Frankie Pace Park (I-579 CAP Park)

Frankie Pace Park (I-579 CAP Park) is a unique project that evolved from the original design sketches of the Lower Hill District Master Plan. In the master plan, a park was suggested to span the interstate that severed the historic African American neighborhood from the downtown business district. LaQuatra Bonci Associates (LBA) organized an extensive public process to program the park and select local artists to join the design team. The park was to recognize the historical and cultural aspects of the Lower Hill neighborhood. A portion of the design process included integrating art within the site design. One of the multiple key art elements was the ‘Totems,’ sketched by Lakeisha Byrd, designed by LBA, and constructed by Modular International.“ Dan McDowell (Senior Associate – LaQuatra Bonci Associates)

The $32 million 3-acre park is a new “cap” structure spanning over a section of I-579 Crosstown Boulevard complete with walkways, bike paths, raised garden beds, permeable lawn areas and rain gardens for storm water management, an amphitheater and education area, and other public amenities. Modular International manufactured six 16-foot-tall upright Totems made from domestically sourced 316 marine grade stainless steel that featured three different body styles. These Totems would become a decorative lighting focal point for Frankie Pace Park located across the street from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

“Modular International’s involvement, creativity, and recommendations in taking our custom details to reality was a great experience. The suggestions brought to the table enhanced the original design and allowed the Totems to become iconic park features.” Dan McDowell, Senior Associate – LaQuatra Bonci Associates