetarium Flag Pole Refurbished, Back-in-Use." Blog Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2013 Dec. 7.
Also see:
The Historic Flag Pole At Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Laserium: 40th Anniversary." Blog Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2013 Nov. 19.
2013 November 19 marks the 40th anniversary of the musical concert set to laser lights known as Laserium,
once seen in many planetaria worldwide, including Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of
Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center). As Laserium is considered the first on-going laser show that
was not part of a special or one-time event, it is also thought that Laserium launched the international
laser display industry.
Zlatos, Bill.
"Pittsburgh's Buhl Foundation to focus efforts on North Side."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2013 Nov. 14.
Buhl made a fortune in retail with his partner, Russell Boggs. The Boggs and Buhl Department Store sat across from what now is the
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (inside The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building), and Buhl never forgot that much of his
money came from the North Side.
Buhl has given the museum $2.5 million since 2002. Most of the money went for an expansion in 2004 and the development of Buhl Community
Park in Allegheny Square. Werner said she has been talking with Buhl officials about another expansion of the museum into space once occupied
by the Carnegie Library that closed as a result of a lightning strike in 2006. The library reopened in 2009 (in a new building three blocks north of the
historic building) with $1 million in help from Buhl.
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Carnegie Library Bldg. May Be Reused by Children's Museum." Blog Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2013 Sept. 3.
Regarding the possible reuse of the historic
Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny building, America's first publicly-funded Carnegie Library, by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, as they reused the historic
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building, next-door, in 2004.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Children's Museum may expand into former library."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2013 August 3.
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, which started in 1983 in the basement of the
Old Allegheny Post Office, later occupied the entire post office building, and expanded into the original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science in 2004, is now considering the possibility of offering programming in the
building that formerly held the Allegheny Regional Branch of The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (the first publicly-funded Carnegie Library in America), in historic
Allegheny Square on the Lower North Side of Pittsburgh.
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square Opens." Blog Posting.
SpaceWatchtower 2012 June 25.
Rebuilt Allegheny Square Plaza/Park, in front of Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
and the original Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, opens to the general public.
Schwarz, Marcus.
"North Side park near Children's Museum will be dedicated Saturday as a welcoming public space."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2012 June 21.
Loeffler, William.
"New Buhl Community Park offers shade, gardens and water."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2012 June 21.
"Party in the Park for the Children's Museum."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2012 June 12.
Party in the Park (annual Children's Museum fundraiser) celebrated the new Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square and the unveiling of the Cloud Arbor sculpture, both rather momentous events for the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Riely, Kaitlynn.
"Active cloud sculpture actually brightens park on North Side."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2012 May 19.
Riely, Kaitlynn.
"Children's Museum of Pittsburgh commissions "cloud factory"."
The Pittsburgh Press On-Line 2012 May 18.
The sculpture, which was about halfway done today and will be completed for the park opening June 23, is unique enough to draw people to Pittsburgh, he said.
Crawley, Dave.
"‘Cloud Arbor’ Created For Children’s Museum."
KDKA-TV 2 2012 May 18.
Work continues on the new Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square.
Walsh, Glenn.
"1 Week: Pittsburgh Subway Extension Open
Precise Times of First Subway Trains." Blog Posting.
SpaceWatchtower 2012 April 1.
New North Side Subway Station is only three blocks from Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science and Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny and Carnegie Hall, in Allegheny Square.
Smydo, Joe.
"North Side park could get new name."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2012 March 6.
Allegheny Public Square on the North Side may be getting a new name.
Pittsburgh City Council President Darlene Harris today introduced legislation that would rename the space "Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square," reflecting the Buhl Foundation's support for the Pittsburgh Children's Museum.
The museum, which is raising more than $6 million to renovate the park, requested the name change.
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science and Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny and Carnegie Hall sit on Allegheny Square.
Conti, John.
"Schenley Plaza gets final touches."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2011 Nov. 13.
Walsh, Glenn A.
"Allegheny Sq Rehab Construction Underway." Electronic Mail-Group Message.
