Hill House Association, Kaufmann Program Center

Located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, Kaufmann Program Center was a vibrant cultural and recreational hub for the Hill’s predominantly African-American community during its 1930s–1950s heyday. As the major venue for music, theatre, and other cultural events, the building was extensively used by local and national performers. In the 1960s, the building gradually fell to progressive disrepair and was haphazardly renovated in discordant ways that lacked harmony with the original architectural style. The Hill House Association decided to undertake a major improvement project to restore the Kaufmann Center’s original grandeur and its role as a cultural venue for the community.

Design Goals

During a previous renovation in the 1960’s, red metal siding that contained hazardous materials was added. Our team abated and removed the siding and reclad the exterior with a composite wood panel punctuated by new openings for daylight, multi colored translucent resin panels accented with LED edge lighting, and a steel trellis to frame the entrance. The new facade design ties the new addition to the existing building and makes the improved courtyard space more vibrant. The cafe now located on the first floor has a glazed storefront system to open it up to the reinvented courtyard outside. The new courtyard is paved using permeable brick pavers and concrete. The outdoor courtyard space will be used for a summer jazz series and other events.

Completed

2011

Size

18,000 sf.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Role

Design Architect + Interior Architect

Sustainability

LEED Silver

Program

Lobby, ticket box, auditorium, community classrooms, café, event kitchen, restrooms, and administrative space.

Awards

2011 AIA Award of Excellence in Historic Preservation
2011 Masters Builders Association Award Finalist