Highly efficient Triple-coated low-E glass—featured on the facility’s windows along Pittsburgh’s Penn Avenue—decreases solar heat gain.
Sustainability, energy, and finance professionals from across Appalachia recently gathered at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. For many, it was their first look at the upgraded facility—an airy, well-lit showcase space blending the industrial style of Pittsburgh’s past with modern energy efficiency.
The expansion features efficient lighting, insulation, and reused materials that reduce its energy footprint. The project was funded in part through New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) in partnership with Building America, CDE, a subsidiary of AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. Through public-private partnership, NMTC brings funding to projects that drive economic growth and job creation in communities overlooked by conventional capital markets.
Leaders from the Glass Center and Building America shared more about the funding partnership, the building upgrades’ impact, and what’s next.
Pittsburgh Glass Center’s new facility, completed in 2024.
Investing in Community
“We had clearly overgrown the space,” recalls Rachel Niederberger, Development Director of the Pittsburgh Glass Center. “[But] the Glass Center has such a rich history.”
Since 2001, the Center has offered glassblowing classes, artist residencies, and apprenticeships. The Center has historically been a coveted field trip for Pittsburgh Public Schools, and Rachel recalls sixth graders enjoying their visit. “My guess is that those kids still talk about how amazing the experience was, and it builds a love for the organization and what it does.”
A child and guardian watch a resident artist work at a flameworking torch in the Flame Studio, learning about the creative and chemical processes of hot glass.
By 2018, the Center had outgrown its facility. At the same time, Garfield faced a severe shortage of affordable housing and ranked high on the city's Community Need Index. The Center saw an opportunity—not just to expand, but to create a hub with more studios, artist housing, and sustainability upgrades.
“They really had a holistic plan of expanding in a very meaningful, appropriate and measurable way,” says Harpreet Peleg, Chief Executive Officer of Building America. “[After learning] their long history of impact in their community, we really wanted to be a part of it,” she adds.
Initial conversations in 2018 and 2019 helped clarify goals and led to a phased approach, starting with the glassblowing and gallery facility’s expansion. The Center worked with the Bloomfield Garfield Corporation to gather community input and integrated it into the planning process. With local and legislative support, momentum and vision grew.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro vocally supported Pittsburgh Glass Center’s expansion, attending a glass sculpting class at the Center to celebrate.
Policy and Its Impact as a Funding Mechanism
In early 2020—a year marked by financial and cultural uncertainty—the Center began fundraising. The pandemic delayed timelines and forced many funders to pivot. Still, thanks to NMTC federal tax credits and other funding collaborations, the Center secured the support it needed.
A key funding source came through a $40 million NMTC allocation award to Building America CDE via the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.Through public-private partnerships, NMTC brings funding to projects that generate economic growth and job creation in communities that have been overlooked by conventional capital markets. For the Center, NMTC was able to bring over $2.7 million in capital to the project. “We were fortunate to receive an allocation from the U.S. Treasury that made it possible for us to support the Center and all of the great work it does,” says Harpreet.
The Center also secured a loan through a Low-Cost Investment Fund. With that groundwork in place, contributions from local foundations, nonprofits, and individual donors followed. Against the odds, the Center raised over $15 million.
Community Benefits
Thanks to a strong partnership with skilled union construction labor, the Center remained open throughout the expansion project, enabling it to continue supporting the community, especially during the critical times of the pandemic. It partnered with Indovina Associates Architects for the modern design; Vitro Architectural Glass for donated glass materials; and the Pittsburgh Local Trades Council and A.M. Higley Construction for the build.
The result: a 9,000-square-foot addition—nearly doubling capacity. The Center now welcomes 70,000 patrons and 11,000 students annually. The new space includes upgraded glassblowing facilities, a free public gallery and shop, and flexible event space—like the one that hosted the Sustainable Finance Summit. The renovation has helped the Center expand its artistic mission and reach.
Local leaders like then-State Representative Sara Inammorato and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald attend the fitting groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility in March, 2023.
Advancing Energy Efficiency
The Center embedded sustainability into every phase. “The team is constantly trying to improve efficiency” throughout the facility, says Rachel.
New variable-speed blowers capture and reuse heat in glass furnaces, reducing gas usage by 30%. Natural light from skylights, tall windows, and accordion glass doors decreases reliance on artificial lighting.
To meet specialized lighting needs, the Center installed motion-sensor LEDs that adjust based on sunlight—cutting costs and saving energy.Two types of glass used on the facade significantly improved the thermal envelope. With installation support from the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative, the Triple-coated low-E glass blocks 70% of solar heat gain. Paired with VacuMax glazing insulation, the envelope delivers up to 14 times better thermal performance than monolithic glass—lowering energy use and emissions.
Doors Unhinged provided reused commercial door systems from demolished buildings. One striking feature: a salvaged metal sliding door now encloses the glass batch storage room, nodding to Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage.
The Center also prioritizes waste reduction. Artists recycle 60% of discarded glass—over 18,000 pounds. The remaining 40% is used in their mobile glassblowing unit, “Hot Wheels,” which brings the craft to parks and public events.
What’s “Heating Up” Next at the Glass Center?
Although the housing component was paused during the 2020 funding crunch, the Center is revisiting it as affordable housing needs remain high in Garfield and across Pittsburgh.
The Glass Center is now revitalizing the former Horoscope Bar and vacant storefront for many years at Penn Avenue and North Graham Street. The first floor will serve as a flexible community space; the second will feature two apartments for visiting artists and apprentices. When not in use by the Center, the housing will support partner organizations—reflecting its ongoing investment in collaboration and creativity.
A rendering of the proposed revitalization at Penn Avenue and North Graham Street.
This is a big win for the Center and the Southwestern PA region. “Sixty artists have decided to move to Pittsburgh because of the Glass Center. Twenty-seven of our sixty resident artists decided to move here because of our apprenticeship program,” says Paige Ilkhanipour, Marketing Director. “I’ve just been blown away by the way we’re able to present the work of [these] artists in the community.”
Parting Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Glass Center’s impact is best summed up by its collaborators. Harpreet reflects: “Every single person [I’ve met] is very passionate about the Center and what they do.. [the Glass Center] is the perfect convergence of artwork and community impact.”
The Center’s partnership with Building America CDE shows the power of public-private collaboration to advance economic growth, energy efficiency, support the arts, and build community resilience. With continued investment, projects like these can help Southwestern Pennsylvania thrive for generations to come.
