Vitro Glass Featured in Reopening of National Aviary Wetlands

Ribbon cutting (L-R): Ricardo Maiz, President, Vitro Architectural Glass; Sara Innamorato, PA State Representative; Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director, National Aviary; Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive; Bobby Wilson, Pittsburgh City Council Distr
Photo source
Vitro Architectural Glass

Date: 2 November 2022

On October 31, the ‘New’ Wetlands reopened to the delight of both its birds and guests.

Photo: Ribbon cutting (L-R): Ricardo Maiz, President, Vitro Architectural Glass; Sara Innamorato, PA State Representative; Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director, National Aviary; Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive; Bobby Wilson, Pittsburgh City Council District 1; Emily Kinkead, PA State Representative; Maggie Pike Iddings, Program Officer, Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD)

When the National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side began planning the renovation of its Wetlands habitat, Vitro Architectural Glass, a longstanding partner, was ready, willing, and able to contribute to this historic restoration project. 

To provide the perfect ambiance for the new habitat, Vitro donated more than 20,000 square feet of Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass – one of the world’s clearest, most transparent float glass products, transmitting 91 percent of visible light in a standard ¼-inch (6 millimeter) thick lite. 

Another component of this project was to incorporate ‘bird-friendly’ glass, so a portion of the donated Starphire® glass is AviProtek® glass, created in conjunction with Vitro partner Walker Glass. AviProtek® glass has an acid-etched pattern on the exterior surface of the glass which maximizes glass visibility to birds and helps prevent collisions. Walker also etched the standard Starphire® glass used on the project. 

On October 31, the ‘New’ Wetlands reopened to the delight of both its birds and guests.

“Vitro is honored to once again support the National Aviary in a monumental improvement that will have profound impact on the community and the environment,” said Ricardo Maiz, president, Vitro Architectural Glass. “This recent renovation provides comfort and beauty for the Wetlands’ birds and its visitors, and these modifications guarantee a thriving future habitat.” 

Originally built in 1969, the Wetlands is the National Aviary’s largest habitat and is home to diverse species, from familiar species like American Flamingos and Brown Pelicans, to lesser-known birds like Boat-billed Herons and Sunbitterns. The revamped Wetlands exhibit features new species of birds, gorgeous bird-friendly glass, a new walkway, new rockwork, and an interactive coastal tree sculpture. 

Vitro’s relationship with the Aviary is longstanding, as the company also donated glass for renovations to the Tropical Rainforest and The Garden Room. This latest collaboration to improve the Wetlands, according to Maiz, will not only enhance the National Aviary’s status as a world-class attraction, but also further its mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. 

To learn more about Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass by Vitro Glass or AviProtek® glass by Walker Glass, visit www.vitroglazings.com.

600450 Vitro Glass Featured in Reopening of National Aviary Wetlands glassonweb.com

Others also read

Vitro Architectural Glass is proud to share that its next generation VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) has been honored by R&D Magazine as a recipient of a prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award.
Vitro Architectural Glass has updated its VitroSphere® Digital Glass Simulator to make it easier for users to visualize glass that aligns with aesthetic goals.
Balancing daylight and design with bird safety is a growing challenge in modern architecture.
Situated at 1664 W. Division Street, Centrum Wicker Park offers luxury living with top-tier amenities in the heart of one of Chicago's most dynamic and lively neighborhoods.
Saflex FlySafe 3D and BirdBlind® are leading solutions that protect both building occupants and birds.
At Chloé’s London flagship, KAPILUX glass partitions shape an elegant, light-filled space that reflects the brand’s youthful and sophisticated spirit.

Add new comment

From industry

NEWS RELATED PRODUCTS

Vitro Architectural Glass
Vitro Architectural Glass
Vitro Architectural Glass
Vitro Architectural Glass
Vitro Architectural Glass