The CDCP is pleased to announce a new grant initiative called the Civic Design Grant. This grant of up to $50,000 will be awarded through the CDCP’s Design Fund program as a complement to its ongoing grant-making activities. This new grant celebrates three significant anniversaries. As Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th, and as the CDCP turns 40, this annual grant award kicks off the Design Fund's 20th birthday with the largest grant offered in the program's history. Since 1988, the program has awarded over $1 million in grants to community-based organizations in the City of Pittsburgh, which has been the catalyst for over $95 million in new community reinvestment. Visit our website for more information or to apply.
Join us to celebrate the 15th anniversary of PNC Pedal Pittsburgh on Sunday, May 18, 2008. In honor of our anniversary, PNC Pedal Pittsburgh will be a "green" event, achieved by giving riders reusable water bottles, using recycled & biodegradable supplies, and printing on recycled paper, among other efforts. In addition, the CDCP will off-set carbon emissions produced by the event as well as our riders' transportation, underwritten by Sustainable Pittsburgh. Ten new Design Highlights along the routes feature a diverse representation of Pittsburgh's existing and new architecture, green space, and civic projects. Festivities include Latin jazz band Salsamba and lunch provided by Whole Foods Market. Riders can choose from six routes ranging from 6- to 60-miles, easy enough for families with children, challenging enough for a professional cyclist. To register, or for more information, visit www.pedalpittsburgh.org or call 412.232.3545.
ADVOCACY l AIA Pittsburgh's Build Pittsburgh 2008 Conference
AIA Pittsburgh will host Build Pittsburgh 2008 on April 24, an annual conference bringing together architects and built industry professionals. The sessions include Is Anyone Listening? Giving Voice to Design Advocacy, presented by a panel of representatives from the Pittsburgh Civic Design Coalition as well as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Next Page editor John Allison. Panelists will engage participants in a discussion of the role and responsibility of the architectural community in public dialogue and the importance of design advocacy. To register for Build Pittsburgh 2008, visit www.aiapgh.org or call 412.471.9548
PARTNERSHIP l Power of Light Program Lighting Communities
Launched in late 2007, Duquesne Light Company's Power of Light program aims to enhance local communities through the lighting of neighborhood assets and public spaces. The program will focus on illuminating regional and neighborhood landmarks, as well as on lighting initiatives promoting economic vitality, safety and security. The CDCP is assisting Duquesne Light in identifying projects that best fit the Power of Light program's goals. More information is available in the "Our Community" section of Duquesne Light's website, www.duquesnelight.com.
REPORT l Pancakes Draw CDCP Supporters
The PNC Pedal Pittsburgh Pancake Breakfast attracted our hungry supporters to Whole Foods Market on April 5. The Salsamba trio added to the festivities by performing in the cafe, and Trek joined the CDCP outside with information about bicycling. Two lucky people won the raffle for a children's bike carrier and a Whole Foods Market gift card. The event raised over $1,000 to support the CDCP's programs; thank you to all of our supporters who enjoyed breakfast!
ON THE ROAD lPhiladelphia & Chicago Conferences Draw CDCP Staff
Jason Vrabel, Design Fund Program Director, attended the Local Initiatives Support Corporation's (LISC) conference in Chicago March 26-27. The conference showcased LISC's New Communities program, a comprehensive neighborhood renewal strategy that proved successful in 16 Chicago neighborhoods.
In Philadelphia Anne-Marie Lubenau, President & CEO, attended Reinventing Older Communities March 26-28. The Reinventing conference has become a major meeting ground for policymakers, community developers, lenders, funders, planners, and government representatives who want to learn from leading practitioners and researchers around the country.
CDCP Celebrates 40 Years of Promoting Good Design in Pittsburgh’s Neighborhoods
mission The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP) is a non-profit organization that improves quality of life by encouraging good design of the built environment. By 2015, our vision is to establish Pittsburgh as a recognized place where good design of the built environment is a defining feature.
