Press Release – DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh Showcases The South Side Neighborhood
Media Contact:
Bonnie Baxter
Founder/Executive Director
DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh
412-583-1424
bonnie@DoorsOpenPgh.org
DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh Showcases The South Side Neighborhood
DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh Presents: The South Side Neighborhood Event Saturday, September 23rd from 10AM - 4PM.
Pittsburgh, PA, September 5, 2023—DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit, invites the public to embark on an unparalleled journey through The South Side, like never before, on Saturday, September 23rd, from 10 am to 4 pm.
This immersive self-guided neighborhood event promises to impress visitors with the cultural and architectural highlights of one of Pittsburgh’s most historic and renowned urban communities. Brimming with history and chock full of charm, the South Side Flats stands as a neighborhood worthy of exploration, boasting a plethora of multi-generational small businesses, exquisite churches, community treasures, and captivating public art. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to venture behind the scenes, partake in unique experiences, and explore the historical and revitalized spaces within more than a dozen buildings that are rarely accessible to the general public.
Inspired by the resounding success of its annual open-house event downtown (next scheduled for Spring 2024), DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh has expanded its tour calendar to feature two additional neighborhood events each year, adhering to the same successful format. The South Side neighborhood was selected for its endearing fusion of the old and new—a celebration of modern and reimagined residential, artistic, and community spaces alongside historic religious institutions and multi-generational small businesses held dearly by Pittsburghers. The event on September 23rd presents an ideal opportunity for attendees to uncover the hidden gems of the South Side Flats and engage with its passionate residents who take pride in sharing the stories of the neighborhood they call "home."
Bonnie Baxter, Founder & Executive Director of DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh, elaborates, “This thoughtfully curated event format provides individuals with a compelling reason to experience the South Side in an entirely new light. Our guests are encouraged to be nebby and connect with the individuals who contribute to the distinctiveness of each of these remarkable places within the South Side community. Events such as this can truly show how a genuine understanding and appreciation of our diverse neighborhoods can take root.”
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Guests will be treated to an immersive experience within over a dozen buildings, each brimming with spaces that have been reimagined for recreation, artistry, worship, and retail. Highlights include:
The Pretzel Shop: Witness the twisting process in action and view the original 1872 wall ovens.
City Theatre Company: Gain exclusive access to five historic buildings, including the Mainstage, Lillie Theatre, and Chosky Production Center.
Fireborn Studios: Participate in creative process demonstrations within the expansive clay studio, and try your hand at a pottery wheel.
The Traveler’s Rest Hotel: Admire the stunning 15’ ceilings and original 1883 woodwork, and explore the interior of the original A.M. Byers Wrought Iron Pipe Co. wall safe.
Historic Churches: Delve into the sanctuaries, icons, and relics of four historic churches: St. Adalbert (Mary Queen of Peace) Catholic Church, St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, St. John the Baptist Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church, and Holy Assumption of St. Mary Orthodox Church.
Additionally, attendees will be able to revel in public art and seize meet-the-artist opportunities:
Brew House Arts: Explore the contemporary interior gallery space, browse memorabilia from the building's past as Duquesne Brewery, and engage in a meet-the-artist session from 1 pm to 4 pm with Carin Mincemoyer and her outdoor installation, "Dandelions."
Cupka’s Parrot Mural: Join a meet-the-artist session from 1 pm to 4 pm with Jeremy Raymer.
“The Fence” at Wrights Way: Discover the community art initiative led by fiber artist Delli Speers.
For a comprehensive list of venues and attractions, visit: https://www.doorsopenpgh.org/building-list-southside-2023
Tickets are available online at $20 for general admission, with discounts for children and seniors. All DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh tours and events require online ticket purchases before the event. Ticket sales for The South Side Neighborhood event will close at 3 pm on the day of the event. For additional event information and ticket purchase, please visit: https://www.doorsopenpgh.org/tour-calendar/doors-open-pittsburgh-southside-2023
The 2023 tour season is made possible in part by support from the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council through its Allegheny Arts Revival Grant and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support for the 2023 South Side Event is generously provided by the South Side Community Council, IFMA Pittsburgh, Koppers, The Grable Foundation, Visit Pittsburgh, Mariani & Richards, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and The Mendel and Sylvia Solomon Charitable Trust.
About DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh: DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting the exploration and appreciation of Pittsburgh's architecture, history, and design heritage. Through exclusive behind-the-scenes access to significant buildings across the city's diverse neighborhoods and business districts, DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh sparks curiosity and invites individuals to discover the essence of the city. #BeNebby.
RESOURCES
DOP South Side Neighborhood Event digital promo kit
About DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh: We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that exists to educate and stimulate the exploration and appreciation of Pittsburgh’s architecture, history, and design heritage. We provide unique behind-the-scenes access to significant buildings across the City’s diverse neighborhoods and business districts. We invite curiosity. #BeNebby. We are supported, in part, by a generous grant from PA Department of Community and Economic Development/The Pennsylvania Tourism Office/visitPA.com
DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh, Inc. (501c3).