Anyone who's ever driven over the Rankin Bridge has seen the towering behemoth in the distance, and a quick image search of "Carrie Furnace" provides evidence that the former iron ore site, since it closed in 1988, has become a goldmine for daring photographers and street artists. After more than two decades of abandonment, this 168 acre site, symbolic of Pittsburgh's industrial history, is slated to once again become a source of major activity.
The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area is accepting reservations for one and a half hour
Hard Hat Tours of the breathtaking 92 foot tall furnace on August 28, September 18, and October 9, at 8:30, 9:15, 10, and 10:45 a.m. The guided tours of the Mon Valley's last standing blast furnace cost $25 per guest, and offer the public a rare opportunity to learn about the inner workings of this once bustling steel manufacturing center.
The Hard Hat Tours are part of a much larger plan to redevelop the sprawling Carrie Furnace site, which touches five municipalities. Although the furnace itself is a National Historic Site, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Congressman Mike Doyle, various community groups, and representatives from the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area met August 18 at the furnace to discuss plans for creating homes, businesses, and trails on the vacant land.
"It's the last major brownfield site in the County," says Doyle. "I've been working with other local leaders to preserve these valuable historic artifacts and put this land back into productive use."
Since Allegheny County purchased the land in 2005 for $5.75 million, the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County has installed storm water lines and underground vault excavation, which will allow future development to be carried out. The RAAC will be issuing a request for development proposals this fall.
Sign up to receive Pop City each week.
Sourcse: Megan Dardanell, Allegheny County Deputy Director of Communications
Congressman Mike Doyle
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato
Writer:
John FarleyPhotograph copyright John Farley