The Hill District
Context and Background
The Hill District is located in the SW portion of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The city's Downtown Business District lies on the western border, with the Strip District to the north. Duquesne University and The University of Pittsburgh flank the southern and eastern portions of the District. Appropriately named due to the varying topography changes, The Hill District is comprised of 7 neighborhoods.
History
Nicknamed "Little Haiti," The Hill District was historically Pittsburgh's oldest black community. Middle class free African Americans were the area's first residents.
By 1910, the District attracted migrants from all over the United States. By 1920, approx. 37,000 residents called the area home. A cultural hub, the area exploded with a variety of entertainment including jazz, art, theater, and baseball.
By the mid 1900s, with an exploding population and unsuitable housing conditions, due in part to segregation, the district became the focus of urban renewal projects. 1,500 families were displaced. 1,300 buildings were removed to make room for a new Civic Arena. This move did not benefit the neighborhoods.
I-579
Development of the I-579 corridor through Downtown Pittsburgh would further hurt the Hill District. This development would sever the neighborhoods from a primary economic center and solidify the urban disconnect that was happening to the area. Residents had few safe ways to walk to work as the transportation network became car oriented. With few safe ways to enter the Hills, business experienced a decline in customers. Jobs and businesses slowly disappeared.
By 1990, the Hill District lost 71% of its residents and about 400 businesses. Today, many live at or below the poverty line. Violence is common.
Historical Development of the Hill District
Top Image: 1939 - Most active time of the Hill District. Densely packed buildings overflowed with tenants. Some struggled to find housing.
Bottom Image: 1967 - Lower Hill Urban Renewal Project results in a new Civic Arena.
Today, the Civic Arena no longer exists. It has been replaced by the PPG Paints Arena, located across the street.
In its place sits a large empty parking lot, leaving the Lower Hill neighborhood largely undeveloped. This area provides the main connection to the Downtown Business District, separated by highway. The below photos provide a look at the current conditions of the Lower Hill.
