Point State Park's first café is set to open this Friday, and it's a gift from the employees of PNC Bank. Located at the southern edge of the city-side lawn, Café at the Point will feature a Mediterranean-style menu of food and drinks. An opening celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. and free refreshments will be served.
Lisa Schroeder, president of
Riverlife, says this café was made possible not only by generous contributions from the PNC Foundation, but PNC employees themselves personally wanted to create this café as a celebration of downtown living.
“[The employees wanted] an addition to downtown Pittsburgh that would really add to people's everyday use of the park and that would compliment the newly renovated park,” Schroeder says.
The café is owned by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and will be operated by Chahine Boulos, owner of Boulos Concessions. The café is scheduled to be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Funding was received from the PNC Foundation, as well as the DCNR, Laurel Foundation, and Riverlife.
DCNR sought Silver LEED certification for the building, which includes a living roof and walls, recycled steel and masonry, natural interior lighting, LED lighting, and a storm water control system.
Schroeder says the living wall replicates the landscape plan of King’s Garden, which was present at the Point in the 18th century. In addition to the historical garden, each table features a graphic and historical fact.
Designed by
Pfaffman + Associates, the café’s exterior also features etched aluminum panels showing an 18th century map of the point, highlighting the site’s role in the French and Indian War. Schroeder says with this etching the café will offer historical information whether the café is open or closed.
Schroeder says the café is a great example of partnerships between public resources like the DCNR and community contributions.
“Together we're really creating a whole new park and lifestyle that's possible in the park,” she says.
Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Lisa Schroeder, Riverlife