DOCSLIB.ORG

Walking Route Assessments for Altoona Area School District Blair County, Pennsylvania

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Walking Route Assessments for Altoona Area School District Blair County, Pennsylvania Walking Route Assessments for Altoona Area School District Blair County, Pennsylvania Prepared for The WalkWorks Program as part of: Prepared by: The University of Pittsburgh Dr. Mark J. Magalotti P.E Co-Director Richard Feder – Faculty Yuan Hu – Graduate Student Halima Bariyeh – Graduate Student May 27, 2015 Funding is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Background on the WalkWorks Program ..................................................................................................... 3 Evaluation of Potential Walking Routes in the School District .................................................................... 4 County Pedestrian Crash History .............................................................................................................. 4 Municipality Crash Analyses ................................................................................................................ 4 Injury-Severity for Pedestrian Crashes Analyses .................................................................................. 5 Field View of Potential Walking Routes .................................................................................................. 6 Selected Routes for Assessment ................................................................................................................... 6 Downtown Altoona ................................................................................................................................... 6 Juniata Route ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Mansion Route ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Downtown Altoona Walking Route Assessment ........................................................................................ 12 Current Transportation Conditions in the Route Area ............................................................................ 12 Recommended Route Enhancements ...................................................................................................... 13 Downtown Altoona Recommended Route Enhancements ..................................................................... 13 Juniata Walking Route Assessment ............................................................................................................ 16 Current Transportation Conditions in the Route Area ............................................................................ 16 Recommended Route Enhancements ...................................................................................................... 17 Juniata Recommended Route Enhancements ......................................................................................... 17 Mansion Walking Route Assessment ......................................................................................................... 31 Current Transportation Conditions in the Route Area ............................................................................ 31 Recommended Route Enhancements ...................................................................................................... 32 Mansion Recommended Route Enhancements ....................................................................................... 32 Summary and Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 40 2 Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide a walking route assessment for routes in the Altoona Area School District located in Blair County. The assessment provides recommendations to promote walking for three selected areas within the City of Altoona. The following sections of this report provide background on the WalkWorks program, which funded this evaluation, and the investigation conducted by the Center for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure at the University of Pittsburgh. Specific recommendations to improve walkability and promote active transportation in the three selected study areas are offered. This Report includes relatively short-term recommendations with regard to improving walkability. Note, however, it is suggested that Blair County and the City of Altoona consider extending and/or completion of the network of sidewalks along the designated walking routes as well as other locations consistent with the Blair County Comprehensive Plan, which encourages “safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities that promote walking and biking to and from work, school, community centers, downtowns, and other destinations” and includes, among its objectives: Ensuring that sidewalks and bicycle paths are provided in all new development and upgrade/retrofit facilities in existing neighborhoods where such facilities are deteriorating or lacking; and Encouraging connectivity between existing and future neighborhoods, commercial centers, and amenities, such as schools, to facilitate vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian movement. Background on the WalkWorks Program To increase opportunities for physical activity, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Center for Public Health Practice to create a network of fun, fact-filled community-based walking routes and walking groups. This network, a program called WalkWorks, is implemented in school districts that were selected by comparing multiple data sources (i.e., Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, mortality, hospitalization) and measuring capacities of the community to sustain the program. WalkWorks encourages sustainable physical activity through the built environment, social supports, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Walking groups promote physical activity via the walking routes in each county. In addition to social supports and physical activity, WalkWorks promotes policy change via policy briefs, which consolidate national and state recommended and evidence-based policy and environmental approaches. These strategies lay the foundation in Pennsylvania to promote ongoing policy discussion around the benefits of physical activity and provision of walking facilities in communities to facilitate such activity and enhance transportation options. 