Built in 1855, Heathside Cottage is a National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhood of Fineview.
While it is primarily my home, I have established it as a seasonal venue and guesthouse for public workshops, concerts, and celebrations.
A theatrical celebration that re-imagined the Victorian era with storytellers, contra-dancing, high tea, local cider, and a steampunk fashion show. Admission was free and open to the public.
Fineview is one of the lowest-income neighborhoods in Pittsburgh with only 25% the 1950 population. There are no commercial establishments and little reason for residents to engage with each other on the streets.
Cottage events attempt to entrust neighbors to each other by providing communal celebration
On July 2nd, 2017, I married my wife, Catherine Gowl, in our backyard. The ceremony hosted over 200 people in our backyard and was open to the neighborhood. After the Ceremony, we processed to the nearby ball field.
The cottage is elaborately decorated with artifacts and unique architecture. Neighbors who attend events at the cottage should feel inspired to explore the world and live richly in its abundance. This requires an unexpected attention to detail.