University seeks baking-soda fund

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- One of Pittsburgh's most recognizable buildings is in need of a lot of baking soda.
The University of Pittsburgh is trying to raise $3.5 million to use baking soda for cleaning the 42-story Cathedral of Learning, a limestone landmark that's covered with 60 years' worth of soot and grime. The cleaning is part of a $1 billion campus improvement project.
"When people come from other places, they say, 'What a magnificent building. It would be great if you can clean it,"' said Ana Guzman, Pitt associate vice chancellor of facilities management.
The Cathedral of Learning was built between 1926 and 1937. Then-Chancellor John Bowman wanted to construct the biggest classroom building in the world as a symbol of Pittsburgh's working-class aspirations, said architecture historian Walter Kidney.
University officials are thinking of ways to raise the money, including one idea to give alumni a chance to clean a part of the building.