Pittsburgh Athletic Association

Last updated
Pittsburgh Athletic Association
PittsburghAthleticAssociation2012.jpg
Pittsburgh Athletic Association
Pittsburgh locator map 2018.png
Red pog.svg
USA Pennsylvania location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location4215 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Coordinates 40°26′42″N79°57′17″W / 40.44500°N 79.95472°W / 40.44500; -79.95472
Area0.5 acres (0.20 ha)
Built1909-1911
Architect Janssen & Abbott
Architectural style Venetian High Renaissance
Part of Schenley Farms Historic District (ID83002213 [1] )
NRHP reference No. 78002338 [1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPDecember 15, 1978
Designated CPJuly 22, 1983
Designated PHLF1970 [2]

The Pittsburgh Athletic Association is a historic, Benno Janssen designed building located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Opened as the home of a private social and athletic club of the same name, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. [3]

Contents

Features

Completed in 1911, the building is an eight-story, steel frame structure clad in stone and terra cotta in the Venetian High Renaissance style. Architect Benno Janssen used a Venetian Renaissance palace as a prototype for his design, seemingly inspired by the Palazzo Corner della Ca' Grande, Palazzo Grimani di San Luca, and Biblioteca Marciana in Venice, all works of the architect Jacopo Sansovino. [3]

The interior features a lobby with 17-foot high coffered ceilings with medallians and rosettes, stone walls, and a marble fireplace. Other featured spaces include the Pennsylvania Room, originally a billiards room, the Schenley Lounge, which originally featured multiple works of art, the Oakland Room, originally a ladies' reception room, a dining room with Palladian windows, and an oak-paneled grille room with a fireplace and barrel-vaulted ceilings. [4] [5]

Located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard in the city's Oakland district, the building faces three other landmark buildings: the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning and William Pitt Union (formerly The Schenley Hotel) as well as the Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial. The latter, as well as the nearby Twentieth Century Club, were also designed by Benno Janssen.

History

Club

The Pittsburgh Athletic Association social club was organized in 1908 by real estate developer Franklin Nicola. Prior to opening of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association building, the club operated out of the Farmer's Bank Building (now razed), downtown at Forbes St (then Diamond) and Smithfield.

The Pittsburgh Athletic Association was a nonprofit membership club which operated until 2017. [6]

It offered comprehensive athletic facilities, sports lessons, spa services, fine dining, and overnight accommodations. Some of the building's more interesting features include a pool on the third floor, full basketball and squash courts, a 16 lane bowling alley, and a room dedicated to former University of Pittsburgh football coach Johnny Majors. The club had several annual events, the most popular including an Easter brunch, a lobster dinner, and collegiate boxing events.

From 1916 to 1920, the PAA fielded an elite amateur ice hockey team featuring such Canadian stars as Herb Drury and brothers Joe and Larry McCormick. The team won the championship of the short-lived National Amateur Hockey League in 1918. [7] When the Olympic Games first included ice hockey in 1920, four of the eleven players on the silver medal-winning U.S. team came from the PAA squad. [8]

At its height, it posted 2,500 members, and was also notable as the place Fred Rogers conducted daily swims. [9] However, in the 2010s the club was facing declining membership, which had dropped to and estimated 200 to 300 members, and faced financial difficulties [10] resulting in a 2017 bankruptcy filing. [11] The lot behind the building was leased and developed into a 10-story hotel. [12]

Sale

In 2017, the building was purchased by the Walnut Capital group for $11.9 million. [13] In 2021, Walnut Capital completed a $25 million in renovations including restoration of the exterior and interior spaces. [14] Originally, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association club intended to rent approximately 20,000 square feet of space in the renovated building for its own use, but decided not to occupy any space and instead pursue possible mergers with other Pittsburgh-area social clubs, thus ending the club's affiliation with the building that bears its name. [14] In 2024, the University of Pittsburgh authorized the purchase the building for $34 million. [15]

In film

5th Avenue exterior of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association Pittsburgh Athletic Association Building (2).jpg
5th Avenue exterior of the Pittsburgh Athletic Association

In 2009, the film Love & Other Drugs , directed by Edward Zwick and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hank Azaria, filmed a scene in the Pittsburgh Athletic Association's Grill Room. The 2010 film, She's Out of My League was partly filmed in the bowling alley. [16]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Pittsburgh</span> Public university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

