Lawrenceville is quickly becoming known as one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city of Pittsburgh, with a large, vibrant community of artisans, and a shopping district full of specialty boutiques, renowned restaurants, yoga studios and cozy neighborhood coffee shops. Despite all the buzz, Lawrenceville has retained its authentic, community feel. Expect to walk into the shops and be greeted by the friendly business owners, who will likely refer you to other shops in the area if you don't find what you're looking for.
Location:
Lawrenceville is located just east of Downtown Pittsburgh and is surrounded by the Strip District, Stanton Heights, Friendship and Bloomfield. Lawrenceville is located barely a mile from Downtown Pittsburgh and runs along the banks of the Allegheny River, almost to the western border of Highland Park.
Getting Around:
Lawrenceville is one of the oldest and largest neighborhoods in the city of Pittsburgh with approximately 11,000 residents and three business districts. Butler Street from 34th St. to 62nd St. contains most of the shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and neighborhood-serving businesses. Penn Avenue from 34th to Friendship Ave. contains some art studios, coffee shops, funky bars and ethnic restaurants. Liberty Avenue from 33rd St. to the Bloomfield Street Bridge features some artisan studios and restaurants.
Attractions & Entertainment:
Lawrenceville is home to the 16:62 Design Zone shopping district and the historic Allegheny Cemetery. Lawrenceville also features a number of neighborhood events. The best example is Art All Night, a free, annual 24-hour arts festival which displays art from anyone who wants to participate. There's plenty of entertainment to be found in Lawrenceville as well, including live music at neighborhood bars and a bowling alley.
Homes & Housing:
Lawrenceville was established as a city neighborhood in 1814, and has many historic, architecturally significant homes. Home styles vary from attached rowhouses to large, detached homes. In addition, new townhouses have been built along Penn Avenue in the past decade, and private developers have created unique loft space in the upper floors of historic building along the Lawrenceville business district, including the Blackbird Lofts, completed in 2006.
Lawrenceville has a large elderly population, many of whom have lived in their homes their entire lives. In recent years, as the elderly leave their homes, young professionals have moved in, delighted to find beautiful, untouched homes. While some homes need improvements, original features have been retained, making them a joy to renovate. Compared with other city neighborhoods, people can still find great homes at great prices. The median sale price for a home in Lawrenceville in 2006 (through October 15) was just $45,000.
16:62 Design Zone:
Lawrencville is home to the 16:62 Design Zone, one of Pittsburgh's trendiest shopping districts filled with an eclectic mix of antique shops, art galleries, furniture and home décor shops, and specialty boutiques.
More About:
Lawrenceville is named for U.S. Navy Capt. James Lawrenceville, who is most famous for his dying rally cry of "Don't Give Up the Ship!" during the War of 1812. Lawrenceville is represented by Pittsburgh City Council District 7 and encompasses ZIP code 15201.
Thanks to Lawrenceville Corporation for assistance with this neighborhood profile.
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