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This quirky, add-on of a building is currently in contention with
Vancouver for being North America's "skinniest" building
(6 feet wide!). And regardless of the outcome, the building
not only testifies to the richness of Pittsburgh's downtown
architecture, but the exciting possibilities inherent in preservation.
It's size limits its uses, but as an art display space its
potential is significant--bringing relevant exhibits to the
Fifth and Forbes area and adding dimension to this historic
retail district. Preservation Pittsburgh fought to save this
district from an urban renewal plan proposed in 1999 that would
have decimated five city blocks of intriguing historic buildings,
just like the Skinny. Main Street style development--which
emphasizes local initiative and a gradual, bottom-up renewal
of retail districts--is best illustrated by the energy and
imagination going into the Skinny Building Project.
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