Testimonial
-

Photo Credit: John Altdorfer

Today the Uptown neighborhood, a 1.5-mile stretch between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh, is an eclectic mix of old-time residents, university students, artists, high-tech startup entrepreneurs, human service non-profits, multi-generational wholesale companies, and pioneering families with a penchant for transforming communities. Tucked into quaint streets are 19th century rowhomes in a range of conditions–many vacant, some at risk for demolition, and others nicely rehabbed. Great spans of temporary surface parking lots are ripe for development.

Having lost more than half its population, the community envisions a significant increase in mixed-income housing as well as mixed-use commercial development. Vacant storefronts along the main corridors of Fifth and Forbes are waiting to become restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and retail destinations for those who live and work here, or visit. Public art, and lots of it, in niche locations and key intersections promises to enliven the streetscape and attract a growing market.

While Uptown has experienced poverty and disinvestment over the past 50 years, the community has organized, and is focused on a common vision for the future. Residents, businesses and institutions are determined to create a dynamic residential and commercial core through high-quality, integrated and sustainable development, greening and art.

In our midst is Duquesne University (pop.10,000 students), which continues to spur economic development with real estate projects like the Power Center on Forbes Avenue. With a strong mission to serve and be a steward of the environment, DU is committed to the community’s viability and is recognized as a leader in campus greening. Another institutional anchor partner, UPMC Mercy, has long-range goals to expand its services and footprint. A world-class trauma and burn center, Mercy absorbed UPMC’s South Side facility in 2009, and is growing its workforce with more than 300 new employees. The new state-of-the-art Consol Energy Center at our western end has great potential to energize property owners and developers to invest in the Fifth Avenue corridor.

Over 50,000 commuters pass through Uptown every day and the Fifth-Forbes corridor is one of the highest-performing Port Authority bus routes. The community is working with PAT for even better service delivery in the form of a Rapid Bus system. Uptown’s great asset is its convenient location between Oakland and Downtown and linkages to the Hill District and South Side and major thoroughfares. Bicycle and pedestrian traffic through our corridors is welcomed and continues to flourish.

While Uptown has a long way to go to become a staple Pittsburgh neighborhood, it is well on it's way. With the growing art scene, businesses, and interest by prospective home owners, Uptown is a neighborhood to be reckoned. Rich with history and filled with surprises, visit Uptown to experience a new kind of Pittsburgh!

Schools

Families in Uptown enjoy a variety of educational options. The Pittsburgh Public School District - which was recently named one of the Country's Top Ten Large Urban Districts by GreatSchools.org - offers a mix of neighborhood schools and specialized magnet choices in or near Uptown, including:

• Pittsburgh Vann PreK-8
• Pittsburgh Weil PreK-8
• Pittsburgh Miller PreK-8
• Pittsburgh CAPA Creative and Performing Arts 6-12 Magnet
• Pittsburgh Science and Technology 6-12 Magnet
• Pittsburgh Milliones University Prep 6-12 Magnet

Please visit the Pittsburgh Public Schools website for more information.
If you are interested in private, parochial, or charter school options, please visit the "Education" section of our resource page for links.

Libraries

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest and most respected public library systems in the country. Established by Andrew Carnegie as a public trust in 1895, CLP has 19 locations throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Neighbors in Uptown enjoy these branches:

• Downtown/Business Library
• Hill District Library
• Main (Oakland) Library

For more information about the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, visit their website.

Uptown Links

Education

Duquesne University

Sports

Mellon Arena

Uptown Partners Website

Check out our website for more information on Uptown!

Uptown Videos

Uptown Community Garden