“The Northside: More Here Than You Know”.  The Northside Leadership Conference and Northside Chamber of Commerce slogan captures it all. Located north of Downtown Pittsburgh across the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers, the Northside is comprised of 18 neighborhoods (with nine commercial districts):

Until its annexation by the City of Pittsburgh in the early 20th century, the Northside was the City of Allegheny.  While there are similarities, each neighborhood has its own varied history and unique flair to set it apart from the others.  Each neighborhood also has its own community group actively working to improve and promote their neighborhood.

At the heart of the Northside is the 84-acre Allegheny Commons Park, which is bordered on the east by “Historic Deutchstown” (the neighborhood of East Allegheny).  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, East Allegheny contains East Ohio Street, the largest commercial district on the Northside.  Along the busy street visitors can have a drink at Jerry’s 1888, grab a sandwich from the Park House, enjoy freshly made turnovers and cookies from Priory Fine Pastries, grab a cup of coffee at Sweet Time Café, and fulfill a variety of other services, many of which are housed in buildings with architectural features showcasing one of the neighborhood’s historic streetscapes.  People can also satisfy their taste buds with authentic German fare from nearby restaurants like Max’s Allegheny Tavern or Penn Brewery (located in nearby Troy Hill), which showcase some of the German traditions of the neighborhood and surrounding area.  

There is an active effort to continue revitalizing the East Ohio Street business district; most recently a developer purchased three buildings along the street, which are the Carlisle, Hollander, and Knights of Equity Buildings, with plans to bring upscale loft apartments to the neighborhood as well as renovated first floor retail space.  Strolling through the streets adjacent to East Ohio, additional efforts of building preservation are apparent.  There you can see exquisite examples of Queen Anne and Romanesque architecture, among other architectural styles of the neighborhood.

Quite appropriately, to the west of Allegheny Commons Park is Allegheny West, once nicknamed “Millionaires Row”.  While several Victorian mansions still remain, residents and other organizations have worked over the years to preserve the historic features of homes and businesses in this neighborhood as well.  The Fitzsimmons Square Townhomes along Allegheny Avenue showcase one of the most recent restoration efforts in the area, while restaurants and businesses in the historic structures along Western Avenue make up a growing business district.

Amidst the 18 neighborhoods comprising the Northside are attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, PNC Park, Heinz Field, the National Aviary, and the Carnegie Science Center.  Other hidden gems showcase the arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities available. One example is The Mattress Factory, which is located in the historic Mexican War Streets and features contemporary art by artists in residence from around Pittsburgh, the United States, and the world.  Or you can view photographs that capture Pittsburgh’s history at the Photo Antiquities Museum, whose current exhibits include “Shantytown- The Ed Salomony Photographs”.  To truly take it all in, however, you need to visit and experience Pittsburgh’s Northside for yourself.

Links

Northside Community Development Fund

Northside Leadership Conference

Northside Chamber of Commerce

Observatory Hill

Spring Hill Civic League

Troy Hill Citizen's Web site

Cool Space Award Winners

Blacksmith Studio (2007)

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (2005)

J. Francis Company (2005)

The Pittsburgh Project (2005)

True Café & Bartini (2005)

East Ohio Street

Allegheny Commons Park

Entrance to East Allegheny

Legends James Street Tavern

Northside Community Development Fund

Riverview Park (atop Observatory Hill)

School House Apartments

(East Allegheny)

Beleza Coffee House
1501 Buena Vista St., Central North Side