Preservation group moves to put end to demolition of Venturi house

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation will try to get a Squirrel Hill house designated as a city landmark in an effort to prevent the owners from demolishing it.

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks spokesman Karamagi Rujumba said Friday that the group would file a request Monday with the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission.

Efforts to save the house — an attraction for architecture aficionados from around the world — have drawn support from conservationists after

owners William and Patricia Snyder decided to tear it down. Its architect, Robert Venturi, 93, won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, one of the highest accolades in the field, in 1991.

If the city does not grant the request, demolition could begin next week. The property has been emptied of its furnishings.

“We are definitely outraged and regret that anyone would want to demolish a significant piece of architecture that is a masterpiece in postmodern architecture,” Mr. Rujumba said, adding that the house “not only shows off the neighborhood but the City of Pittsburgh.”

The owners, though, say the building is irreparable and not as culturally significant as the History & Landmarks Foundation claims.

“I think at this point to blame the buyer for wanting to demolish it is kind of unfair,” said Sam Berkovitz, a director of the Concept Art Gallery in Regent Square and an adviser to the Snyders.

Aug. 6 is the last day the foundation can file a request to stop demolition efforts. The Snyders applied for a demolition permit July 23, triggering a 15-day review period. On the 16th day after their application — Aug. 7 — the city could grant the permit and demolition could begin.