Fountains of Pittsburgh Multi-Cache

Although this cache can be done at any time, fountains may be turned off at dusk and during the winter months. However, the numbers that correlate to the variables can be found at any time.

You may want to break up this cache into smaller sections chipping away at the cache over a few trips. Take some time to notice the unique features of the fountains and the surrounding areas.  There are many examples of interesting architecture, historical markers, hidden parks, and culinary delights nearby.  Enjoy the journey instead of rushing to the destination.  Although the fountains can be visited in any order, the waypoints have been laid out in a way that makes for a straightforward, efficient path to completion.

Special note – Maintenance on the fountains can occasionally occur, and you and I may both be surprised that sudden construction or repair cuts off access to one or more of the fountains.  If we are both caught unaware, don’t worry.  I carry the answers on my phone, and any messages sent via the web site are sent to my phone.  We will work around any problems!

Good luck and enjoy the cache. 

1. PNC Firstside Center (2000) N 40° 26.144 W 79° 59.819

This water feature runs along the length of Firstside’s main entrance, starting as a waterfall at Grant Street and following a trench lined with sapphire-blue tiles all the way down to B Street. The design mimics the Monongahela River flowing behind the building, and as the water moves along large rocks it gives off a soft sound that reminds one of a stream.

Go to the northeast side of the building to the base of the fountain near B Street. Variable “A” is the number of granite slabs on the top of the last section of the water feature.

Error check: Walk to the northwest side of the building where the waterfall is located. Count the number of metal clips around the section surrounding the waterfall. Subtract 15 from that number.

2. One Oxford Center (1983) N 40°26.260 W 79°59.892

A bubbling fountain of three tiers containing between 4,000 and 4,500 gallons of water adorns this plaza. Its ten plumes of water rise at various heights for the outdoor diners in the sunken plaza below to enjoy.

Variable B:

Look for the metal drain on the wall in the center of the fountain’s base. Variable “B” is the number of long rectangular openings in this drain.

Error check: It is also the same as the number of thin rectangular drain openings in any one of the concrete squares that make up the walkway multiplied times 2.

3. Allegheny County Courthouse (1977) N 40°26.315 W 79°59.797

In 1888 the intent was that this courtyard would be entered by vehicles with a watering fountain for horses as the centerpiece. It took until 1977 for that vision to materialize. Now it is a quiet, charming haven for the public. There is a gate to the courtyard that at times may be closed, but it is rarely locked.

Variable C:

On the south entrance to the fountain there is a plaque on the east wall. Variable “C” is the third digit of the year listed after July 18.

Error check: It is also the same as the third digit of the date on the plaque on the east wall of the north entrance.

4. BNY Mellon Center (1994) N 40°26.355 W 79°59.784

The Mellon family donated this property to the city creating a park with walks and a cascading, rough-finished, granite fountain. Six L-shaped granite chairs also adorn the plaza. The park's design showcases surrounding buildings that are dazzling examples of architecture. Look across Fifth Avenue at the County Courthouse and continue clockwise to the Frick Building, the Union Trust Building and the Omni William Penn Hotel.

Variable D:

Look at the bottom step inside the fountain. Variable “D” is the number of granite slabs that make up this step.

Error check: On the southeast side behind the fountain is a Bus Stop sign. Variable “D” occurs 3 times on this sign.

5. Mellon Green Fountain (2001) N 40°26.260 W 79°59.892

This 1.8 acre green space was originally slated for commercial development, however that never occurred. Instead a soothing oasis is found in one of the city’s busiest areas. This fountain showcases 5 black granite columns with water tumbling into a terraced bowl.

Variable E:

Look for the plaque near the sidewalk on the northwest side of the fountain. Variable “E” is the last digit of the year following April 15.

Error check: There is a plaque at the northwest entrance to the park near the corner of 6th Avenue and Grant Street. The number of letters in the second word of the title on the plaque is also Variable “E”.

6. U.S. Steel Fountain (1972) N 40°26.260 W 79°59.892

At a capacity of 45,000 gallons of water, this is one of the largest fountains in the city. Exterior jets line the circumference of the base and larger sprays fill out the center of the fountain. The plaza is the entry to the tallest building in Pittsburgh and is a popular location for an alfresco lunch.

Variable F:

Variable “F” is the number of No Smoking signs around the base of the fountain.

Error check: Head north on Grant Street for about 35 feet. Under the sign for North Hills, Mt. Washington and Liberty Bridge look across Grant Street. Variable "F" is the last digit in the building number.

7. Mellon Square Park (1955) N 40°26.463 W 79°59.840

Mellon Square was the first modern garden built on top of a parking garage. At 1.37 acres, this square feels like an enclosed garden because it is raised above street level with buildings creating a visual wall around the perimeter. The fountain’s nine circular bronze basins create the effect of the water appearing to hover over the plaza while another fountain cascades along a stairwell. After reaching a state of disrepair, Mellon Square has been restored to its original beauty with a rededication in 2014.

Variable G:

Look for the 8th line of text down on the sign at the northeast entrance to the park. Variable “G” is the number of letters in the first word.

Error check: Go to the southwest entrance to the park. Look for the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation plaque to the left of the stairs. Variable "G" is also the same as the number of letters in the first word.

8. Allegheny HYP Club (1930) N 40°26.519 W 79°59.795

Inside a courtyard surrounded by three 19th century former tenement buildings – the only such buildings remaining downtown - is the Allegheny Harvard Yale Princeton Club. The courtyard fountain and wall are made of stones from the Yale Library and the Princeton science building both of which were torn down in the 1930's.

Variable H:

Look for the plaque to the right of the gate to the courtyard. Variable “H” is the second digit of the year on the middle plaque.

