*Editor’s note: This story is part of our From the Archives series, which reprints old Northside Chronicle stories with only light edits to correct spelling or grammar mistakes. This story is from the October 1996 issue of The Northside Chronicle. Stories are chosen mostly on a random basis, though some are picked for relevancy to current news events.
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh will celebrate the completion of renovations with a weekend of activities starting October 19th. The remodeling was financed by one million dollars in public and private funds that were raised to support the project that provides a new look to the 44-year old facility.
One of the most striking pieces of the renovations is the 32 ft diameter Victorian style glass dome that covers the new education center and Arch Street entrance. The education center features movable partitions that can subdivide the area into classrooms or opened up to provide a space for rentals for parties or gatherings.
A new entrance and outdoor special events plaza have been built adjacent to a new parking lot for 67 cars. The parking area, exclusively for Aviary visitors, is located off an access road from Arch Street. Two greenhouses and a storage barn were razed to accommodate the lot.
Another part of the renovations include rebuilding the Victorian Rose Garden. “The hardscaping has almost been completed,” said director of marketing Frank Moone. “We expect all the paths and walls to be completed before the snow flies,” he continued. The actual landscaping and planting of the area will be next spring.
Since the National Aviary is situated in West Park, a city historic site, all changes to the exterior structure of the buildings had to be approved by the Historic Review Commission as well as the adjacent neighborhoods.
One reason for the changes was to eliminate the “drab, institutional Army barracks look the building has had since it opened in 1952,” said executive director Dayton Baker.
“Some uncooperative weather and delay in receiving materials has held up the final completion of the renovations. However, the celebration will proceed as we originally scheduled,” said Moone.
Visitors for the Aviary on the 19th will receive free admission. There will be bird shows and a special appearance by Mother Nature. Also there will be special performances on both Saturday and Sunday.
Special guests including the Pirate Parrot, Mc-Gruff the Crime Dog, Freddie the Fish and the 3WS Toukie Touki Bird will be on hand throughout the weekend.
“This is the opening phase to make the Aviary a more attractive family destination as well as provide a facility for education,” said Moone. “Our next step is to raise between $3 and $6 million more dollars for Phase I to remodel or add exhibition space.”
