Lawrenceville's Lasting Impressions

It didn't take us very long to explore Pitt'sburgh's small, dense neighborhood of Lawrencville, and it took us even less time to formulate a general "feeling" about the neighborhood. However, I still can't come to a clear conclusion about this place.
It seems that a black-and-white label cannot be put on such an interesting destination, thus I share the ups and downs of my experience (with only a little bias).


Unfortunately,
we decided to visit on a Monday.





Don't visit on a Monday.




















No really. Don't.



I'd suggest a late Saturday morning to be the best time. Most places close pretty early, so a late night escapade would be futile. Any other day of the week, and your chances of exploration diminish immensely.



Fortunately,
it wasn't crowded when we went.


Unforunately,
the neighborhood is a little run down.




The shops are predominately on one side of the street, and though they are gorgeous in an artsy way, the other side of the street isn't exactly where I'd like to be walking.




Fortunately,
I'm confident it won't be like that for long.






There's construction all over the place. It's obvious that the neighborhood isn't going to shambles; it's just getting started.
It may not be up and coming, but it's definitely coming.









Unfortunately,
this building...





is a school.
Don't let the prison lights and barbed wire fence fool you.


It's probably electric.




Fortunately,
there is an amazing sense of community throughout the neighborhood.






Nearly every building we entered had a table near the door with brochures, maps, pamphlets, (you name it!) about the neighborhood and it's future happenings. Entire walls and windows were dedicated to housing the flyers and posters of various events. It's website is much the same way. It was completely welcoming. Becoming an active member of this community would not be difficult.




After siphoning through all the good and the bad squeezed into only a few blocks, it's clear that this neighborhood has character. It's full of interesting things to see and do, with a variety of quirks that make it different from any other place I've visited.

Even more so than it's charm, the most unique thing about Lawrenceville is it's promising potential. Never have I seen a place so ready to grow. It certainly isn't perfect, but it deserves a whole lot of credit.