Highland Park Blends History, Community, and Nature

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Photo by Paul Selvaggio

Of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods, none may have as many attractive offerings as Highland Park. Nestled at the edge of the East End, this historic neighborhood—home to over 6,600 residents—boasts some of the city’s most beautiful homes, including Baywood: The Alexander King Estate. Many other homes were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and are thoughtfully preserved. Even so, there are affordable options at every price point in Highland Park, contributing to the area’s diversity. The Highland Park neighborhood received a historic designation from the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Though primarily residential, Highland Park also contains a small but tight-knit business district, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and a city park of the same name. Twin pillars flank the entrance to the Victorian-era park, with statuesque “gate piers” welcoming visitors.

Highland Park Reservoir

The 365-acre park itself, established in 1889, is one of Pittsburgh’s most picturesque. One outstanding feature is the Highland Park Reservoir, which offers a popular walking path for residents. In addition to the gardens, fountain, and reflecting pool at the entrance, other amenities within the park grounds include a swimming pool, dog park, tennis courts, volleyball courts, walking trails, Lake Carnegie (an urban fishery), and the Highland Park Super Playground, built in part by neighborhood volunteers.

In the summer months, the park hosts free movies, the Reservoir of Jazz concert series, and classes such as Zumba and art in the park.

Stephanie Walsh is the president of the Highland Park Community Council (HPCC), the oldest continuously operating neighborhood organization in Pittsburgh, established in 1945. The nonprofit is an advocacy organization that promotes a safe and healthy community. In addition to a children’s subcommittee and a program that provides tech services to seniors, the HPCC also works with the city to advocate for park and public safety issues. Its latest project is transforming an empty lot into the Bryant Street Parklet.

“Some neighborhoods are big and sprawling; here, you can actually get to know local business owners and your neighbors. It’s nice because it’s also very green, even outside the park. The residential part has a lot of established landscaping and old trees, so it’s shady and has a cozy feeling,” said Walsh.

The HPCC also leads many events, including the Highland Park House Tour, which, while not annual, has been running for over 25 years; the city’s largest neighborhood yard sale in summer; a Fourth of July Kids’ Parade; and a Hullabaloo Party in the Park to welcome the start of fall.

“Highland Park has a real sense of community—people are active, there are lots of walkers, a million dogs, and people actually know their neighbors. Our organization works to promote that sense of community,” added Walsh.

Joyce Scott

Joyce Scott is the treasurer of the Highland Park Tennis Club, which started in 2001 as a membership club for tennis players but has since evolved into a social and charitable giving club. They also offer tennis clinics for all skill levels. “We like to give back to the community. We hold an annual food drive for the local food bank, and we have a scholarship fund where we donate $2,500 to a high school senior going off to college,” she said. This year, they’re also offering a CPR class. Scott loves the neighborhood and said it’s a great place to play tennis, especially now that the courts have been resurfaced and outfitted with new lights.

Kathy Fine and her husband, Michael, have lived in the neighborhood for 35 years and appreciate everything Highland Park has to offer, including daily walks in the park. She’s also a member of the tennis club and, when her children were young, spent time at the Highland Park pool. She said the neighborhood’s diversity has always been something the family values.

Joseph Tambellini Restaurant. Photo by Hilary Daninhirsch

Bryant Street is where most of the businesses are located, though it also has residential homes. One longtime business that attracts customers from across the city is Joseph Tambellini Restaurant, an upscale, classic Italian eatery that has been a Highland Park institution for 18 years. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because there were once 17 different Tambellini family restaurants across Pittsburgh, according to owner Joseph Tambellini.

The building his restaurant occupies has housed a restaurant for over 60 years, though Tambellini was initially hesitant to buy it due to the neighborhood’s condition at the time. With community revitalization, however, the decision proved worthwhile. “We never dreamed it would be as strong and vibrant as it is. That was one of the transitions we saw in Highland Park over the years. It was the perfect confluence of the residents, the government, and the programs they invoked to breathe life into a stagnant neighborhood—and they did a great job,” he said. Tambellini has gotten to know many residents and business owners and has built a loyal, supportive customer base both locally and citywide.

Periwinkle and Fox, a children’s clothing and toy boutique that also hosts events for kids, is a newer business, having opened just two years ago. Owner Amanda Crossland, who also lives in Highland Park, loves the neighborhood’s walkability to parks, restaurants, and shops. “All the shops on Bryant Street are independent. It’s very safe, with people always walking around because of the park; the park always runs such great events in the summertime,” she said.

One of Highland Park’s most unique businesses is actually a nonprofit: the Union Project. Located in a converted church at the corners of Stanton and North Negley Avenue, the space is now a center for all things clay, divided into various studio areas. “We run 150 programs a year for all ages and skill levels. We also support part- and full-time working artists,” said Executive Director Jeffrey Dorsey. The nonprofit, which serves over 10,000 people annually, maintains 25 wheels, six kilns (including three electric ones), and a mobile studio on wheels. The space is also available to rent for events.

Dorsey said the Union Project receives strong support from the Highland Park community, often partnering with local businesses and serving many residents who make use of the space.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Photo by Paul Selvaggio

No article about Highland Park would be complete without mentioning one of Pittsburgh’s crown jewels: the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, which is nearly as old as the neighborhood itself. The aquarium was added in 1967. “The Zoo is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States and is home to more than 8,000 animals representing over 600 species. The organization’s research and conservation projects are recognized globally and represented on all seven continents and five oceans, and our education programming has reached all 50 states. The Zoo is now embarking on the next 20 years of master plan development, starting with our front gates currently under construction and an all-new giraffe habitat coming soon,” said Jenn Torpie, vice president of education & community engagement. She added that the Zoo welcomes nearly one million visitors each year.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Photo by Paul Selvaggio

“Our Zoo family really appreciates being located in Highland Park. Not only is the park a beautiful place (and a favorite for staff lunch breaks), but the vibrant business district and restaurants are go-to spots for lunches and team outings. Highland Park really is a Pittsburgh gem,” added Torpie.

Visit https://hpccpgh.org to learn more about the neighborhood, or https://pittsburghparks.org/explore-your-parks/regional-parks/highland-park/ to learn more about the park itself.