April 4, 1979: These buildings were all that was left of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown in the late 1970s, when Chinese newcomers were assimilating into the community rather than being confined to a ghetto-like area. (Credit: Ed Morgan/The Pittsburgh Press)Pictured is distinguished actress Ming-Na Wen’s family restaurant: Chinatown Inn. This family restaurant has been around for 4 generations and is currently run by Ming-Na Wen’s brother. (Photo Credit: 90.5 WESA)
Pittsburgh’s Lost Chinatown Finally Gets Its Historical Marker (Pittsburgh Magazine) Short Excerpt: Following three denials, Pittsburgh’s Historic Chinatown’s historical marker application was finally approved last year. In the late 1800s, Pittsburgh had a thriving Chinese community centered between Second and Third avenues and Ross and Grant streets downtown. However, the community was destroyed following the construction of the Boulevard of the Allies.
The Fight to Recognize Pittsburgh’s Lost Chinatown (Pittsburgh Magazine) Short Excerpt: Pittsburgh’s Chinatown neighborhood started taking shape following the arrival of Chinese workers from New Orleans in the 1870s and immigrants from China’s Toishan-Canton region. Prior to the construction of the Boulevard of the Allies, Chinatown supported approximately 500 residents.
Upcoming Event
Join the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with OCA-Pittsburgh to commemorate the official Historical Marker of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown! Marian Lien, SHUC’s previous executive director, was instrumental in pushing through the arduous process of gaining historical landmark recognition for Pittsburgh’s Historic Chinatown and planning for the upcoming commemoration. View the invitation below.
The Squirrel Hill Business District in collaboration with Pittsburgh City Council hosted a highly successful National Night Out event. The community came together in full force, making it a memorable evening of unity, fun, and engagement.
Preserving, Improving, and Celebrating the Quality of Life in Squirrel Hill
For over fifty years, the Coalition has been an active and important link in the community. It has served as a sounding board for new ideas, as well as a “watchdog” in the areas of public safety, education, residential quality, the business district, and parks and open space. With its focus on the quality of life in the 14th Ward, SHUC continues to monitor activities and future developments in the community through a range of standing committees.