Pittsburgh's Mexican War Streets

[Evergrey]

Great post, bradsp. Wasn't the Mexican War Streets House Tour this past weekend?

[TheGerbil]

Since I had to correct you so many times, one thing I will agree with is your apparent snotty suburban Pit or East End attitude is true to form.

Nice, informative post -- but let's try not to insult each other here. Thanks.

[blueblackcat]

Well, that was just pretentious, rude, and uncalled for.

[TheGerbil]

Well, that was just pretentious, rude, and uncalled for.

Let's all try to get along here, please. Thanks

[Evergrey]

taken Sept. 24

recently restored 1840s homes

fin

[TheGerbil]

What a nice firehouse that is. I hope someone buys it and does something good with it. Thanks for the pics.

[facilities man]

What are the price ranges for homes in this area?

[Evergrey]

What a nice firehouse that is. I hope someone buys it and does something good with it. Thanks for the pics.

There is a firehouse on Penn Ave. in the Strip District that has been converted into a chic lounge.

[chucka]

Evergrey,

Could you tell me your thoughts on this row of houses? (condition, neighborhood safety, etc.)

The 703 Armandale Street house in the picture is for sale on the City's website for only $16,000. I have been meaning to go up there and check it out, but haven't had the time. I know there have been a few shootings on the street lately. Your thoughts?

Thanks

[Evergrey]

Chucka,

16k!?!? That blows me away. I'm no expert... but from a brief glance at the area... the houses look solid from the outside. They seem a bit more modest than most of the housing in the neighborhood. I don't know what they are like inside.

This block of Armandale is located between Buena Vista and Brighton. The unfortunate thing about the Mexican War Streets right now... is that it is bounded by 3 major corridors in rather crummy condition (Brighton, North, Federal). Beyond Brighton lies the most advanced decay in Pittsburgh, the small California-Kirkbride neighborhood. However, the city recently announced plans to improve the Brighton corridor.

The Mexican War Streets also get a little crummy in the tiny portion north of Armandale (although Buena Vista remains nice, the subsequent few 5 pics are walking up BV from Armandale). There's a few vacant lots and ramshackle housing in disrepair along streets such as Redknap.

I really am not the person to ask about crime in this area. I'm sure there are statistics on-line... and MWS resident bradsp probably has some info. I would think that the "core" of the neighborhood is pretty safe... there has been an influx of new residents that have revitalized the neighborhood. And there has been a lot of positive community action (coffeehouse, gardens, anti-crime measures, etc). The MWS really give you a special urban atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city. It's a "neighborhood in transition" with an upward trajectory... but the front doors need a lot of work... North Ave. especially. It's amazing to me in the DVD age that the Garden porno theatre is still in business.