The University of Pittsburgh is a public state-related research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The university is composed of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges at its urban Pittsburgh campus, home to the university's central administration and around 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The 132-acre Pittsburgh campus includes various historic buildings that are part of the Schenley Farms Historic District, most notably its 42-story Gothic revival centerpiece, the Cathedral of Learning. Pitt is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". It is the second-largest non-government employer in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oakland (Pittsburgh)</span> Place in Pennsylvania, United States

Oakland is the academic and healthcare center of Pittsburgh and one of the city's major cultural centers. Home to three universities, museums, hospitals, shopping venues, restaurants, and recreational activities, this section of the city also includes two city-designated historic districts: the mostly residential Schenley Farms Historic District and the predominantly institutional Oakland Civic Center Historic District, as well as the locally-designated Oakland Square Historic District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schenley Park</span> Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Schenley Park is a large municipal park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located between the neighborhoods of Oakland, Greenfield, and Squirrel Hill. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. In 2011, the park was named one of "America's Coolest City Parks" by Travel + Leisure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cathedral of Learning</span> Building at the University of Pittsburgh

The Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story skyscraper that serves as the centerpiece of the University of Pittsburgh's (Pitt) main campus in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Standing at 535 feet (163 m), the 42-story Late Gothic Revival Cathedral is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere and the second-tallest university building in the world, after the main building of Moscow State University. It is also the second-tallest gothic-styled building in the world, after the Woolworth Building in Manhattan. The Cathedral of Learning was commissioned in 1921 and ground was broken in 1926 under general contractor Stone & Webster. The first class was held in the building in 1931 and its exterior finished in October 1934, prior to its formal dedication in June 1937. It is a Pittsburgh landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schenley High School</span> School in the United States

Schenley High School, located in the North Oakland neighborhood at the edge of the Hill District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a historic building opened in 1916 that was a part of the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The Schenley High School building was closed in June 2008 in a 5–4 vote by the school district due to issues with asbestos. Its staff and students were relocated the following year. The Schenley name was retired and its last class graduated in 2011. On February 28, 2013 the Pittsburgh School Board approved the sale of Schenley High School to the PMC Property Group of Philadelphia in a 5–4 vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Pitt Union</span> United States historic place

The William Pitt Union, which was built in 1898 as the Hotel Schenley, is the student union building of the University of Pittsburgh main campus, and is a Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schenley Plaza</span> Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Schenley Plaza is a public park serving as the grand entrance into Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frick Fine Arts Building</span> Historic building at the University of Pittsburgh

The Henry Clay Frick Fine Arts Building is a landmark Renaissance villa and a contributing property to the Schenley Farms-Oakland Civic Historic District on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. The Frick Fine Arts Building sits on the southern edge of Schenley Plaza, opposite The Carnegie Institute, and is the home of Pitt's History of Art and Architecture Department, Studio Arts Department, and the Frick Fine Arts Library. Before its front steps is Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alumni Hall (University of Pittsburgh)</span> United States historic place

Alumni Hall at the University of Pittsburgh is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark that was formerly known as the Masonic Temple in Pittsburgh. Constructed in 1914-1915, it was designed by renowned architect Benno Janssen of Janssen & Abbot Architects. Other buildings in Pittsburgh's Oakland Cultural District designed by Janssen include the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Mellon Institute, and Pitt's Eberly Hall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allen Hall (University of Pittsburgh)</span> United States historic place

Allen Hall at the University of Pittsburgh is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark and a contributing property to the Schenley Farms National Historic District. Completed in 1914 and originally serving as the home to the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, the six-story Greek Revival building designed by J. H. Giesey now serves as the home of the university's Department of Physics and Astronomy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bellefield Hall</span> United States historic place

Bellefield Hall is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark and is a contributing property to the Schenley Farms Historic District on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh across Bellefield Avenue from Heinz Memorial Chapel and the lawn of the university's Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. A 1924 italianate structure by architect Benno Janssen, it originally served as a Young Men's and Women's Hebrew Association, but now houses rehearsal spaces, classrooms, offices, and a Digital Recording Studio for the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Music, as well as a university gymnasium, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and a 676-seat auditorium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gardner Steel Conference Center</span> United States historic place

Gardner Steel Conference Center (GSCC) is an academic building of the University of Pittsburgh and a contributing property to the Schenley Farms National Historic District and a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schenley Quadrangle</span> Residence halls at the University of Pittsburgh

