Preservationists hope to block demolition of Squirrel Hill home

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The new owners of a distinctive Squirrel Hill home on Woodland Road that attracts architecture lovers from all over the world are preparing to demolish it. The property has been emptied of its furniture and a large artwork by Roy Lichtenstein.

The owners, William and Patricia Snyder, have lavished attention, money and time since May 2017 on a careful restoration of another Squirrel Hill landmark next door — a white post-modernist home designed by architect Richard Meier at 118 Woodland Road. The Snyders have applied for a permit to demolish the post-modern house that sits behind theirs at 118A Woodland Road. That home was designed by Robert Venturi, now 93, winner of the 1991 Pritzker Architecture Prize — one of the highesthonors in the field.

But Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation hopes to block any demolition.

If the city grants the permit, for which the Snyders applied July 23, demolition could start Monday after a 15-day waiting period expires. Karamagi Rujumba, director of development and communications for PHLF, said the preservation group will prepare a written nomination of the Venturi house and seek historic designation by the city’s Historic Review Commission, planning commission and Pittsburgh City Council.

“We are working on it right now and will be submitting it before the 15-day waiting period