Understanding Place: Emelyn Jaros




Pittsburgh, PA
[1]

Street--Murray Avenue
Map of Murray Ave, Kilsyth, Glasgow G65 0LF
[2]
Murray Avenue is located in the heart of Squirrel Hill, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Squirrel Hill is largely residential and  Murray Avenue has the feel of a small town main street. It has a distinctly slower  pace than the hectic city center and boasts a host of unique restaurants and independent shops. The street is popular with the young families who have flocked to the neighborhood and is also frequented by students from Pittsburgh's numerous universities.  For students, Murray Avenue provides a wonderful place to go to get away from campus and have a nice dinner out with friends or visiting family members. 
[3]
The entire neighborhood was mostly rural until 1893, when the creation of the electric trolley tied the area to the heart of the rapidly growing city center.  Murray and Forbes became the center of a growing business district and took on the roles they still serve to this day. [4]
[5]

District--Strip District
Map of Strip District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
[6]
The Strip District is a quirky, history-rich area to explore during the day as well as a lively spot for night life. Jane Jacob's ideas are exemplified in this neighborhood which incorporates all aspects of life into a compact and community-centered area. One of the areas most distinct features are the street vendors. Everything form fresh produce to sandwiches are available at the stands which line multiple streets. This combined with the area's more upscale restaurants are successful in attracting people from a variety of socio-economic classes. The area also has a wealth of international grocery stores and restaurants attracting people of different racial backgrounds and allowing people to learn more about other cultures. 
[7]
The strip district was originally industrial and home to foundries, mills and the like. As industry declined, the production shops closed and specialty shops and restaurants moved into the open spaces [8]. The district is still evolving. One major development is the Three Rivers Park which is intended to bring green public space to the neighborhood. [9]
                         Photo_of_The_Strip_(Smallman_St.)_in_1958.
[10]
    Image result for three rivers park strip district plan[11]

Public Space--Schenley Plaza
Image result for Schenley plaza location map
[12] 
Located at the edge of the University of Pittsburgh campus, Schenley Plaza is a popular spot for students as well as families. One side of the grassy square is lined with tables and food options. One of the current restaurants is Conflict Kitchen, which features a changing menu reflecting the  foods of the nations the US is in conflict with. A permanent tent is set up to give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the space even in inclement weather. One the other side, the plaza borders the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History and across the street is the beautiful Cathedral of Learning. The space also features a beautiful fountain. The Plaza plays host to community events such as live music and yoga classes. The plaza draws people from all over the city and surrounding area. 
Image result for schenley plaza
[13]


Image result for schenley plaza fountain
[14]

The Plaza is the result of a 1914 national design competition. Horace Wells Sellers and H. Bartol Register won with their idea which centered around the City Beautiful style. Gradually the plaza was taken over by parking, but in 1999 it was restored to a public space [15] 
Schenley Plaza circa 1950
[16]

Works Cited:
[1] Pittsburgh location in US. Digital image. Worldatlas. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[2] Murray Avenue on a map. Digital image. Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[3]Murray Avenue. Digital image. NakYouOut. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[4] "Squirrel Hill History." Squirrel Hill Historical Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[5] Forbes and Murray Avenue. Digital image. Retrographer. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[6]Strip District on a map. Digital image. Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[7] Strip District street vendors. Digital image. Valie Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[8] Discovertheburgh. "A Shopping and Eating Guide to Pittsburgh's Strip District." Discover the Burgh. N.p., 11 June 2017. Web. 21 June 2017.
[9]"A Greener Future for the Strip District." Pittsburgh Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[10] Historic Strip District. Digital image. The Strip District. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[11] Green space plan. Digital image. The Yards. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[12]Shenley Plaza on a map. Digital image. Groupon. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[13]Schenely Plaza. Digital image. Pitt Admissions Twitter. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[14] Schenely Plaza Fountain. Digital image. Pittsburgh Outdoor Murals and Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[15] Staff, Parks Conservancy. "Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Blog." Countdown to 1 Million: Schenley Plaza History. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.
[16]Schenely Plaza original plan. Digital image. Pittsburgh Parks Conversation. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2017.

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