South Hills Backyard Astronomers Mail-Group 2011 Sept. 19.
Rehabilitation has begun for the Allegheny Square Plaza, located in front of Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.
"Work to begin on Allegheny Public Square."
The Northside Chronicle On-Line 2011 August 4.
The (Children's) Museum said that they have 5 million dollars, with a conditional 1 million dollars, raised towards the 6 million dollar goal to build the park. They are still taking donations and offering dedication benches and trees to donors.
Raftis, Alaina.
"Solar Concert Series is a free, fun time outdoors."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2011 July 19.
Annual, Summer Solar Concert Series in Allegheny Square on the North Side; attendees stand or sit in the Allegheny Square Plaza, while the musicians perform from the landing, between the two sets of steps leading to the original entrance of the Buhl Planetarium building.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Tours to explore North Side park."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011 July 12.
On Sept. 14, the walk will focus on Allegheny Square, where a renovation of its sunken plaza is planned. Gather at the Anderson Monument on the east side of the Children's Museum.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Mellon Square gets attention in $8 million update."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011 June 14.
Downtown Pittsburgh's Mellon Square is soon to undergo an $8 million restoration to include a terrace that was never implemented from the original design.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Mellon Square makeover begins."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2011 June 13.
Downtown Pittsburgh's Mellon Square is soon to undergo an $8 million restoration to include a terrace that was never implemented from the original design.
Loeffler, William.
"Market Square regains its historic luster."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2011 May 29.
Batz, Jr., Bob.
"Market Square farmers market opens tomorrow."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2011 May 11.
Belko, Mark.
"City, merchants mark renewed Market Square's first full outdoor season."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011 April 8.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Reader squares accounts of Allegheny plaza." Blog: City Walkabout.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2011 Jan. 24.
Reader Glenn Walsh corrects timing of deterioration of Allegheny Square Plaza.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Children's Museum nears goal for new park." Blog: City Walkabout.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2011 Jan. 21.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Children's Museum has bulk of funds to build park."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2011 Jan. 21.
Gormly, Kellie B.
"Children's Museum to turn unused plaza into green haven."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On-Line 2011 Jan. 20.
Spatter, Sam.
"Former Allegheny Center Mall successful with offices."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 Dec. 28.
Smydo, Joe.
"Mayor presides over opening of renovated Market Square."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2010 Oct. 26.
Vidonic, Bill.
"Market Square's $5 million makeover celebrated."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On-Line 2010 Oct. 26.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Remaking Allegheny Center plaza about ready to begin."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 Sept. 27.
More than $4 million for the $6 million project has been raised, according to the museum's development director, M.J. Meenen. Deputy director Chris Siefert said the project should go to bid before spring and be completed by mid-2012.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"From bad '60s... to no '60s?" Blog.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2010 Sept. 24.
Regarding plans to rehabilitate Allegheny Square Plaza.
Miller, Eric.
"Finding Allegheny: No Car Needed." On-Line Magazine.
The New Colonist 2010.
Zlatos, Bill.
"North Siders laud Children's Museum plans."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 Sept 22.
The museum has raised more than $4 million for the $6 million project (to rebuild Allegheny Square Park). Designed by Andrea "Andie" Cochran of San Francisco, the project will demolish the concrete, fill in the hole and plant 78 trees.
Boren, Jeremy.
"Market Square reopens; businesses eager for patrons."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 Aug. 25.
"The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority is replacing 100-year-old pipes under those streets, said Patty Burk, an executive with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, a group of businesses that managed the $4.75 million overhaul."
Belko, Mark.
"Market Square auto traffic to resume Tuesday."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 Aug. 20.
Zlatos, Bill.
"Children's Museum of Pittsburgh plans meadow-like park with fog sculpture."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 Aug. 16.
Brandolph, Adam.
"Fountains, graffiti wall suggested for Mellon Park overhaul."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 June 15.
Rehabilitation of Mellon Park in Shadyside.
