Pittsburgh History: Evolution of The Point and Skyline 1900-1920 Vol. 1

The next series of Posts will focus on the transformation of Pittsburgh’s skyline over the last 100 years.  Volume 1 will discuss the changes in the city and skyline from 1900-1920.  Volume 2 will focus on the changes from 1921-1947.  Volume 3 will cover Renaissance 1 and changes from 1946-1970.  Renaissance 2 completed the city’s transition and Volume 4 will highlight the changes to the skyline from 1971-1989.

Pittsburgh’s topography is what makes the skyline so unique.  The characteristic shape of Pittsburgh’s central business district is a triangular tract carved by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which form the Ohio River.  The Point, Golden Triangle, Three Rivers, and City of Bridges are just some of the names given to Pittsburgh’s skyline.

Pittsburgh 1900-1920

During the early part of the 20th Century, Pittsburgh started to transform itself into the city it is today.  With the money generated by the city’s industrial revolution, investments were made to improve the city’s infrastructure and skyline.  Industrialist Henry Clay Frick was instrumental is shaping the skyline during the early 1900s with the construction of the Frick Building (1902 Grant Street), Farmers Bank Building (1902 Fifth Avenue), Frick Building Annex (1906 Forbes Ave), Oliver Building (1910 Smithfield Street), Union Trust Building (1917  Grant Street), and William Penn Hotel (1914, Grant Street).  Other major skyscrapers build during this time were the Farmers Bank Building (1902 Fifth Avenue), First National Bank Building (1912 Wood Street), Commonwealth (1906, Fourth Avenue) and The Carlyle Building (1906 Fourth Avenue).  If you are interested in downloading an image or to purchase a print, please contact Brady Stewart Studio by phone (724.554.9813) or email bstewartphoto@aol.com.  Additional Images can be viewed at http://bradystewartphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-list.

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