Schenley Quadrangle is a cluster of University of Pittsburgh ("Pitt") residence halls that is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark and are contributing properties to the Schenley Farms National Historic District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University Club (University of Pittsburgh)</span> United States historic place

The University Club is an eight-story building of the University of Pittsburgh designed by Henry Hornbostel and completed in 1923 that is a contributing property to the Schenley Farms Historic District on the school's campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves as a faculty club with publicly accessible dining, banquet, and conference facilities, while the upper four floors serve as undergraduate student housing referred to as University Hall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Schenley Farms Historic District</span> Historic district in Pennsylvania, United States

The Schenley Farms Historic District, also referred to as the Schenley Farms–Oakland Civic District, is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places that is located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Franklin Felix Nicola (1860–1938) was an American real estate developer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">O'Hara Student Center</span> United States historic place

The O'Hara Student Center, formerly the Concordia Club, is a three-story, 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m2) building on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh on O'Hara Street in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a contributing property to the Schenley Farms National Historic District and the City of Pittsburgh Oakland Civic Center Historic District. The building was acquired by the university in mid-December, 2009. and has since been renovated to house academic and student activity programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Longue Vue Club and Golf Course</span> United States historic place

Longue Vue Club and Golf Course is a historic golf course and clubhouse in Penn Hills Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. It was founded in the 1920s. It was added to the List of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks in 1985, and the National Register of Historic Places on May 10, 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Croatian Fraternal Union Building</span> Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Croatian Fraternal Union Building was a historic building in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was the former headquarters of the Croatian Fraternal Union, the oldest and largest Croatian organization in North America, and a significant site in Croatian American history. The building was designed by Pierre A. Liesch in the Flemish Gothic Revival style and built in 1928–9.

References

[17] [18]

  1. 1 2 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Internet Archive: Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation: PHLF Plaques & Registries". 2007-01-27. Archived from the original on 2007-01-27. Retrieved 2008-02-25.
  3. 1 2 "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: Pittsburgh Athletic Association" (PDF). October 23, 1978. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  4. ↑ Sabatini, Patricia (May 9, 2018). "Details of developer's plans for remaking the Pittsburgh Athletic Association's Oakland clubhouse released". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  5. ↑ Pitz, Marylynne (September 7, 2020). "PAA's owner and architect are polishing and restoring the jewel of Oakland". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  6. ↑ Sabatini, Patricia (August 8, 2017). "Pittsburgh Athletic Association reviewing 10 proposals for clubhouse in Oakland". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  7. ↑ "Winged Head Is Winner". The Pittsburg Press. March 10, 1918. Sports sec., p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Howard, Tom, ed. (1921). Official Ice Hockey Guide and Winter Sports Almanac 1921. Spalding's Athletic Library. New York: American Sports Publishing Co. p. 17 – via Internet Archive.
  9. ↑ "Pittsburgh Athletic Association". Accidentally Wes Anderson. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  10. ↑ Fontaine, Tom (June 30, 2015). "Oakland Hyatt Centric hotel deal could aid Pittsburgh Athletic Association". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  11. ↑ Sabatini, Patricia (May 30, 2017). "Struggling Pittsburgh Athletic Association files for bankruptcy". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  12. ↑ McCart, Melissa; Belko, Mark (February 12, 2019). "Oakland's newest hotel, and a brasserie with a view, is opening Feb. 28". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  13. ↑ Sabatini, Patricia (December 6, 2017). "Walnut Capital agreed to pay $11.9 million for Pittsburgh Athletic Association clubhouse". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  14. 1 2 Belko, Mark (April 27, 2021). "Just in time for Apple? Walnut Capital completes $25M Pittsburgh Athletic Association rehab in Oakland". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  15. ↑ Belko, Mark; Aiken, Maddie (April 5, 2024). "'A unique opportunity:' Pitt trustees approve acquisition of Pittsburgh Athletic Association building". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  16. ↑ Navratil, Liz (2009-09-18). "Jake Gyllenhaal on campus". The Pitt News . Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved 2009-10-28.[ permanent dead link ]
  17. ↑ "Pitt students forced to abandon rented rooms at Pittsburgh Athletic Association". www.post-gazette.com. Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 12, 2017.
  18. ↑ "Pittsburgh Athletic Association's liquor license revoked". www.post-gazette.com. Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 12, 2017.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Pittsburgh Athletic Association at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.