Steam Cleaning 100 Years of Soot and Grime
I drive by this structure most days, the corner of Stanton and Negley. It was in bad repair for a long time. Then it started to be cared for and fixed up. Attended some poetry readings here a couple of years ago. The accumulation of soot speaks of another time in Pittsburgh’s history, when the mills ran around the clock,spewing “carbon, sulfur dioxides and gypsum” (residue listed when they cleaned the Cathedral of Learning) . The buildings with the evidence of another time are dwindling. Tomorrow I will get the name of the company who is doing the cleaning and add it to this post.
The Union Project homepage states “Union Project’s purpose is to create connections and opportunities for learning through the arts and through community-based programming intended to serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.” (click here for entire mission statement and more info on space rental and programs, stained glass classes and ceramics)
The right side is already cleaned, and the tower is being worked on now. I was at a red light and got the one man cleaning the tower but turned the corner and pulled over and rolled down the window to catch the other two workers and the contrast of the clean and the remaining visibile sign of the mills.
Beautifying and serving the community.
Diana Nelson Jones wrote an article 12/11/10 in the Post-Gazette about the restoration of all the stained glass windows.
This cannot be easy work!
Dear Blog commenters
We are in the homestretch for the blog giveaway. Looking for the 3000th commenter. Laura suggested next time I be a bit more realistic and not announce the giveaway until closer to the actual goal. Sorry about that. Clearly I calculated incorrectly. The winner will receive the photo print of their choice!
Thanks for looking.
January 19, 2011 at 12:04 am
Wonder what those men are inhaling?
January 19, 2011 at 12:20 am
Since the blog post says steam cleaning, I’d imagine it’s steam.
January 19, 2011 at 1:31 am
I would think they would wear a mask!
January 19, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Not easy work but talk about SATISFACTION
January 19, 2011 at 6:57 am
Oh wow. It looks like a new church. I remember when they cleaned Sacred Heart. It was so loud!
January 19, 2011 at 7:36 am
That was definitely not a better time. Very bad for everyone’s lungs.
January 19, 2011 at 8:08 am
You find the most interesting things to photograph! I’ve never given much thought to how they clean the soot off of these beautiful buildings!
January 19, 2011 at 9:04 am
The interesting things usually find me. Thanks for commenting!
January 19, 2011 at 7:00 pm
I love clean, but while they are steaming off soot are they steaming off personality or perhaps history?
January 19, 2011 at 9:04 am
I learned from Jenna at the Union Project that one side will remain uncleaned!
January 19, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Will the Union Project see your photo-essay? I hope so!! They have cleaned many churches in the East End (S’Liberty?) in recent years!
January 19, 2011 at 9:43 am
Thanks for asking Erica and yes, the Union Project did see the photoblog post today.
They just listed the upcoming class schedule as well if you want to be part of the restoration.
January 19, 2011 at 7:01 pm
Your blog is definitely more fun to read than the Post-Gazette, most mornings. Thanks for this. I’ve been watching the progress of the Union Project…love it when these old places get restored.
January 19, 2011 at 9:55 am
Thanks for the post! We at Union Project are also really excited about the building improvements! The solution is a detergent, slightly more alkaline than what you use to clean your clothes. Also, a back portion of the building will be left historically intact (not cleaned). We will be showcasing all of our improvements at our Spring Open House the first Friday and Saturday in April–everyone is invited!
Also, we have one more stained glass class–February 18,19,20–if anyone wants to participate in the restoration. Registration is available on our website http://www.unionproject.org or 412.363.4550 ex22
Jenna Vanden Brink
Union Project Community Arts Program Coordinator
January 19, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for the post! We at Union Project are also really excited about the building improvements! The solution is a detergent, slightly more alkaline than what you use to clean your clothes. Also, a back portion of the building will be left historically intact (not cleaned). We will be showcasing all of our improvements at our Spring Open House the first Friday and Saturday in April–everyone is invited!
Also, we have one more stained glass class–February 18,19,20–if anyone wants to participate in the restoration. Registration is available on our website http://www.unionproject.org or 412.363.4550 ex22
Jenna Vanden Brink
Union Project Community Arts Program Coordinator
January 19, 2011 at 3:27 pm
It was fun to read this “blog story” as it unfolded one response at a time. They flowed together nicely.
January 19, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Thanks for looking at the blog and leaving a nice comment, Joyce. When are you coming to Pittsburgh again?
January 19, 2011 at 7:03 pm
I love their yellow outfits. Black and gold in every which way in “da burg!”
January 22, 2011 at 4:21 pm