3 Evaluation of Potential Walking Routes in Altoona As part of the process to develop three walking routes in Altoona, data were collected on pedestrian crash history in Blair County. The purpose of collecting this data is to determine whether there was a pedestrian crash history along any of the routes being considered. If a crash did occur along the proposed route of the walking assessment, the location safety features were considered in more detail. General crash data for the entire County were also gathered to provide information for future route considerations. Also, prior to the selection of the three routes for the walking assessments, a process was used to evaluate many potential locations. The process is summarized in this report section. County Pedestrian Crash History Crash database for Pedestrian crashes was obtained from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This analysis covered a five year period of 2009-2013. The information received included details such as Crash Type, Contributing Factors, Demographic Groups, Time, Location, and Severity of Injury for each reported pedestrian crash in Blair County. Municipality Crash Analyses The following table and graph represent the total pedestrian crashes in Blair County during the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, when there were 20, 23, 37, 33 and 30 crashes respectively. Logan Township and the City of Altoona are among the locations with the highest number of pedestrian crashes within Blair County. Altoona had a total of 86 crashes in the last five years, distributed as following: 14, 11, 27, 21, and 13 pedestrian crashes during the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. MUNICIPALITY 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 07202 - Antis Township 2 2 1 07207 - Greenfield Township 1 1 3 07210 - Logan Township 5 2 3 4 07301 - Altoona City 14 11 27 21 13 07407 - Tyrone Borough 1 1 1 3 3 Everywhere Else 2 6 6 5 7 Blair County- Pedstrians Crash Total 20 23 37 33 30 4 40 Distribution of 35 Pedestrian Crashes Per Municipalities per year 30 25 07301 - Altoona City 27 13 21 Everywhere Else 20 11 07407 - Tyrone Borough 15 07210 - Logan Township 14 7 6 07207 - Greenfield Township 10 5 3 07202 - Antis Township 1 6 3 Number of Crashes per Municipality Municipality per Crashes of Number 5 2 5 4 1 1 1 3 2 3 0 2 2 1 1 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year Injury-Severity for Pedestrian Crashes Analyses As shown in the following graph, the number of severe and fatal pedestrian crashes is noted for the last 5 years. These are a subset of the overall pedestrian crashes shown previously. The number of serious injuries and fatalities for pedestrian crashes within Blair County in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 were 1, 4, 2, 1, and 2 respectively. Number of fatalities and major injury for pedestrian crashes 5 4 3 2 1 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Number of fatalities and major injury for pedestrian
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Rite Aid / Subway
    OFFERING MEMORANDUM RITE AID / SUBWAY 3106 EAST PLEASANT VALLEY BLVD | ALTOONA (BELLWOOD) , PA 16601 EXCLUSIVELY LISTED BY: TABLE OF MATTHEW GORMAN CONTENTS +1 484 567 2340 [email protected] 04 TENANT OVERVIEW MICHAEL SHOVER +1 484 567 2344 06 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS [email protected] Property Highlights Financial Overview Investment Overview THOMAS FINNEGAN +1 484 567 2375 PROPERTY SUMMARY [email protected] 10 Property Photos Aerial Map Location Overview ROBERT THOMPSON Local/Regional Map +1 484 567 3341 Demographics [email protected] © 2017© 2019 CBRE, CBRE, INC. INC.ALL RIGHTS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RESERVED. VIEW PROPERTY VIDEO TENANT OVERVIEW RITE AID / SUBWAY | ALTOONA, PA TENANT OVERVIEW TENANT OVERVIEW FINANCIAL ANALYSIS PROPERTY SUMMARY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS TENANT OVERVIEW Rite Aid is the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast and the third-largest Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that in the United States, employing roughly 89,000 associates. The company primarily serves submarine sandwiches and salads. Subway is one of operates retail drugstores which sell prescription drugs, as well as front- the fastest-growing franchises in the world and, as of June 2017, has end products including over-the-counter medications, health and beauty approximately 44,000 stores located in more than 112 countries. It world's aids, personal care items, cosmetics, household items, convenience foods, largest restaurant chain, serving 7 million made-to-order sandwiches a day. greeting cards, and seasonal merchandise. As of Dec 2, 2017, Rite Aid Founded more than 52 years ago, Subway is still a family-owned business, operated 4,404 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia.
