Burke Building facts for kids
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Burke Building
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 Location in Pittsburgh
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 209-211 4th Ave., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1836 |
| Architect | Chislett, John |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002335 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 18, 1978 |
The Burke Building in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a really old and important building from 1836. It was the very first big office building in Pittsburgh and played a huge role in the city's money and business area, especially on Fourth Avenue. It's super special because it's the only large building left in Pittsburgh that shows off the Greek Revival style, especially after the huge Great Fire in 1845 that burned down over a thousand buildings! Because of its history and unique style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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The Historic Burke Building
A Landmark from the Past
The Burke Building was built way back in 1836. Imagine how long ago that was! It was designed by an architect named John Chislett. This building wasn't just any building; it was the first really big office building in Pittsburgh. This meant it was a place where many businesses had their offices. It quickly became a very important part of the city's financial district, which is the area where banks and other money-related businesses are located.
Surviving the Great Fire
One of the most amazing things about the Burke Building is that it survived the Great Fire of Pittsburgh in 1845. This fire was a huge disaster for the city. It burned down over a thousand buildings, destroying a big part of Pittsburgh. But the Burke Building stood strong! Because it survived, it's now the only large building left in Pittsburgh that shows off the Greek Revival style. This makes it a very unique and valuable piece of history.
What is Greek Revival Architecture?
The Greek Revival style was popular in the United States in the early to mid-1800s. It was inspired by the grand temples of ancient Greece. Buildings in this style often have tall columns, simple shapes, and a very strong, formal look. They are meant to look impressive and important, just like the ancient Greek buildings that inspired them. The Burke Building is a great example of this style, with its strong lines and classic design.
A Recognized Historic Place
Because of its age, its unique architectural style, and its survival through the Great Fire, the Burke Building is considered very important. On September 18, 1978, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government that recognizes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Being on this list helps protect the building and makes sure its history is remembered for future generations.
The Burke Building is a private building, meaning it's owned by individuals or a company, not the government. It covers about 0.3 acres of land. It's a true survivor and a reminder of Pittsburgh's early days.