Harding, Margaret.
"Farmers back in Market Square after construction moved them last year."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 June 4.
"Work on the $5.1 million renovation project — which will transform Market Square into a European piazza — is scheduled to be completed by fall."
Zlatos, Bill.
"Face-lift on horizon for disintegrating Mellon Square."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2010 May 16.
Regarding $11 million restoration planned for Mellon Square, Downtown.
Nelson Jones, Diana.
"Board examines Market Square outdoor dining barriers."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2010 May 13.
O'Neill, Brian.
"Around Town: Days of shoe repair coming to a close for North Side cobbler." Column.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 March 30.
"Young Frank started in shoe repair at Boggs & Buhl, the old North Side department store on Federal Street, for 75 cents an hour in the spring of 1952...
"In 1985, the year before Gimbels closed, Mr. Serrao bought this shop, where he'd been working as a an employee a couple of days a week since the (Allegheny Center) mall opened in 1972."
Kyriazi, Nicholas. A&E / ART & ARCHITECTURE, Weekend Feedback -- 01/21/10
"Modern masterpiece in Allegheny Square." Letter-to-the-Editor.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 Jan. 21.
Belko, Mark.
"Market Square face-lift to begin Aug. 1."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 June 9.
Blazina, Ed.
"$5 million facelift for Market Square."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Feb. 18.
Boren, Jeremy.
"Market Square shapes city's 'third renaissance'"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 Feb. 18.
Heyl, Eric.
"3rd time a charm for Market Square?" Column.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 Feb. 18.
Boren, Jeremy.
"Plans for Market Square detailed"
Pittsburgh Trib p.m. 2009 Feb. 17.
Blazina, Ed.
"City unveils plans for pedestrian-friendly Market Square."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2009 Feb. 17.
McCoy, Adrian.
"Children's Museum still looking to grow."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 June 26.
"Looking ahead to the future, the museum and its neighboring institutions are poised for new growth. The Children's Museum is in the middle of a $22 million capital campaign to raise the funds to create a green park space in the plaza area in front of the museum, extending the kid- and family-friendly environment outdoors and creating an example of how urban spaces can be green by using bioswales -- landscaping elements that use plants to remove pollutants from runoff."
"Public meetings set on Allegheny Center plans."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 April 23.
"Plans for Allegheny Center are subject of forum."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 March 21.
Rosenblum, Charles.
"(Not Quite) Buried Treasure, A new vision for Allegheny Center rises to the surface."
Pittsburgh City Paper 2007 Nov. 29.
"North Side design entries go public."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2007 Oct. 23.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Children's Museum award launches plaza repairs."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2007 July 20.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Places: Schenley Plaza a social success, but not so as park entrance."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2006 Oct. 17.
Altdorfer, John.
"A Park for the People."
PopCitymedia.com 2006 Sept. 6.
Regarding the completion of rehabilitation of Schenley Plaza, in the heart of Pittsburgh's Oakland Civic Center.
"...the main goal of the $10-million makeover was to restore the plaza as the grand entrance to Schenley Park."
Lowry, Patricia.
"Parking lot to become paradise at Schenley Plaza."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2006 June 4.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Schenley Plaza project uproots old trees."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2006 March 25.
Lowry, Patricia.
"New Schenley Plaza plan could benefit from earlier schemes."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2003 Oct. 14.
Lowry, Patricia.
"$5 million redesign of Schenley Plaza approved."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2003 Oct. 2.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Oakland loses parking, gains town square in plaza plan."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2003 Sept. 5.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Competition aims to improve city's historic public spaces."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2001 Feb. 22.
Lowry, Patricia.
"Places: Architects' study offers ways to repair the damage done to the North Side."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 1999 Oct. 23.
|
Date: |
Sat, 21 Jul
2007 12:03:16 -0700 (PDT) |
|
From: |
"Glenn A.