    [Show full text]
  • Sam's Club Operates 597 Membership Warehouse Clubs in 44 U.S
    1 Absolute NNN Lease Investment Opportunity 2500 W Plank Rd | Altoona, PA 16601 Actual Property Image EXCLUSIVELY MARKETED BY: 2 MAX FREEDMAN Lic. # 644481 512.766.2711 | DIRECT [email protected] 2101 S IH 35, Suite 402 Austin, TX 78741 CHRIS SANDS JENNIFER STEIN 844.4.SIG.NNN Lic. # 93103 Lic. # RM422728 www.SIGnnn.com 310.870.3282 | DIRECT 213.446.5366 | DIRECT In Cooperation with JDS Real Estate Services – Lic # RB068057 [email protected] [email protected] © 2018 Sands Investment Group (SIG). The information contained in this ‘Offering Memorandum,’ has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Sands Investment Group does not doubt its accuracy, however, Sands Investment Group makes no guarantee, representation or warranty about the accuracy contained herein. It is the responsibility of each individual to conduct thorough due diligence on any and all information that is passed on about the property to determine it’s accuracy and completeness. Any and all projections, market assumptions and cash flow analysis are used to help determine a potential overview on the property, however there is no guarantee or assurance these projections, market assumptions and cash flow analysis are subject to change with property and market conditions. Sands Investment Group encourages all potential interested buyers to seek advice from your tax, financial and legal advisors before making any real estate purchase and transaction. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Sam’s Club | 2500 W Plank RD | Altoona, PA 16601 Investment Overview Investment Summary Investment Highlights Area Overview Location Map Retail Map Demographics City Overview Tenant Overview Tenant Profile Lease Abstract Lease Summary Rent Roll INVESTMENT OVERVIEW 4 INVESTMENT SUMMARY 5 Sands Investment Group is pleased to present for sale the Sam’s Club located at 2500 W Plank Road in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
    [Show full text]
  • Horseshoe Curve Altoona Pa Train Schedule
    Horseshoe Curve Altoona Pa Train Schedule Heathiest and chiromantical Van relived almost lyrically, though Rodger yelps his Devon shark. Carved and primaeval Stanly never regather his Georgian! Uninvited Hervey never bucketed so lucidly or warble any coreopsis transitively. Philadelphia and at fort roberdeau, but for quick stop in latrobe, horseshoe curve altoona pa, on the date or check reviews. Schedule Evenston WY Americas Best Value column I repay it staff be great project our. We grab an appropriate schedule printed out and available by our gift. The Pennsylvania Railroad Calendar Art of Grif Teller Dan Cupper Grif Teller. The Pennsylvanian is a 444-mile daytime Amtrak train numbered 4243. Pennsylvanian Amtrak Guide. They specify a assess of the trains passing through and experience assist with in finding the vital time please visit. Altoona owes its hook and growth to the Pennsylvania Railroad While most. Railroad execiment Horseshoe Curve National Historic. What is there is do in Altoona PA today? We are visible to ape the most comprehensive project schedule for Horseshoe Curve in Altoona PA and age need your help empty out our progress. Amtrak schedule Altoona to Pittsburgh PA Train tickets and. Horseshoe Curve Altoona Pa Valley Girl Views. Horseshoe Curve Altoona Pa Train Schedule Google Sites. There are 9 places named Altoona in America There is empty place named Altoona in South Africa Cities named Altoona in America Cities named Altoona in South Africa. Norfolk Southern Altoona Area through Live Audio Feed on Broadcastifycom. What prey is Altoona PA in? Railroaders Memorial Museum Altoona Pennsylvania. Stay up passengers and trains? Allegheny Mountain range Altoona is the shot stop before trains battle up the ruin Slope.
    [Show full text]
  • 2030Comprehensiveplan
    2030ComprehensivePlan Adopted - May 2013 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Plan was made possible by the input and enthusiasm of: City Council Councilman David Butterbaugh, Jr. Councilman Mark Geis Councilman Michael Haire Councilman Bruce Kelley Councilman William Neugebauer Mayor William Schirf Vice-Mayor Erik Cagle Planning Commission James Dixon Samuel Frye Robert Gutshall, Chair Randy Isenberg S. Dwight Knouse II Jennifer Mikolajczyk Barbara Wiens-Tuers Staff Administration Joseph F. Weakland, City Manager Altoona Department of Planning and Community Development Lee C. Slusser, AICP, Director Departments of Accounts & Finance/Personnel Omar Strohm, Director Department of Public Works David L. Diedrich, Director Linda Rickens, City Clerk Department of Code Enforcement Kathy Westley, Supervisor Information Technology Department Victor Curfman Altoona Fire Department Tim Hileman, Chief Altoona Police Department Janice Freehling, Chief The Residents and Businesses of Altoona With special thanks to Lawrence D. Carter and Donna Royer who attended nearly every Comprehensive Plan meeting and provided invaluable guidance throughout the planning process. This project was primarily funded by the Community Development Block Grant program, as administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Part 1: Planning Influences Understanding and Exploring Community Patterns Primary Considerations Part 2: Core Plan Elements Mission Statement Goals Action Plan Summary Part 3: Detailed Objectives and Actions Positively Collaborative Positively Livable Positively Resource Rich Positively Oriented Part 4: Background Studies Socio-Economic Trends Market and Real Estate Trends City Budget Comparisons Other Community Characterisitics Existing Conditions Mapping 3 OVERVIEW Altoona’s past contributions to industry and craftsmanship are equally important as its outlook for the decades to come.
