Fabled Parkway East Rises

It's not the best picture but it was the best I could do.

These are the Bohem Street Steps. They fall down the hillside from South Oakland toward the Parkway East (376). At one point in time there once was a pedestrian bridge that carried travelers over and down to Second Avenue. People always mention these steps to me and I have long yearned of hiking them. Alas, they are far too treacherous. This is the top at Bohem Street right by the Frazier Street Park.



As you can see, definitely not safe. Like so many other sets in the city. Since the demolition of the old steel mills that once riddled the Monongahela valley, a new industry has sprung up. The tech industry. Carnegie Mellon has spanking new research facilities, 3M has offices, among others. (forgive me for not knowing more details). Second Ave leading to Hazelwood has become the "Technology Corridor". Expansion is growing ever further up river and recently, the Hazelwood branch of the three rivers heritage trail has been undergoing some refurbishment. I think it would be perhaps prudent for these tech companies to foster a Bohem St. Steps revitalization effort. It would be a direct link from the universities. They may even be able to highlight its design by installing a lighting scheme. I can dream.

The Hazelwood trail is very interesting. It's pile on pile of rubble form the old industrial buildings that once stood here. There is an old round house which appears to be in use still.



...among other things



And there was another building. It was HUGE!!!


And guess what else I found? More steps.



It would appear that this set comes down from up yonder in Greenfield. If my calculations are correct, this set is one big mama. I do believe it is the continuation of Noah Street. Upon closer inspection, there are still steps on that hillside. These ones could be freaking awesome. I'm going to have to getup there and find out...



In closing, Hazelwood is a ghost-like remnant of Pittsburgh's past. The trail is very accessible and I recommend a trip out there ASAP. Some things you just have to see for yourself to understand.