Lincoln Place Family Donates Pittsburgh City Hall Holiday Tree

PITTSBURGH, PA — In the 1990s, Chris Fuga took two small blue spruce trees that had served as holiday decorations at his workplace, the Pennsylvanian apartments Downtown, and planted both of them in his front yard.

Only one survived, and the Fuga family of Lincoln Place decorated the tree until it grew to large to continue adorning. It will return Downtown on Saturday for the first time in decades to serve as the 106th City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree.

“It was like our tree was practicing for all of its life for this moment,” Fuga said in a city news release.

Erecting a Christmas tree at the City-County Building remains one of Downtown’s oldest traditions. The first tree was erected on the construction site of the City-County Building in 1914.

“It’s bittersweet to see the tree Downtown," said Carly Fuga, Chris Fuga's youngest daughter. "It represents so many great childhood memories for our family, but I’m glad it will bring joy
to so many others this holiday season."

The tree installation will force one lane of Grant Street to be closed between Fourth and Forbes Avenues, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers can expect temporary lane and road closures beginning at 8 a.m. on Ollie Street in Lincoln Place. There may also be delays along Mifflin Road, the Glenwood Bridge, Irvine Street, and
Second Avenue as the tree is escorted Downtown.

The annual tree lighting ceremony and light sow will take place Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. at the City-County Building and feature the River City Brass Band, Texture Contemporary Ballet, Pittsburgh CLO Holiday Melody and Pitches and Tones.

The tree will be lit at 5 p.m.

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