    [Show full text]
  • Ahead of the Curve – Altoona Housing Strategy & Downtown Investment
    + AHEAD OF THE CURVE Altoona Housing Strategy & Downtown Investment Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report, which contains conceptual floor plans, construction cost assumptions and pro formas under separate cover, is intended to serve as a tool for future economic development. It is the result of a process engaging individuals and groups heavily invested in providing more attractive opportunities for residents of the Altoona region, both presently and in the future, to live in the city’s downtown core. The study team’s deliverables have been made transparent to permit their assumptions to be modified to reflect 02 new information as warranted in case-by-case situations. + Sponsors John Espenshade, Act 47 Coordinator for the City of Altoona, Department of Community and Economic Development Lee Slusser, Planning Director, City of Altoona Steering Committee Leaders Marty Marasco, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation / Greater Altoona Economic Development Corporation Pat Miller, Altoona Blair County Development Corporation / Greater Altoona Economic Development Corporation Jane Sheffield, Allegheny Ridge Cooperation Team Members Sally Flinn, Fourth River Development LLC Tom Hardy, Fourth River Development LLC John Watson, Fourth River Development LLC FOURTH RIVER DEVELOPMENT LLC Rob Pfaffmann, Pfaffmann and Associates Carl Bergamini, Pfaffmann and Associates Steve McKnight, Fourth Economy Consulting Jack LaQuatra, LaQuatra Bonci Associates John Van Fossen, Looney Ricks Kiss Judy Coutts, AIA Architect PFAFFMANN+ ASSOCIATES John Deklewa, RDC, Inc. AHEAD OF THE CURVE Altoona Housing Strategy & Downtown Investment Plan PREFACE + What is the Altoona Housing Strategy & amenities, for sale or rent, and preferably in walkable settings enjoying closer Downtown Investment Plan? access to neighbors and to dining, entertainment, and recreational destinations.
    [Show full text]
  • ALTOONA HABS No
    CITY OF ALTOQKi HABS No. PA-5784 Bl&ir County Pennsylvania CL PA 7-AUO, PHOTQGRAPHS WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA --"I 1 "i--f?::- snrvsy nationalKT =. -5- 4 ..-* ^ == 1 FarmP - -,- h ben/ics Department of the Interior Washington, B.C. 20013-7127 HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY CITY OF ALTOONA HABS No. PA-5784 INTRODUCTION "They Still Love Me In Altoona" is part of the title of George Bums* 1976 autobiography. The phrase refers to a heartening reception given his vaudeville act by the audience at an Altoona theater during the early years of the comedian's career. It was also an appropriate title choice because of the comedic sound of the word Altoona. The city was reputedly named in 1849 by J. Edgar Thomson, then chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). An assistant engineer later claimed he pointed out to Thomson that generally: words, in the English language, containing the double "o," had some low signification, as "booby," "fool," "poltroon," "spooney," etc. ad in finitum whereas the reverse was as signally trueofwords wherein the single "o" gave the vowel sound, as "noble," "holy," "glory," "heroic," etc. He therefore suggested "Altona" instead, but "Mr. Thompson was not the sort of man to change a plan at the suggestion of another, and 'Altoona' remains."1 In part as a consequence of this unsophisticated sound, the name also served to represent provincial middle America and Burns' long appeal there. Altoona would have proudly accepted the role of standing for quintessential middle America. In fact, city boosters have long tried to place it in that role, describing Altoona as a place "where there is neither the very rich nor the very poor." The city was founded in 1849 as the site of the PRR's main locomotive and car repair and building shops.
