Elegance Meets Environmentalism
Ulysses J. L. Peoples built Wightman School as a sub-district of the Colfax Schools. Originally housing five rooms and an office, Peoples later enlarged the building, adding eight rooms, a library, and a third floor gymnasium. The Romanesque style of the new wing is decorated with ornate cherubic friezes, intricate stained glass windows, and an elaborate facade on the stage. The school was originally called Colfax School No. 5, but was renamed in 1911 after local businessman Thomas Wightman, who had attended the school as a child. Wightman immigrated to Pittsburgh from Ireland in his youth, attended school, and went on to work at a glasshouse. A natural entrepreneur, Wightman went on to found his own successful glass house, Thomas Wightman Glass Company.
After declining enrollment, the school closed its doors in 1980. Committed to preserving the building as a resource for the community, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition bought the building from Pittsburgh Public Schools. SHUC sold the building to Carriage House Children’s Center, knowing CHCC was better equipped to undertake the necessary renovations to preserve its legacy and secure its future. The Wightman Building is LEED® Certified and charts a path forward for sustainability in design. Our environmental building not only ensures we’ll pass on a healthy earth to our children, but actively engages them in the process of caring for our world. Carriage House operates a part-day preschool program and childcare center on the lower level and the first floor, while renting space to non-profit groups and tenants on the second and third floors.
Meet Our Wightman Building Neighbors
The Wightman School Community Building is a hub of vibrant organizations. Get to know us & our tenants through the info below.
Wightman School Community Building
The Wightman School Community Building enriches the community by being a home for numerous nonprofit agencies and organizations that serve families.
5604 Solway Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
P: (412) 421-1623
F: (412) 421-3127
E: wscb@carriagehouse.org
Carriage House Children's Center
A non-profit, non-sectarian child-care facility with part-time and full-day programming, serving children 6 weeks to 6 years.
Lower Level & First Floor
P: (412) 421-0300
W: www.carriagehouse.org
E: chcc@carriagehouse.org
Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
The Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition (SHUC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization with a mission to preserve the history of Squirrel Hill, embrace diversity, and connect neighbors.
Room 212
P: (412) 422-7666
W: www.shuc.org
E: info@shuc.org
Nathan Speech Services
A speech-language pathologist, providing speech & language therapy to children, as well as, advocacy services for parents with IEP development & implementation in school settings.
Janice Nathan, M.S. CCC-SLP
Room 203
P: (412) 363-8388
W: www.nathanspeech.com
E: nathanspeech@aol.com
Trying Together
Trying Together supports high-quality care and education for young children by providing advocacy, community resources, and professional-growth opportunities for the needs and rights of children, their families, and the individuals who interact with them.
Second Floor
P: (412) 421-3889
W: www.tryingtogether.org
E: info@tryingtogether.org
Victoria’s School of Dance & Rhythm
Victoria’s School of Dance & Rhythm offers stimulating programs in a warm & friendly environment. From beginner through advanced, the students at Victoria’s School of Dance & Rhythm are challenged during their dance training & feel secure among their peers.
Vickie Hughey
Room 304
P: (412) 901-8544
W: victoriasschoolofdanceandrhythm.com
E: vchughey@aol.com
Monthly Community Events
The Wightman School Community Building hosts different clubs and groups throughout the month. These fun events are open to the public!
Salsa Pittsburgh
Join us for seasonal salsa classes September – May.
For more info, contact Jeff salsajeff@comcast.net or visit
salsapittsburgh.com
Swing City Dance
Join us for swing dancing. Hour lesson followed by hours of dancing.
For more info, contact Bobby D at pghbobbyd@yahoo.com or visit swingpgh.com
Ad Hawk Creative Yoga & Dance
Join us for yoga & dance!
For more info, contact Alyssa Jurewicz-Johns at alyssa@adhawksolves.net
Pittsburgh Contra Dance
Join us for contra dance!
For more info, contact Ralph Kaden rhkaden@gmail.com or visit pittsburghcontra.org
Need A Space for Your Next Gathering?
The Wightman Building has conference rooms available for rent for meetings or a large gymnasium for small parties and is a favorite location for children’s birthday parties. For information, rates, and availability, contact the Facility Manager at 412-421-1623 or email facilitymanager@carriagehouse.org
