Centers for Innovation

Westinghouse R&D Center and the Bell Labs Holmdel

Curious about modern architecture and interested in learning more about some notable architects of the mid-century period? Working to save a modernist site in your community and wondering how to evaluate the potential for adaptive reuse? Do you wish you better understood and appreciated midcentury modernist architecture?

Please join us for a two part webinar that will explore two major examples of midcentury corporate campus design. One is for sale and was nearly demolished for warehouse development. The other has been re-envisioned, revitalized and reopened as Bell Works, a thriving mixed use community hub.

Part I: Westinghouse R&D Center

Speakers Brittany Reilly, founder of the Pittsburgh Modern Committee, and Bill Callahan, Western Pennsylvania Community Preservation Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PASHPO), will discuss the the history and potential future of the former Westinghouse R&D Center (Allegheny County) designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Voorhees, Walker, Foley & Smith between 1953 through the 1980s, as well as the architecture, design, and development of the site, the mid-century trend of landscaped corporate campuses, and the presence of Westinghouse in the region. The session will also address recent proposals for the primarily vacant property and community process. The site was listed on Preservation Pennsylvania's 2022 PA At Risk.

Part II: Bell Labs Holmdel

Cindy Hamilton of Heritage Consulting Group, the preservation consultant for the Bell Works project, and Alexander Gorlin of Alexander Gorlin Architects, will discuss the revitalization of the New Jersey Bell Labs site, an inspiration for the design of the Westinghouse project. Learn about visionary architect Eero Saarinen, the plan and evolution of the Bell Labs site, and the conditions, opportunities and challenges presented by the site. Hear about process involved with the tax credit process, including the research for the National Register nomination.

This event is presented by Preservation Pennsylvania, in partnership with Preservation Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Modern Committee.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

PART I

Bill Callahan is the western Pennsylvania Community Preservation Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PASHPO). The PASHPO is part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Bill is located at the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh. The PASHPO is responsible for implementing state and federal historic preservation programs throughout the Commonwealth. Bill has nearly 30 years’ experience working with federal, state and local historic preservation programs in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Nebraska and has also worked in the private sector, for several years managing two businesses in an historic downtown.

Brittany Reilly is the founder of the Pittsburgh Modern Committee, advocating for the appreciation of our region’s 20th-century Modern and Postmodern architecture, public art and design (circa 1940s-1980s). Since 2018 she has served on the Board of Directors of Preservation Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization committed to our region's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage. Brittany is the Executive Director of the Irving & Aaronel deRoy Gruber Foundation and collection, representing the creative legacy of artist Aaronel deRoy Gruber (1918-2011) through exhibitions and special projects - and oversees the Foundation's support of the arts in Western Pennsylvania.

PART II

Alexander Gorlin is principal at Alexander Gorlin Architects, an award-winning design firm with offices in New York City and Miami. The firm is renowned for its ability to create welcoming spaces with a Modernist aesthetic. The practice is founded on the belief that excellent design should be applied to all realms of society. Projects have included housing, as well as schools, religious institutions, and commercial buildings. The firm's work has received numerous accolades, including multiple Design Excellence Awards from the American Institute of Architects, and has been published in Architectural Digest, Architectural Record, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, Alexander Gorlin was included in Architectural Digest’s AD100 list of top architects and designers for two decades. In 2005, the American Institute of Architects recognized Mr. Gorlin’s significant contribution to the profession by bestowing him with one of its highest honors, that of promotion to Fellowship.

Cindy Hamilton is President of Heritage Consulting Group. Cindy joined Heritage Consulting Group in 2004 and became president in 2021. In this capacity, Cindy develops strategies for owners to maximize rehabilitation incentives and she represents clients in negotiations through all aspects of the historic tax credit process. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Cindy has a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory process and is adept at identifying creative solutions to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. Prior to joining Heritage Consulting, Cindy worked as a Mid-Atlantic regional historic consultant, listing dozens of buildings in the National Register and managing hundreds of historic tax credit projects. With a background in architectural conservation, Cindy developed specialties in historic building technologies and architectural finishes.