Neighborhood Walking Tour: Lower Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is one of the largest and oldest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Established in 1814 by William Barclay Foster, it almost immediately became the site of a sprawling military arsenal that was active through the Civil War. Improved transportation access beginning in the mid-19th century facilitated development of the industries for which Lawrenceville was known (oil refining, iron mills, brewing, and others) for a century. After declining in the second half of the 20th century, the neighborhood has recently become a thriving, lively community with restaurants, arts venues, and other amenities that create a cool vibe.

Much of Lawrenceville’s historic architectural fabric survives, including commercial, institutional, residential, social, and religious buildings that served the working and middle classes. This tour focuses on the neighborhood’s western section, commonly called Lower Lawrenceville. It will encompass the full range of buildings, both historic and more recent, to give a textured overview of this part of the neighborhood.