Cultural Phenomenon
TRANSFORMATION CITY »
Showcasing a 'New America'
The Pittsburgh region has survived wrenching economic change and emerged with a balanced, innovation-driven economy renowned for health care and life sciences, technology and robotics, higher education and research, financial services, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
NEIGHBORHOODS »
A City Full of Diversity
As a city full of diversity, you will love exploring the culture, food, and atmosphere of Pittsburgh’s 89 unique and ethnically distinctive neighborhoods. Pittsburgh’s downtown is full of the city hustle and bustle, and Squirrel Hill has the quaint charm of a main street-like community. Meanwhile, Oakland, with its many universities, supplies a uniquely intellectual atmosphere. Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and the unique people in them are just waiting for you to come and visit!.
The Buhl Foundation
Contact: Frederick W. Thieman, +1 412.566.2711
Buhl Foundation Creates Community Legacies
Buhl Foundation Leverages its Resources to Encourage People and Organizations to Dream, to Innovate and to Take Action
Synopsis
Henry Buhl, Jr. built his fortune in the retail industry on the North Side of Pittsburgh with his partner, Russell Boggs. Henry Buhl, Jr. died June 11, 1927 and the Buhl Foundation was created as the first multipurpose foundation in Pittsburgh. Mr. Buhl wanted the Foundation to be especially concerned with the "well-being of the citizens of the City of Pittsburgh, and the County of Allegheny."
Overview
One of the first activities of the Buhl Foundation was the construction of Chatham Village. This "English garden community" offered residents low rents while providing aesthetically pleasing individual housing units. In 2005, it was designated a National Historical Landmark. Early Foundation grants also helped establish Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Western Pennsylvania; the School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh; the Pittsburgh Foundation; the University of Pittsburgh Press; Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; Pittsburgh Child Guidance Center; Psychological Services of Pittsburgh; and the Economy League of Western Pennsylvania.
In 1939, another construction project, the Buhl Planetarium was opened. Only the fifth of its kind in the United States, the Planetarium received some $6,000,000 in support from Buhl until its merger with Carnegie Science Center in 1991. It is succeeded by the Buhl Digital Dome where advanced production technology has been translated into 15 different languages and shown in 20 foreign countries.
Civic improvement is also important to the Buhl Foundation which has supported the region's parks and recreational opportunities. The Art Cinema, a pornographic theater, was renovated to become a lively theater venue in the heart of the Cultural District. In the 1990's, a system of wayfinding signage was funded to make the city more accessible to residents and visitors. The Foundation has also funded the WQED History Series produced by Rick Sebak; these engaging videos have helped market Pittsburgh throughout the Public Broadcasting System. Other cultural gems on the North Side, such as the National Aviary, the Pittsburgh Children's Museum and the Mattress Factory have all received support.
The Foundation also administers the Frick Fund which was established in 1909 by industrialist Henry C. Frick, the partner of Andrew Carnegie. One hundred years later, the Frick Fund continues to support public schools in our region.
MEDIA »
Media Resources
Get the inside scoop while you report on the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Find story ideas and media contacts that have the information you need to make deadline.
Media Library
Before you file your story, get the finishing touches right here. From still photography to high-definition B-roll, we have the tools you need to make an impact on your audience.
ENVIRONMENTAL RENAISSANCE »
A view of the David Lawrence Convention Center
Green Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is leading the way in green initiatives. With green buildings located throughout the city and the nation’s first green convention center, we’re rethinking the cityscape and uncovering new ways to keep it green.
