Projects

  • Client: The Frogs Club of Pittsburgh
  • Neighborhood: Larimer
  • Address: 532 Paulson Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
  • Timeline: January – July 2025

The FROGS (Friendly Rivalry Often Generates Success) Club was selected to receive pro bono design services to support a vision for their Renaissance Project, ensuring their facility and grounds reflect the needs of their members and the broader Larimer community. They began as a social club in 1910 and have remained rooted in fellowship, joy, and camaraderie for over a century. Given their rich history, the design process began with curated engagement activities that could document and allow for reflection on the important events and stories that have occurred throughout the life of the organization. From there, design conversations commenced to address the following shared goals: 

  • Enhance accessibility and functionality of the clubhouse to better serve members and guests. 
  • Design indoor and outdoor spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and fit for community gatherings and events. 
  • Preserve and celebrate the FROGS Club’s rich history and role in the community as it prepares for its 115th anniversary. 

Working within a short time frame, design options were co-designed with the FROGS working group and Dan Kiefer from Massaro CM Services to ensure the plans remained within the comfortability of the organization’s budget and capacity. This project exemplifies the importance of preserving the cultural, historical, and social fabric of a place and aims to improve quality of life, stimulate local growth, and ensure the FROGS Club remains a vital community asset for years to come. 


Services:

  • Architectural Design
  • Engagement/Facilitation
  • Cost Estimating

Project Outcomes:

  • Small businesses supported: 1
  • TA hours provided: 76
  • Community building events organized: 5
  • Number of residents engaged: 40
  • Dollars invested: $13,300

The Team:

Tamara Emswiler

Senior Program Manager, Social Impact Design, Neighborhood Allies

Jordan Swartz

Project Manager, Social Impact Designer, Neighborhood Allies

Dan Kiefer

Chief Estimator, Preconstruction Specialist, Massaro CM Services

Top Header Image Photo Credit: Prototyping Larimer Stories by artist John Peña, photo by OPA