On October 23,
Sarah Heinz House and Mayor Ravenstahl formally accepted a parcel of land donated by
Lamar Advertising to the non-profit organization to
facilitate Heinz House’s $11.4 million dollar expansion.
Lamar’s donation of the former parking lot provides necessary space for a new urban playground that will feature sustainable landscaping and a cookout fire pit for children. The donation also supports Heinz House's goal to provide children with unobstructed views of Pittsburgh’s skyline and green spaces for discovery and learning.
“Sarah Heinz House is greatly appreciative of Lamar and the City of Pittsburgh,” says spokesperson MJ Meenen. “This collaboration is a model of how non-profits can work with city governments and corporate entities for the betterment of our region’s young people.”
In February 2007, Sarah Heinz House will open its new 30,000 square-foot facility designed by
William McDonough + Partners and
Rothschild Doyno Architects; contractor/construction manager is
Dick Corporation.
Nearly doubling the organization’s campus, the building, which is designed for Silver LEED certification, will allow more children to benefit from arts, technology, sports and character-building programs offered by the century-old Boys & Girls Club.
Helping to revitalize the Northside, the new building features a regulation size pool, gymnasium, Fitness Center, dance studio and kitchen.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: MJ Meenen, Sarah Heinz House
Image courtesy of Sarah Heinz House