Mystery Classmate 108

Congratulations to Andy Moss, who correctly identified himself ('84) as Mystery Classmate #108 (left, in the group photo, and by himself in the other photo, which he sent later).

In case you were wondering, Andy is a partner with the Denver-based architecture firm Semple Brown Design, and moved back to Pittsburgh about a year and a half ago to open a local office and begin design work on East Liberty Square.

Andy plans a town square concept, with the historic East Liberty Presbyterian Church as its focal point. In a 2004 Post-Gazette article, Andy said, "The doors to the sanctuary are locked during the day, while in Europe the doors are open all day. And the bell tower would be a tourist attraction," offering views of town and country. And while the church contributes to the spiritual and social life of the community, "retail likes to have stores on either side of the street."

The square, perhaps demarcated with special paving, would extend from the church to the facades of the buildings that surround it, with parking on both sides of the street, an improvement. Curbs might be replaced with bollards. Moss also envisions a plaza along Penn Avenue in front of the church, with seating, sculpture and a fountain.

"It really is important that the entire four blocks around the church be the public space," he said. "One of the main challenges is to have all of these property owners manage to develop and improve their properties with some sense of cohesiveness and quality."

Andy adds, "I finally can get one right… that’s me!

"Not sure where you got the photo, but that is me with my staff (Sarah and Heather) at our new architectural office in East Liberty. We moved into our new Liberty Bank Building digs about nine months ago. I travel back to Denver about once a month. My projects range from single family homes, offices, restaurants, to theatres and urban design. I’m thrilled to be back in the ‘burgh and living in Point Breeze."

Classmate Ted Smith sent me the photo and information, and had nice things to say about Andy. Somehow I have misplaced the email that Ted sent me. However, I do remember that Ted asked me to be sure to credit fellow classmate and former Mini-Charter editor Craig Davis for sending the information to Ted.

Later, Leslie Rush Cuda wrote, “I have a funny memory of Andy Moss. All I'll say is, it was me, Laura Murton, Katie Brown, Andy, another friend of his we didn't know, and a campground somewhere near Moraine State Park. That's all I'm sayin’...!!!"

Bill Stout wrote, “He lived right up the street and yet I would have never guessed Andy Moss. Now that I know, he looks a little like his older brother.”

Karen Campbell Ricci wrote, “I never would have guessed Andy Moss from the picture but I remember him from cross country. Strangely, I remember him as being the only right handed person I ever saw that hooked his hand when writing, like a left handed person typically does. He was a nice guy and very smart.”

Laurie Young Theademan guessed Stan Kuznicki. Donna Andreas Copley guessed Greg Rudcki. Milton Koutavas guessed Warren Swigart. Rick Mallik guessed Dave Crawford. Pam Pristas Dwyer guessed Jeff Zukerman.

Jerry Koutavas identified those pictured as the Seattle-based rock band Sleater-Kinney and noted that their new cd, "The Woods", is their best album since 1997's "Dig Me Out".