| Reflect Category |
| This award honors spaces that have embraced their buildings’ original construction. |
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| back to Connect | on to Inspire |
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Blacksmith Studio
East Allegheny, Pittsburgh
The Blacksmith Studio, a compelling, contemporary workspace, houses b.james creative and Robert Baumbach, Building Design. Built in 1867, the building was originally a blacksmith’s shop and, later, a confectionary.
Original plat maps, historical documents and old photographs provided critical information for the façade restoration. Specific details, such as the original windows (that were bricked up in the 1950s) appeared in a 1870s photograph. These photographs enabled Baumbach to maintain the historic design, while incorporating modern design elements and appliances to enhance the creative space.
Baumbach’s task of essentially re-making this space required a serious amount of sweat equity and creative financing – including an historic tax credit, a URA façade grant, and small loan applications. The product is beyond physically fantastic.
Baumbach described the experience of a neighbor during the restoration: “One was an octogenarian who visited the blacksmiths as a child. After reminiscing about turning the smiths’ bent nails into toys, he claimed, ‘This is just like how I remembered it.’ ”
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Original exterior
Restored exterior
Interior before
Interior after |
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Union Project grounds
Set for celebratory events
Restored stained glass
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The Union Project
Highland Park, Pittsburgh
Connect-Create-Celebrate is the Union Project’s slogan and a reflection of the organization’s driving spirit. By acquiring an early 1900s church in the East End, the Union Project was able to bring a diverse neighborhood together to promote and create art, while embracing the power of the community.
The Union Project houses a café, studio and living space for artists, a venue for large events and art courses. By embracing the historic architecture of the building, the Union Project was able to restore stain glass windows and in the process, establish the Glass Action program to teach artists the restoration process.
Other programs are sponsored by the Union Project to advance the community through educational initiatives.
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