Walsh" |
|
Subject: |
|
|
To: |
"Joe Wos,"
Bill Schlageter |
|
CC: |
"Darlene
M. Harris," "Larry Berger," "Glenn A. Walsh" |
Allegheny Square Plaza Rehabilitation Proposals
By Glenn A. Walsh - 2007 July 21
GIANT SUNDIAL SCULPTUREBy Glenn A. Walsh - 2007 July 21
ALLEGHENY SQUARE FOUNTAIN AND AMPHITHEATER
To: Joe Wos, Children's
Cartoonist & Storyteller
Bill Schlageter,
Marketing Director,
Children's
From: Glenn A. Walsh
Copy: Darlene Harris,
Larry Berger, Host,
Saturday Light Brigade
Radio Program
It was a pleasure speaking with both of you this
morning at the Allegheny Public Square Charette. I
have a few ideas that I would like considered for any
rehabilitation of the
Since there is no actual web site, yet, to post these
ideas, perhaps you two can see to it that these ideas
are circulated to the architects involved with the
project.
1) GIANT SUNDIAL SCULPTURE
My first idea combines science, art, and children,
which makes it a perfect fit for
located in front of the original Buhl Planetarium and
the Children's Museum.
sculpture, one that is large enough for children to
actually play on. Being a sundial, it should be in the
highest elevation possible, and as far away from the
ensure that it receives maximum exposure from the
sun during the day--perhaps at the top of the steps
leading into the sunken plaza and directly in front of
the original Buhl Planetarium.
Since I was employed with the original Buhl
Planetarium from 1982 to 1991, I find this idea
attractive from a scientific perspective. Such a
sculpture could include the cardinal points of the
compass laid-into the bottom of the sculpture, as the
cardinal points of the compass are at the bottom of
the Foucault Pendulum Pit inside the original Buhl
Planetarium. An explanatory sign could accompany the
sculpture, to explain to children how and why this
sculpture actually tells time. I would be pleased to
write such text.
The sculpture would also be large enough for children
to play on it. Of course, this would make it quite
appropriate for a park close to the Children's Museum.
Unfortunately, I cannot claim this to be an original
idea. Such a Giant Sundial Sculpture WAS PROPOSED for
another Lower North Side site more than thirty years
ago, but was never built. It was proposed for the site
of a former ornamental fountain in Allegheny
Avenue and
from
The Giant Sundial Sculpture was proposed by, and was
to funded by, the United Nations Association of
intrigued by the idea.
However, as time went by, old-timers, who no longer
have children, became sentimental about the old
fountain and preferred that the fountain be replaced
instead of a sculpture for children. Of course, there
was no funding to replace the fountain. Today, this
site is simply used as a flower bed.
Once the North Side neighborhood rejected the Giant
Sundial Sculpture proposal, there was a rumor that the
United Nations Association of Pittsburgh may consider
installing such a sculpture at the Highland Park Zoo.
However, my understanding is that this did not happen
and the whole project fell-through.
I had always thought that the plaza directly in front
of the Buhl Planetarium would be a perfect location
for a Giant Sundial Sculpture. Indeed, one year for
Buhl Planetarium's annual Summer "Solstice Day" event
on June 21, Jane Werner painted a sundial on the plaza
at the bottom of the steps leading to Buhl's entrance;
the shadows of children standing in the middle of the
painted sundial were used to tell the time.
Actually, remnants of the paint from this painted
sundial could be seen all the way until construction
began on the Children's Museum's "Nightlight
Building." With all of the construction activity, the
last vestiges of this painted sundial finally
disappeared for good.
As for funding such a Giant Sundial Sculpture, why not
approach the United Nations Association of Pittsburgh?
Since it was their original idea, they may seriously
consider providing the funding to place the sculpture
in the best location for a children's sculpture!
2) RESTORATION OF HISTORIC ASTRONOMICAL INSCRIPTION,
FROM THE BIBLE, ORIGINALLY ON BUHL PLANETARIUM'S EAST
EXTERIOR WALL
As some of you know, I have been HIGHLY AND VERY
PUBLICLY critical of the current disposition of the
fragments from a historic astronomical inscription,
from the Bible, that had been inscribed on the east
wall of the original Buhl Planetarium, prior to the
installation of a giant window in that location
during the Children's Museum renovation.
