David Farkas

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF)

The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation was founded in 1964 by a group of citizens who passionately believed that historic preservation, rather than massive demolition, could be a tool for renewing communities, creating pride among residents, and stimulating the economy. At the time, vast amounts of public money were being spent to replace some of Pittsburgh's most historic neighborhoods and commercial areas with characterless architecture, parking lots and roadways. And after more than four decades of work in Allegheny County, PHLF has shown that architectural landmarks and historic neighborhoods are community assets and that historic preservation can be a catalyst for urban renewal. "There is not a preservation organization on the local level anywhere in the country that can match the work of the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation," said Richard Moe, a former President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More than 2,000 members support PHLF's work that is carried out under the guidance of 75 trustees by 20 full-time staff members and 5 part-time employees, plus more than 50 volunteers. PHLF includes a non-profit corporation, Landmarks Community Capital Corporation (LCCC), and a for-profit subsidiary, Landmarks Development Corporation (LDC). LCCC makes loans and obtains grants and investment capital which it uses to finance and develop projects that assist in the revitalization of urban centers, towns, and neighborhoods.