ABOUT THE CHAPEL SHELTER
Built in 1894 as the Watson Presbyterian Church, the Chapel Shelter has long been a treasured landmark in Riverview Park. After a new church was constructed, the building was relocated from its original site at Perrysville and Riverview avenues to the interior of the park, where it became a popular gathering place for residents and visitors. Over time, however, the structure lost much of its original character, including the removal of its steeple and dormers in the 1950s and the addition of a concrete porch.
By 2005, the Chapel Shelter had closed, and funds were allocated for its demolition due to a severe termite infestation—placing this gem at risk of being lost forever. With the help of the City of Pittsburgh and additional funders, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy led an effort to restore the once-popular building and return it to a lively community gathering place.
Completed in 2008, the comprehensive restoration preserved the shelter’s historic charm while introducing thoughtful modern upgrades. The project included removing dilapidated tennis courts behind the building to create a new lawn for informal social use, restoring the surrounding landscape by removing Siberian elms, and reintroducing native trees and shrubs to protect a historic lilac collection. Inside, the building was fully rebuilt using termite-resistant materials and outfitted with an updated kitchen, accessible restrooms and porch, and buried utilities to improve safety and aesthetics. Restored to closely resemble its original appearance—complete with a steeple, dormers, and a charming color palette—the Chapel Shelter is once again a beloved Riverview Park destination and is now the most rented shelter in Pittsburgh’s park system.