The text of this historic inscription, from the 19th
Psalm of the Bible, is the following:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the
firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth
speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge."
Here is a photograph of what the historic inscription
looked like, before it was dismantled:
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/Buhl-InscriptionE.JPG
>
Currently, the unorganized fragments of this historic
inscription are strewn over the fenced-in portion of
Buhl Planetarium's east lawn, with some of the
unorganized fragments forming borders of flower beds.
I consider this to be a disgrace!
The rehabilitation of
an opportunity to finally restore this historic
inscription and display it to the public in a
dignified manner.
As with the final court decision, which permitted the
Ten Commandments plaque to remain on the exterior of
the Allegheny County Courthouse due to its historic
significance, the religious content of the Buhl
Planetarium inscription should not be an impediment to
placing it in a public park.
The historic inscription should be accompanied by an
explanatory sign, telling the history of the
inscription and explaining why this particular
Biblical verse was considered appropriate for an
Institute of Popular Science in 1939. As the historian
of the original Buhl Planetarium
< http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com
>,
I would be pleased to write the text of an explanatory
sign to accompany the restored inscription.
I have fond memories of the
and amphitheater. These provided a very welcoming
addition to the entrance of Buhl Planetarium in the
1970s and 1980s. In fact, Buhl Planetarium sold
postcards to the public, in our gift shop, showing
Buhl's entrance with the fountain in front:
< https://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/postcards/buhlfountain.jpg
>
The amphitheater was also quite useful. In addition to
being used for special events, such as the annual
International Children's Festival, during the good
weather months children, visiting Buhl Planetarium
with school groups would often eat their lunch in the
amphitheater.
I think the fountain and the amphitheater are worth
saving and could perform similar functions today, as
they did successfully twenty years ago.
gaw
Glenn A. Walsh
Electronic Mail - < gawalsh@planetarium.cc >
SPACE & SCIENCE NEWS, ASTRONOMICAL CALENDAR:
< https://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/#news
>
Author of History Web Sites on the Internet --
* Buhl Planetarium,
< http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com
>
* Adler Planetarium, Chicago:
< http://adlerplanetarium.tripod.com
>
* Astronomer, Educator, Optician John A. Brashear:
< http://johnbrashear.tripod.com
>
* Andrew Carnegie & Carnegie Libraries:
< http://andrewcarnegie.tripod.com
>
* Duquesne Incline cable-car railway,
< http://incline.pghfree.net
>
* Public Transit:
< http://andrewcarnegie2.tripod.com/transit >
Other Internet Web Sites of Interest
History of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh -Which Housed the Oldest Operable Major Planetarium Projector in the World !
History of The Adler Planetarium
and Astronomy Museum, Chicago -
America's First Major Planetarium !
History of Astronomer, Educator, and Optician John A. Brashear
History of Andrew Carnegie and Carnegie Libraries
The Duquesne
Incline, Pittsburgh -
Historic Cable Car Railway Serving Commuters and Tourists since 1877 !
Master Index |
NEWS: Planetarium, |
Electronic Mail: < allegsq@planetarium.cc > *** Internet Web Site Cover Page: < http://www.planetarium.cc >
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2008 January
NEWS: Planetarium, Astronomy, Space, and Other Sciences
Have a Question About Astronomy or Other Sciences? Ask an Expert from Friends of the Zeiss!
Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves Civil War Reenactment Group, Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory,
The Carnegie Science Center, The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Institute, or The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
This Internet, World Wide Web Site administered by Glenn A.
Walsh.
Unless otherwise indicated, all pages in this web site are --
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2008-2011,
Glenn A. Walsh, All Rights Reserved.
Contact Web Site Administrator: <
allegsq@planetarium.cc >.
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