Pittsburgh's new park concept modeled after the Highline in NYC may be one of the city's best hidden secrets to enjoy the coziness of a park, gardens, art, food, bike trails, and impressive views of the city from under the Liberty Bridge and the Monongahela river.
I met up with a person in the West terminal building who explained the concept and what they hope to do with the area. Pittsburgh's "baby Highline" sits between two terminal buildings currently undergoing renovations and are connected by a lower level indoor parking garage. The Highline Pittsburgh garage as it is called grants you 2 hours free parking if you wish to come pay a visit. The elevated third level between the two buildings make up the main Highline itself.
They are putting in special lighting as well as flowers, plants that are set in steel made bases intentionally designed to turn to rust as exposed to the elements. They own another building out by the river which they hope to turn into a concert hall.
The asteroid café that used to occupy part of this spot has gone out of business and the Strip district's De Fer Coffee and tea hope to open up near where they stood sometime in 2021 when Co-Vid is more under control. The west terminal building is home to offices and businesses and always looking for new tenants. Masks are required inside the West Terminal.
Like New York, Pittsburgh's Highline sits on (In this case) an active railroad track and there are many areas to lounge in along with bike trails and of course easy access to the Three Rivers heritage trail that leads into the Southside.
Currently only an "Anytime Fitness" is in operation. "Sly Fox" currently in the former State office building downtown also plans to move in here as well. Future projects include a bike shop and a hamburger shop that also sells beer.
Take the opportunity to walk around not only the between the buildings but the surrounding area. Near South 5th St is a new mural under construction letting visitors know you are at the Highline. Down on the ground level behind the parking garage is a sculptured work with its name and bikes along with artwork on both buildings, wooden park benches, and a railway car currently painted to help set the scene. The ground level is approachable either by climbing down sets of stairs on East Carson St or taking an elevator near the overlook of the city and the lower parklet.
Directional signage and CoVid guidelines are in place belong to insure social distancing. Although this place has a long way to go, I'm sure the finished project will be a great place to unwind, relax, go for a bike ride, enjoy food and beverage, or just go for a walk to see just how beautiful Pittsburgh really is. You can access the parking garage on McKean St which is accessed from 2nd Ave south off E. Carson St. read more