The National Register of Historic Places listings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a catalog of properties and historic districts within the city of Pittsburgh that are recognized by the United States federal government for their historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance. These listings are compiled and maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) as part of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Overview
- Geographic scope – The list includes sites located within the municipal boundaries of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It does not cover NRHP sites in the surrounding suburbs or the rest of Allegheny County, which are documented separately.
- Purpose – Inclusion on the NRHP acknowledges a property's historic importance and can provide eligibility for certain preservation incentives, such as federal historic preservation tax credits. It also raises public awareness of the community’s heritage.
- Structure of entries – Each entry typically records:
- Name of the property or district.
- Location (address or geographic coordinates).
- Date of listing on the National Register.
- Reference number assigned by the NPS.
- A brief description of the significance (architectural style, historical association, etc.).
Current listings
The catalog is organized alphabetically and divided into two primary sections:
- Current listings – Active NRHP entries that continue to meet the Register’s criteria.
- Former listings – Properties that were once listed but have been removed, usually due to demolition, loss of historic integrity, or relocation.
Representative examples of current listings
| Property/District | Neighborhood | Date listed | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny County Courthouse | Downtown | 1973 | Designed by architect H.H. Richardson; a landmark of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. |
| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Main Branch) | Oakland | 1971 | Exemplifies Beaux‑Arts design; central to Pittsburgh’s public library system. |
| Duquesne Club | Downtown | 1973 | Noted for its Classical Revival facade and role in the city’s social history. |
| East End Historic District | East End | 1982 | Residential area showcasing Victorian and early 20th‑century architectural styles. |
| Heinz Memorial Chapel (University of Pittsburgh) | Oakland | 1974 | Gothic Revival chapel noted for stained‑glass windows and architectural detailing. |
| The Frick Building | Downtown | 1979 | Early skyscraper illustrating Chicago School design influences. |
| Frick Art Museum | Oakland | 1972 | Adaptive reuse of a historic mansion to house an art collection. |
| Old Allegheny County Jail | Downtown | 1971 | Romanesque Revival penal institution, later converted to a museum and event space. |
| St. Mary of the Mount Church | South Side | 1978 | Gothic Revival church with notable stained glass and interior woodwork. |
| Westinghouse Air Brake Company (Mackintosh Building) | South Side | 1974 | Industrial architecture reflecting early 20th‑century engineering advances. |
The full list contains many additional entries, encompassing a broad range of building types—civic, religious, residential, commercial, and industrial—as well as historic districts that collectively represent Pittsburgh’s development from the 19th to the mid‑20th centuries.
Former listings
Properties that have been delisted are noted separately. Reasons for removal often include demolition, substantial alteration compromising historic integrity, or relocation out of the city limits. Examples (subject to verification) have included:
- Pittsburgh Stock Exchange Building – Demolished in the early 2000s.
- Miller's Bridge – Removed after loss of structural integrity and subsequent demolition.
Significance for preservation
The NRHP listings in Pittsburgh serve several functions:
- Preservation planning – City officials and preservationists reference the list when evaluating development proposals, zoning changes, or historic district designations.
- Funding eligibility – Listed properties may qualify for federal and state preservation grants, tax incentives, and technical assistance.
- Educational and tourism resources – The compiled data supports heritage tourism initiatives and educational programs about the city’s architectural and social history.
Updating the register
The National Register is a dynamic inventory. New properties can be added following nomination by owners, local governments, or preservation organizations, and successful review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the NPS. Conversely, properties may be removed if they no longer retain the qualities that warranted inclusion.
References
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places (official database).
- Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, State Historic Preservation Office listings.
- City of Pittsburgh, Historic Preservation Office publications and maps.
This overview reflects information available from official NRHP documentation and reputable historic preservation sources as of the latest public records.