    [Show full text]
  • Millennium Theatres
    Millennium Theatres Discovering Community Theatre’s Future By Exploring Its Past Millennium Theatre - I - Millennium Theatres Discovering Community Theatre’s Future By Exploring Its Past Published by Theatre USA With the cooperation of the American Association of Community Theatre & The City of Detroit Department of Recreation, Empowerment Zone Millennium Theatre - II - Theatre USA (formerly IATA/USA) WHAT IS IT? Made up of six national organizations with individual members in every state, Theatre USA is the powerful voice of the USA amateur theatre community speaking to the world. Its parent organization AITA is a non-governmental organization (NGO) having official relations with UNESCO, and is a member of the Standing Committee of International Theatre Organizations. The International Amateur Theatre Association (AITA/IATA) was funded in 1952 in Brussels, Belgium, as the umbrella organization for amateur theatre across the world. (community and educational, young and old). There are literally millions of people around the world actively involved in amateur theatre. These people share a commitment to creative theatrical expression and are members of more than 100,000 community, youth, children’s and education groups. Amateur theatre worldwide is serviced by national AITA/IATA centers such as Theatre USA, Regional Alliances, and Continental service Centers. Most national centers are composed of individual theatre member organizations. Theatre USA has representatives from its six national organizations on its Board: Association for Theatre in Higher Education, AATE –American Alliance for Theatre and Education, AACT– American Association of Community Theatre, BTN – Black Theatre Network, IOD – Institute of Outdoor Drama, EDTA/Thespians – Educational Theatre Association (sponsors of the International Thespians).
    [Show full text]
  • CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 1 Contents
    CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 1 Contents Message From Our President And Executive Director 3 Board Of Directors 4 Past Directors 4 Historical Highlights 4 Funds 6 Funds You Can Create 9 Legacy Society 9 Philanthropy Award Recipients 10 Gifting Options 13 Scholarship Recipients 14 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) Participants 26 Financial Information 27 Grants 27 Grant Recipients 28 Foundation Fellows 33 2 | 2018 ANNUAL REPORT CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 1 Making A Difference Forever “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Would you like to make a difference? A lasting impression? Help others long after you are no longer living? We can help you answer yes to all of those questions and have been helping donors do so for the past 23 years. The Greater Altoona Blair County Community Endowment became a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization on March 24, 1995. This organization, which was started to provide a philanthropic vehicle for those who want to help their communities, is now known as the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation. Here are a few examples of how you can be part of the Community Foundation: • A family establishes a scholarship in memory of their loved one to create a brighter future for a young person that they do not even know. • A fund created to preserve a historic landmark. • A visionary who establishes a fund with no restrictions other than wanting to perpetually help our community. • A fund to support your favorite charities forever. • A firm that loves our community and wants to provide an opportunity for its employees to take part in recommending grants from the company foundation.
    [Show full text]
  • 4Th HISTORY of the ROTARY CLUB of ALTOONA 1980
    4th HISTORY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALTOONA 1980 - 2013 Start with Rotary and good things happen. CONTENTS Why Now? Page 3 Early History of Rotary International Page 5 Chapter One - The 1980’s Page 7 Chapter Two - The 1990’s Page 49 Chapter Three - 2000 – 2010 Page 90 Chapter Four - 2010 – 2013 Page 113 Chapter Five – The Rest of the Stories, Facts and Lists Page 133 ‘Bowling Alone’ Page 155 A Final Word Page 157 Thank You/Acknowledgements Page 158 Indexes Page 162 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The previous histories written and published for the Altoona Rotary Club are included on the CD and online at: www.rotaryofaltoona.org/History.htm HISTORY OF ROTARY CLUB OF ALTOONA, PENNA. February 13, 1940 ROTARY CLUB, NO. 240, ALTOONA, PA 50TH ANNIVERSARY, May 17, 1966 HISTORY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALTOONA, A Chronicle of Notable Events and Activities, March 1980 1 KEYS TO THIS HISTORY By Dick Fruth PP This history tells stories from mid-1979 through mid-2013. Some older stories that were not told in the earlier histories are also included. Most of the stories are told here for the first time although there are reprints from earlier histories, the RotaNote, the Altoona Mirror and other documents. These reprints are appropriately credited and explain why some stories are by persons who are now deceased. The history is organized by year, as a log, indicating significant events in each of the presidential years. In Rotary the presidential year runs from July thru June of the following year. Interspersed within the logs are feature stories of events that are related to a President’s year, and/or about the persons who are named within this log.
