A new 3,500 square-foot mural is jumpstarting revitalization efforts in
Deutschtown, a national historic district. Located at the corner of East Ohio St. and Cedar Ave., the mural is part of rebranding activities in the Northside neighborhood.
On June 20th at 6:30 p.m., the
Northside Leadership Conference (NSL) and
East Allegheny Community Council are hosting a mural dedication. Part of a neighborhood investment exceeding $40,000, the mural was supported by the state’s
Department of Community and Economic Development, the
URA and private foundations. “One of the most obvious ways to rearticulate the neighborhood's historic nature was to celebrate that in a mural. It’s a big-time gateway--a blank canvas that everyone driving eastbound sees,” says Eric Milliron with the NSL.
Created by
David Edwards, the mural is already making a splash. “I’ve heard from lots of folks who come in from out of town who like it. We’re hoping it pulls people into the main street and residential community and gives them a new sense of pride.”
Complementary sculptural signage will be installed at the opposite end of East Ohio St. near the
Port Authority shelter. Visible from I-279 and Rte. 28, the signage is being designed by Jennifer McNulty, Bob Baumbach and Robert Sands. “The original signage was stark and Germanic. We wanted something representative of the community and more urban, to make people talk,” says Milliron, who cites the
Allegheny Commons restoration, a new shopping guide and the redevelopment of the Carlisle Building as additional projects fueling Deutschtown’s transformation.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Eric Milliron, Northside Leadership Conference
Image courtesy of Northside Leadership Conference