Trip #736 Gallion Street, Brookline, Pittsburgh, took place on April 20, 2022, and was published on June 6, 2022.
This photo is from visit #736, and as Bob Regan’s book, “Pittsburgh Steps: The Story of the City’s Public Stairways” (which this project re-creates) ends with #739, I am VERY close to the finish line. As I stand here at this intersection, I turn in a complete circle and take in the rolling hills and Belgian Block pavers, the houses both empty and occupied, the political signs, yard art, and black and gold sports banners. I see a dead-end street with a healthy dose of litter and another flight of city steps that offers Gallion Avenue a complete pedestrian route between Pioneer and Glenarm. I think about the quest I’ve been on for the last five years and how much energy and time I’ve put into this search. I’ve found all of the stairs and so much more.
Field Notes: Walking up and down these rolling streets in the South Hills is a serious workout, but the view always looks great! This intersection combines old Belgian Block and modern-day asphalt. The pavers certainly keep vehicles from driving too fast – I wish the city hadn’t covered them up over the years. The house and yard nearby were decorated with all kinds of stuff – streamers, yard art, lights… not sure if it was for a party or “just because.”
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs and railings, and trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
