Closed for decades, Pittsburgh's 102-foot lookout is being restored for $3m
The historic North Park Observation Tower in Pittsburgh is poised to reopen its doors after being closed for years. A comprehensive restoration effort is underway, focusing on the beloved 1937 building and its staircase, while also enhancing the surrounding park area with fresh landscaping and improved accessibility. Funded by a mix of public and private investments, the landmark is anticipated…
A 102-foot water tank in Pittsburgh, which previously also functioned as an observation post, is set to reopen after a comprehensive restoration. The North Park Observation Tower, constructed in 1937, is being renovated by the Allegheny County Parks Foundation and local officials. The $3.2 million project aims to repair the tower, enhance safety railings, and restore its 154-step spiral staircase for public use.
Built during the Great Depression with assistance from the Works Progress Administration, the tower initially served as a 300,000-gallon water storage facility while offering visitors a panoramic 360-degree view from its open-air deck, situated at an elevation of over 1,300 feet above sea level. The current closure was due to deteriorating conditions and evolving safety regulations.
Funding for the restoration has been secured through a combination of public and private contributions, including grants from the Babcock Charitable Trust, the Allegheny Foundation, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The restoration will also encompass significant enhancements to the surrounding park grounds, including the implementation of a Prairie School-style landscape design featuring a concrete plaza, stone seating, new trees, improved drainage, and additional parking facilities.
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