Bellevue receives state grant to catalog, gather data about its historic buildings

Tony LaRussa | Tuesday, June 18, 2019 7:08 a.m.

ANDREW BAYNE LIBRARY

The Andrew Bayne Library in Bellevue is among the 1,200 buildings in the borough that are more than 100 years old, according to county records. The community development corporation, Bona Fide Bellevue, recently received a state grant that will be used to catalog and gather data about the borough’s historic buildings.

A non-profit organization focused on revitalizing Bellevue has received a state matching grant that will be used to inventory and gather data on the borough’s historic buildings.

The $7,500 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant will be matched by the community development corporation Bona Fide Bellevue to complete an inventory and survey of all historic buildings and resources located in the square mile borough.

About half of the 2,400 buildings in the borough are at least 100 years old, according to Allegheny County records.

“This grant will support further celebration of our community by the documentation of its resources,” said Chris Driscoll, vice chair of Bona Fide Bellevue.

Driscoll said the data that is gathered will be used to “help to engage neighbors in proactively designing the future of Bellevue’s built landscape to benefit all residents while honoring the area’s heritage.”

The research produced by this project will provide professional reports and data to help make decisions about community development, historic preservation and other initiatives undertaken by the borough.

State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl expressed his support behind this initiative:

“By preserving and building on the past, we can ensure that future generations know about our community’s history, while supporting the vibrant evolution of our neighborhoods,” said state Rep. Adam Ravenstahl, who represents the borough.