Group hopes devices improve on a grand view
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It's hard to beat the view of the Downtown skyline from Mount Washington. But the Mount Washington Community Development Corp. will try.
The agency is working with a New England firm to install nine coin-operated viewers along Grandview Avenue to give visitors a beefed up version of the picturesque skyline.
Chris Beichner, executive director of the Mount Washington CDC, said Wednesday the binocular-type viewers, similar to those found at other scenic spots, will allow users to get a closer look at Downtown buildings and the rich architectural detail that graces many of them.
"It's just another opportunity to increase the visitor's experience," he said.
The CDC plans to put eight of the machines at strategic points along Grandview between Shiloh and Merrimac streets. A ninth will be placed in small park at Sweetbriar Street that also features a sculpture depicting a 1770 meeting between George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta.
Mr. Beichner said the CDC selected locations that will give good angles for viewing and won't interfere with the flow of pedestrian traffic. None of the viewers will be located on the existing observation decks on Grandview.
Connecticut-based Tower Optical will be responsible for installing and maintaining the viewers, which will cost 25 cents to use and feature a magnification strength of 10 times. Viewing time would run either 90 seconds or 2 1/2 minutes.
The city Art Commission is set to review the plan at its meeting next week.
If all goes according to schedule, the CDC hopes to have viewers in place for visitors by Memorial Day or early June.
"We want to give [visitors] an opportunity to stay on Mount Washington longer and [to have] a unique view of Downtown Pittsburgh," Mr. Beichner said.
First Published April 22, 2010 12:00 am
