Another piece of the renovation funding puzzle has fallen into place for the historic Mount Washington branch of the Carnegie Library system, with a $175,000 grant from Allegheny County officials.
A total of $3.9 million in renovations is planned for the neoclassical-style building, built in 1900 by steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Work is expected to start in late spring or early summer of 2019, said Molly Bennett, director of communications and creative services at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
The $175,000 grant awarded last week by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County will be used to help pay for replacing the slate roof, relining copper gutters and installing energy-efficient lighting, both inside and out.
The goal is to make the two-story building fully accessible for people with disabilities. Also new heating, electrical and plumbing systems will be added.
Renovation of the 6,000-square-foot building will create 2,500 square feet of additional activity and meeting space for children and adults.
Renovations “will benefit the whole community. CLP-Mount Washington is a beloved historic treasure along Grandview Avenue and is a valued community resource,” Ms. Bennett said.
The library is across the street from one of the Mount Washington overlooks that give tourists and residents a panoramic view of Pittsburgh and the three rivers that flow through the city.
Last year, the Mount Washington Library had 48,027 visitors and circulated 56,110 books and other items.
The $3.9 million renovation is funded by gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations and government sources. Fundraising is ongoing.
The Carnegie Library system has 18 neighborhood libraries. Mount Washington is the last one to be renovated under the $58 million Neighborhood Library Revitalization Program, which began in 2003.
Linda Wilson Fuoco: lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1953.
First Published: May 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