    [Show full text]
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission Manuscript Collection 75
    Special Collections and University Archives Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission Manuscript Collection 75 For Scholarly Use Only Last Modified May 9, 2015 Indiana University of Pennsylvania 302 Stapleton Library Indiana, PA 15705-1096 Voice: (724) 357-3039 Fax: (724) 357-4891 Website: www.iup.edu/archives Manuscript Group 75 2 Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission Special Collections and University Archives; Manuscript Collection 75 300 boxes; 300 linear feet Historical Background In 1987, federal legislation was passed to establish the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission within the Department of the Interior. This Commission coordinates America's Industrial Heritage Project, a regional effort to preserve, promote, and interpret the sites and stories of America's industrial heritage in southwestern Pennsylvania. The commission serves as the catalyst for the project's partnership efforts, and through the conservation and commemoration of these industrial sites, the commission will spark economic development in the region. This collection consists of the records of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission, and includes the commission's central files, meeting minutes and agendas, materials published by the Commission and its contracting agencies, and correspondence of the Commission staff. Provenance This collection was donated by Patrick T. Burns in 2014. Restrictions None, this collection is open for research. Property rights reside with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), and the IUP Special Collections and University Archives. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or publish, please contact the Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist. Processor The collection was organized and the finding aid was updated by Harrison Wick on May 9, 2015.
    [Show full text]
  • Mahler Theatre HABS No. PA-5512 1208 12Th Avenue Intown
    Mahler Theatre HABS No. PA-5512 1208 12th Avenue Intown Neighborhood Altoona ^nAC, Blair County < V ^ *" Pennsylvania Q & 1 , A '- T PHOTOGRAPHS WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA Historic American Buildings Survey National Park Service Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 riftfes HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY Pi o, MISHLER THEATRE HABS No. PA-5512 Location: 1208 12th Ave., Altoona, Blair County, Pa. Present Owner: Blair County Arts Foundation (BCAF), a non-profit community corporation organized in 1960. Present Use: The Mishler Theatre now serves as a civic auditorium as well as a center for the performing arts. Significance: The Mishler Theatre is the last remaining downtown theater. Designed as a playhouse by Albert Westover of Philadelphia in 1905-06, and rebuilt after a fire that same year, the theater is a fine example of the Beaux Arts style that dominated public architecture in the early years of the twentieth century. Its brick and Indiana limestone facade is complemented by a lavish interior executed in marble and ornamental plaster in a flamboyant Baroque style. In 1967-69, the theater was the focus of the city's first successful preservation effort. Rescued from demolition in 1965, the building is now renovated and used as a civic auditorium. It stands as a tribute to the foresight and perseverance of the arts community. PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION A. Physical History: 1. Date of erection: 1905-06; rebuilt 1906. The opening performance took place February 15, 1906. Eight months later, the theater was gutted by fire originating in the adjacent Rothert's furniture store.
    [Show full text]
  • Southwestern Pennsylvania, Creating a Cooperative Atmosphere for Exhibits and Waysides, and Access to Sites and AIHP Themes
    INTRODUCTION The America's Industrial Heritage Project combination of local, regional, state, and In the summer of 1987 the Park Service America's Industrial Heritage Project is will emphasize cooperative planning, national interests could "make a collective began a systematic inventory of industrial underway! This innovative and development, and management of the effort to provide for the development of heritage sites and also started data challenging project involves a nine-county region's resources. This will be done by visitor-oriented programs, interpretive collection and research regarding these region in southwestern Pennsylvania, creating a cooperative atmosphere for exhibits and waysides, and access to sites and AIHP themes. After finalization which has an exciting and significant discussion and action among local, state, certain sites of interest and significance." of the Action Plan, in cooperation with history. With its steep-sloped, heavily and federal levels of government in close In 1986 Congress focused on alternative state and local governments, the Park forested hillsides, its rural farmsteads and cooperation with area businesses and 4 of the survey, which called for a regional Service began some site-specific work, small communities nestled in scenic organizations. approach to preservation and promotion, which focused on nationally significant valleys, and its urban industrial centers, and requested that the National Park sites in existing NPS areas and on other the Allegheny Highlands is a diverse and Implementation of the America's Service take a more detailed look at the significant sites that are affiliated directly fascinating region awaiting discovery. Industrial Heritage Project will give region's resources and develop a with project themes.
    [Show full text]