The Allegheny West Local Review Committee, along with The Allegheny West Civic Council, announces the 13th Annual Allegheny West Preservation Awards. These awards are presented to property owners in Allegheny West who have completed projects over the recent years, retaining or restoring appropriate elements of historic character, and adhering to the neighborhood guidelines. The success of these projects was attained by doing research, creating well thought-out plans, following neighborhood historic guidelines, and working with the neighborhood LRC and the City HRC to seek advice on the application process and guidelines.
The 2023 Award Recipients Are:
Greg Kobulnicky for the restoration of 908 Beech Avenue, main house and ancillary building/electric shop.
The main house, built in 1868, is an example of the Italianate style, the most popular in the Pittsburgh area between 1860 and 1885. It is one of the oldest along Beech Avenue. The ancillary building was added in 1895.
Over the recent years the most prominent reconstruction projects that Greg has undertaken are the replacement of the side porch, highly visible from Beech Avenue, and the reconstruction of the ancillary building in the rear. On the porch, chamfered columns were used, with brackets that match those above the front door. The porch deck and ceiling are tongue and groove wood. The roof is standing seam metal, and the door onto the porch is paneled wood with a glass lite. The new porch reflects the Italianate style.
The new first floor windows along the porch side are wood.
The reconstruction of the ancillary building involved masonry work and the rebuilding of the roof and chimneys. New windows were installed, and a new door added.
This restoration is successful because of the extensive research, well thought-out plans, and adherence to our neighborhood guidelines.
Paula Cellini for the restoration of 929 Western Avenue
This is a very special award because Paula is no longer with us. Not only did she restore the Western Avenue façade of 929 and replace garage doors in the rear, but she served on the LRC and was a strong advocate of historic preservation in Allegheny West.
Paula had just received approvals to add a second floor living space above her garage. She was preparing to start construction. She related her experiences in getting City permits and approvals to LRC members. Her experience in restoration in historic districts, both Allegheny West and Manchester will be greatly missed.