Frankie Pace Park, Crawford-Roberts: 901 Centre Avenue
The history of the lower Hill District is robust, diverse, and worthy of many books across myriad disciplines. Like the challenges faced in other Black neighborhoods, depopulation, economic disinvestment and exploitation, corruption, and racism are long-term, complex problems.
And while knowledge of the neighborhood’s history may help explain the uneasy relationship residents often have with developers and city officials, it’s not necessary to enjoy Frankie Pace Park, which offers a pleasant, safe way to approach Downtown. There’s ample seating, native plant landscaping, public art, and amazing views. The park also features interpretive displays of Frankie Mae Pace’s advocacy for equitable housing and education in the 1950s, and of Martin Delany, an abolitionist, journalist, and education advocate in the Civil War Era.
Change continues throughout the neighborhoods that comprise the Hill District, with more housing and commercial buildings on the horizon. How distant that horizon lies is unclear, but in the meantime, Frankie Pace Park is a nice addition to the landscape.
Love Pittsburgh’s City Steps? Get a Copy of the NEW Book!
City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide explores the history of the steps and the neighborhoods in which they were built. It also includes 13 guided walks and 20+ locations worth visiting—all with detailed descriptions, directions, and resources for creating your own urban hiking adventure. All areas of Pittsburgh are represented: north, south, east, and west. The book is available through all online shops (including our publisher) and local and independent bookstores.
Reader Interactions