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National Aviary To Get $23M Makeover

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Oct 28, 2008 8:23 pm US/Eastern

National Aviary To Get $23M Makeover

NORTH SIDE (KDKA) ― Big changes are coming to a beloved Pittsburgh institution.

Officials at the National Aviary on the North Side have announced a $23 million renovation and expansion that they promise will make for an even more interactive experience.

The centerpiece of the project will be the new 225 seat "FliteZone" theater, where birds will fly overhead and walk around guests as part of total immersion educational programs.

"Birds will be flying over your head, around you, maybe even walking in front of you," said project architect Emily Howard of PGAV. "You'll have a chance to get up close and personal with these animals."

Another dramatic new feature will be the rooftop "Raptor Encounter" where birds of prey will be allowed to fly free into nearby West Park. "With open sky as a backdrop guests will witness hawks, black kites and other magnificent birds of prey swoop and dive for food," said Aviary Board Chairman Mike Flinn. "All we can say is pigeons beware!"

The project includes a new public café in a new two-story glass atrium, 10 new exhibits, additional classrooms, more parking, and a new entrance that designers promise will be much easier to find than the current entrance.

"We hope that we won't have visitors standing in the rain or snow at our emergency exit begging to be let in," joked Flinn.

The design presents new exterior views on the east and west sides of the building, with specially designed metal facing designed to look like wings. "We want the National Aviary to look and feel like an aviary, to evoke thoughts of flight, of wings and birds" said Paul Rosenblatt, Principal, SPRINGBOARD Design.

In keeping with a number of other recent renovations to Pittsburgh's public attractions, the Aviary expansion will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, which means the design is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Among the LEED design elements will be a living, planted green roof designed to reduce storm run-off and excessive heating of the building in summer months.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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