In Progress - Mellon Square Preservation, Interpretation & Management Plan / Heritage Landscapes

Modern Landscapes
Mellon Square Preservation, Interpretation & Management Plan
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Heritage Landscapes recently completed the research component of the Mellon Square Preservation, Interpretation & Management Plan, a project of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Multiple repositories were consulted in research of historic documents pertaining to Mellon Square including the Heinz History Center, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and the project archives of Environmental Planning & Design, formerly Simonds & Simonds, the landscape architects of Mellon Square. Hundreds of documents were uncovered including photographs, slides, project correspondence, sketches, newspaper articles, and construction drawings and specifications. This rich documentary basis was compiled chronologically into a series of binders to capture the history of this modern masterpiece. Analysis of the information has informed the existing conditions assessment and treatment recommendations of the plan. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, Heritage Landscapes is working to ensure this urban masterwork is sustained into the future.

Original Mellon Square design sketches by John O. Simonds were located in the archives of Environmental Planning & Design, successor firm to Simonds & Simonds.

In the late 1940s a preliminary model of Mellon Square was created by Mitchell and Richey and Simonds and Simonds and presented to the political leadership of Pittsburgh for initial feedback and approval.

Once constructed, Mellon Square was a popular urban space within downtown Pittsburgh during the 1970s for people watching, concerts, and lunch time gatherings.

Using many fountain, planter and wall lights the original lighting effect produced an overall glow throughout the space.

Work on Mellon Square during the 1980s improved waterproofing, altered the fountains, and installed a small stage for performances.

The wealth of documentation gathered is compiled in a set of Mellon Square binders with chronologically arranged photographs, articles, correspondence and excerpts from books and 1955 and 1987 construction specifications and plans.

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