The Jaw-dropping 2000 block of Forbes Avenue (Bluff) (Pittsburgh, Manchester: house, neighborhood)

[PreservationPioneer]

a quickr pickr post

[I_Like_Spam]

What do you see as a possible future for this block which would preserve it as is?

That part of Forbes is pretty fast traffic, it doesn't seem appropriate for children or people sensitive to traffic noise with all of the highways adjacent to it.

The businesses down there, the market, the health club and the Kings and Queens bar across the street I think have all closed. Perhaps the Forbes Field garage and plumbing contractor on the other side of Forbes you didn't show are doing better?

I just can't see this block surviving unless something radically different is done with the existing buildings.

[gg]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

I just can't see this block surviving unless something radically different is done with the existing buildings.

I doubt it will survive. That region is really not very safe. The average value of property in that area is about $10K. They will no doubt come down, just like the buildings that were torn down for the Civic Arena many years ago. The trend continues.

[BrianTH]

There are several new residential projects in the Bluff already in the works, and so it seems logical to me those places would mostly be reused as residential.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

There are several new residential projects in the Bluff already in the works, and so it seems logical to me those places would mostly be reused as residential.

Maybe, but I sure the heck wouldn't want to live on a noisy highway ramp, which is basically what this block of Forbes is. Between the Birmingham Bridge, I376 and the Boulevard all around it and heavy, fast traffic on a street just a few feet in front of your door, it doesn't seem prime for that usage. Especially with so many other, quieter sections nearby that could be developed instead.

[PreservationPioneer]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

There are several new residential projects in the Bluff already in the works, and so it seems logical to me those places would mostly be reused as residential.

Same here. There are several major residential developments underway in the Bluff as we speak, including Fifth Avenue School Lofts and a few other new apartment building proposals. It's really hot. It seems logical to me that if people are willing to spend $1000/month to live in apartments in the Bluff, there should also be some interest in home ownership there (especially with that great building stock available)!

I could see one developer buying the block, rehabbing all those homes into condos (like many I've seen in Lawrenceville and East Liberty). Or possibly rehabbing and selling the homes individually.

If you check real estate listings for the Bluff, you'll see there is really nothing available. Decent houses sell like hotcakes there.

I have a great idea -- somebody who lives in the city please nominate that block for city landmark status. That would protect it.

[PreservationPioneer]

Oh, and the other side of the street is equally intact, however the homes are very modest, Philly-style row-homes. There are pictures of them on my Bluff Photo Tour.

[KingKrab]

That is very interesting AlleghenyAngel. I really like your photography work, and your interest and dedication to preserving historic Pittsburgh.

[gg]

I do appreciate you taking the time to take all the cool pictures. It would be cool if they were reused, but it is cheaper to take them down and build new. That is the Pittsburgh way, so the pictures is what we will have left.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

Maybe, but I sure the heck wouldn't want to live on a noisy highway ramp, which is basically what this block of Forbes is.

That block is two blocks away from the Birmingham Bridge and two-three blocks away from the Boulevard. There are many, many places in Pittsburgh, and other cities I know, where people are happily living in closer proximity to such things, on streets just as busy as Forbes. And keep in mind being right there also means you have great bus service to Downtown or Oakland.

Of course that sort of situation isn't for everyone, but if the Bluff in general redevelops as a residential neighborhood, which seems to be where it is heading, I am sure there will be a market for residential units on this block.