Westinghouse Academy

By Leepaxton at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Location:

1101 N Murtland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Description:

The Westinghouse Academy, originally opened as Westinghouse High School in 1917, is an architecturally and historically significant building located at 1101 North Murtland Street in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood. Designed by the prominent Pittsburgh architectural firm Ingham & Boyd, the structure is a striking example of the Classical Revival style. Its monumental five-story façade is defined by symmetry, strong classical lines, and restrained ornamentation, echoing the ideals of early 20th-century civic architecture that emphasized dignity, order, and permanence in public institutions.

Constructed during a period of rapid urban expansion and industrial growth, the school was named in honor of George Westinghouse, the famed inventor and industrialist whose contributions to electricity and rail technology left a lasting mark on Pittsburgh and the world. The building's grandeur and scale were intended to reflect the value placed on public education at the time, particularly in a city driven by innovation and labor.

Inside, the school featured wide corridors, high ceilings, and large windows to promote ventilation and natural light—hallmarks of early 20th-century school design focused on health and efficiency. Over the years, the building has retained much of its original architectural character despite functional updates to meet evolving educational needs.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the building was designated a historic landmark by the City of Pittsburgh in 1999 and by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation in 2001. These honors underscore its status as not only an educational institution but also a civic monument that continues to serve the community while preserving the legacy of its namesake and the ideals of its era.