Oakland is Pittsburgh’s second city center. On this mile and a quarter walk we will discuss how the philanthropy of Mary Schenley and Andrew Carnegie initiated Oakland’s dramatic change from a suburb situated above the industrial river valleys into Pittsburgh’s cultural, educational, and medical center. Central Oakland is one of the finest examples of the City Beautiful movement in America. Sites on the tour include the Cathedral of Learning, Heinz Chapel, the Carnegie Museums, Carnegie Mellon University, Phipps Conservatory, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Paul Tellers, RA is an architect and planner. He was the University Architect at Carnegie Mellon University, the Director of Planning at WTW Architects, Facilities Planning Director for a CUNY college in New York, and a Project Manager for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. In addition to teaching Osher courses, Tellers serves as a guide for historical Pittsburgh tours for Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Rivers of Steel, Bike the Burgh, and Doors Open Pittsburgh. Tellers is currently a docent at the Carnegie Museum of Art and a member of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.