Error check: It is also the same as the second digit of the year on the historical landmark plaque to the northeast of the gate.

9. David L. Lawrence Convention Center (2003) N 40°26.679 W 79°59.736

In order to entice people in the Penn Avenue corridor to the waterfront, the Tenth Street Water Feature was constructed as part of the pedestrian walkway beneath the Convention Center. The walkway descends seventeen feet from the street to the river as it meanders through twin cascading fountains and fountain pools. The walls surrounding the path flow with water, and uplighting creates an environment that feels safe and welcoming.

Variable I:

Take the path between the two fountains toward the river. Variable “I” is the number of circular manhole covers starting on the walkway directly under the Convention Center sign and ending at the river.

Error check: Find the plaque on the northeast side of the walkway near the river that reads Convention Center Riverfront Plaza. It is also the same as the last 2 digits of the year plus 4.

10. Agnes R. Katz Plaza (1999) N 40° 26.605 W 080° 00.036

Agnes R. Katz Plaza is arguably one of the city’s most recognizable and lovely sites. The 25-foot bronze fountain centerpiece of this 23,000 square foot public plaza draws inspiration from the hills around Pittsburgh and is more sculpture than fountain. Thanks to heated water the fountain flows all year. Notice the 3 pairs of granite eyes in the plaza which are not only artwork but also benches.

Variable J:

Across Penn Avenue is a marker, “The Pittsburgh Agreement”. Variable “J” is the second digit in the year in the last line.

Error check: Find a bench north of the intersection of Penn and 7th Avenue donated by Carolyn and Bill --- Subtract 5 from the number of letters in their last name to come up with this digit.

11. Heinz Hall Plaza (1982) N 40° 26.512W 080° 00.111

Heinz Hall is the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony. This fountain turns a boring brick wall on the side of the theater into a refreshing curtain waterfall. The corner waterfall and fountain with 4 platforms spilling water onto each other use 10,000 gallons of water drawn from the city's underground aquifer. The summer season finds a delightful outdoor café in this plaza.

Variable K:

Look for the name on the sidewalk outside the entrance to the courtyard on Liberty and 6th Avenue. Variable "K" is the number of letters in this name.

Error check: Walk north on 6th Avenue to the first entrance door to Heinz Hall. Look for the Historical Landmark plaque. It is the sum of the first two digits you find on the plaque.

12. PPG Plaza (2003) N 40° 26.390 W 080° 00.203

The PPG fountain has 140 computer-choreographed jets of water illuminated by 280 underground lights. Water pulses from the surface up to a height of over fifteen feet from the granite floor. The water then disappears into the plaza surface and is recycled. Because there is no barrier between the fountain and the rest of the plaza, this fountain was designed to be entered and enjoyed by onlookers. The water feature operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. In order to maintain a pleasant business environment at PPG Place, the Water Feature is turned off intermittently throughout the day.

Variable L:

Look at the lamp post in front of Building 2 on 4th and Market Streets. The lamp post has a 5 digit serial number. Variable “L” is the first digit of this serial number.

Error check: Variable “L” is the number of the building to the southeast on the same side of the street.

13. TrizecHahn Plaza (1961) N 40° 26.478 W 80°00.341

This plaza is a vibrant and well-used space in the heart of the city featuring shady pergolas, benches, planting areas, walkways, and two rectangular, nearly flat fountain basins, one hidden at the back where the plaza flows into a walkway over the Boulevard of the Allies.

Variable M:

Variable “M” is the number of stepping stones leading up to the fountain.

Error check: Look for the large number on the building on the southeast side of the fountain. Variable “M” is also this number.

14. Gateway Center (1956) N 40° 26.541 W 080° 00.321

The Gateway Center land area was acquired by the city through the use of eminent domain in 1950. Iron factories, machine shops, railroad yards, gambling houses and brothels were replaced with stainless steel, cross-shaped buildings. This urban renewal began the “renaissance” of Pittsburgh from its grimy industrial heritage to 23 acres of commercial development in Gateway Center. Mature trees lead to this fountain with its bronze vase and large turquoise pool. It is tucked among several tall buildings and not far from a historical marker dedicated to the first radio station, KDKA. The fountain was christened with waters from the Ohio, the Monongahela, and the Allegheny Rivers by city dignitaries in 1957 and was called the Fountain of the Three Rivers.

Variable N:

Southwest of the fountain there is a plaque. The third digit of the year listed is Variable “N”.

Error check: Variable “N” is also the same as the number of flag poles surrounding the fountain.

15. Point State Park (1974) N 40°26.518 W 80° 00.740

Point State Park is a 36 acre park located at the tip of downtown where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers join to form the Ohio. In the 1700's the Point was a very strategic location for the British and French forces in North America to claim control of this portion of the continent. The outlines and remains of two of the oldest structures in Pittsburgh, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne, are in the park. The Fort Pitt Museum commemorates the French and Indian War in which Pittsburgh was a major battlefield. Where the three rivers meet the newly renovated fountain shoots 150 feet into the air. The disappearing edge of the waterfall makes the pool at the fountain's base and the rivers' confluence appear to be the same body of water. The park attracts 3 million visitors each year and is the only urban state park in the country.

Variable O:

On the wall northeast of the fountain find ”The Renovation of Point State Park 2013” engraved there. Variable “O” is the number of plaques under the engraving.

Error check: Move to the west side of the fountain next to the river. Find the circular marker on the walkway labeled "Point of Confluence, Point of Conflict, Point of _________" Variable “O” is the number of letters in the missing word minus 1.

16. Final Cache Site

The final cache coordinates are as follows:

Please be sure that when replacing the cache container that it is securely in place.

You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.

Thanks to Brett for inspiring this cache with his Bridges and Arches of Central Park geocache.