Take a peek at Point State Park's newest amenity

Point State Park’s first-ever café and dining patio is open to the public after a launch celebration on Friday, September 16th.The new Café at the Point is made possible with a generous gift by The PNC Foundation, with additional support from DCNR, Laurel Foundation and Riverlife.

Café at the Point sits along the southern edge of the city-side lawn in Point State Park.  It is expected to attract and serve thousands of weekly visitors. The Café is owned by DCNR and operated by concessionaire Chahine Boulos, owner of Boulos Concessions.

PNC employees and The PNC Foundation supported the cafe construction as part of the company's participation in Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary celebration.

At the celebratory event, PNC employees will be serving free refreshments provided by the concessionaire to visitors in the park.  The public is invited to join PNC and DCNR for the celebration. 

PNC has more newly constructed LEED-certified green buildings (74) than any company on earth. The Café at Point compliments the company’s green building accomplishments with features including a living roof and walls; recycled steel and masonry; natural interior lighting; high efficiency external LED light fixtures; and a stormwater control system.  DCNR is seeking a Silver LEED rating for the Café.

 

Café at the Point sits on an expanded terrazzo patio, allowing generous space for tables and chairs and unobstructed access to the path around the city-side lawn.Interpretive elements highlighting the historical location’s role in the French and Indian War are included in the exterior design and on-site amenities.

The Café menu is family-friendly and affordable and includes salads, sandwiches and items with a Mediterranean flair, as well as drinks and ice cream. Walk-up café service will be available seasonally.

The Café was designed by Pittsburgh-based Pfaffmann + Associates, with construction handled by DiMarco Construction Co., Inc. The cost was around $670,000.

Since its dedication in 1974, Point State Park has seen annual visitor totals climb to more than 2.6 million. To provide a more aesthetic and educational experience and better accommodate visitors, DCNR, Riverlife, and Allegheny Conference on Community Development in 2006 embarked on a major renovation project at the park.


Source: Christina Novak, DCNR
Photos: Pfaffmann + Associates; Chuck Alcorn