The Herron Hill Pump Station Granted Historic Landmark Designation

Preservation Pittsburgh led efforts to nominate the property in collaboration with PWSA.
Herron Hill Pump Station shortly after construction. Herron Hill Pump Station shortly after construction.

PWSA is proud to announce the City of Pittsburgh Historic Landmark Designation of the Herron Hill Pump Station located at 4501 Centre Avenue in Oakland. Preservation Pittsburgh initiated the accolade in collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh, Councilman Daniel Lavelle, PWSA, Bellfield Citizens Council, and Schenley Farms Civic Association. 

William S. Fraser designed the pump station in a Classical Revival style that incorporates Greek and Roman architectural elements. The structure was built in 1896 and remains an essential part of our water distribution system. Pump stations house equipment that directs water to higher elevations. When originally constructed, it provided water to the hilly eastern neighborhoods allowing for their rapid urban expansion. Oakland has long been an economic center of the city and is currently experiencing a new development wave. This designation’s timing is essential to highlight the structure’s significance to the community and continue to preserve it for future generations.

Herron Hill Pump Station in more recent times. Photo by Jeff Slack of Time and Place, LLC.Herron Hill Pump Station as it stands today. Photo by Jeff Slack of Time & Place, LLC. Slack also authored the historic nomination. Herron Hill Pump Station in more recent times. Photo by Jeff Slack of Time and Place, LLC.Herron Hill Pump Station as it stands today. Photo by Jeff Slack of Time & Place, LLC. Slack also authored the historic nomination.

A City of Pittsburgh Historic Landmark Designation is intended to celebrate our rich history and to establish a foundation for further planning, grant funding, community engagement, and any potential changes to a historic resource. Several other public structures have recently been designated such as Mellon Park, the Jones & Laughlin Building, and the City-County Building. 

The nomination was prepared by Jeff Slack of Time & Place Preservation Services. According to Preservation Pittsburgh, Jeff is an accomplished planner and historical researcher who has led preservation projects in the Pittsburgh area for the past fifteen years. His work includes documenting the significance of little-known architect William S. Fraser and his design of the Herron Hill Pumping Station in Oakland. Jeff presented a free, virtual talk about his research of the pump station on April 15th.

To learn more about the historic landmark designation process and read the entire nomination, visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website.