The Many Sides of the Northside
- Kathleen Ganster
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Say the words “The Northside” to several people, and chances are the words will conjure up a different image in each person’s mind—the gorgeous Mexican War Street homes, the two professional sports teams’ stadiums, or a favorite locally-owned café. With 18 neighborhoods and 12 business districts, there are many places to know and love in the Northside.
Perhaps the best place to learn more about the area is the Northside/North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Carrie Nolan-Robson has been with the Chamber for less than a year but already loves the region. “The diversity is one of the best things about the Northside. There are 18 communities that come together as a whole, and you don’t realize how vast an area the Northside is—from Troy Hill to Manchester/Chateau to the North Shore. We have everything from very large to very small shops and nonprofits. And there are so many restaurants that really help our area thrive,” she said.
Patrick Bendel, member relations manager, has seen the membership of the Chamber nearly double in the last few years. He believes this is, in part, because of the sense of community and neighborhood. “This area is the salt of the earth. There is a lot of pride and support in this community, and relationship-building and knowing who to connect with is what we are all about. This area is really neighbors supporting neighbors,” he said.
Quinn Kirby, manager of strategic initiatives, not only works at the Chamber but also calls the Northside home. “The community here is incredible. And all of the neighborhoods have their own culture. You could explore them forever,” they said. Kirby appreciates the fact that Northside residents invest in the community and bands together.
“Pittsburgh is the happy medium between people being kind and honest. In the Northside, we see the best of that, and people come together to lift each other up,” they said.
Wise County Biscuits & Café opened on the Northside in November 2023. “Before launching Wise County Café, we built our following at farmers’ markets and pop-ups in coffee shops across the city. When it came to finding a permanent home, the Northside felt like the perfect fit. We were drawn to its accessibility, the community, and, of course, the charm of our space. The large windows flood the café with natural light and highlight the architecture of the neighborhood,” said Lena Laskaris, who owns the café with her husband, James Wolfe.
Laskaris echoed Kirby’s thoughts on the community. “The community here truly cares. The support for local businesses is incredible, and we’ve felt that from day one. Whether it’s our regulars stopping by for their morning coffee or fellow small business owners collaborating and cheering each other on, there’s a real sense of connection,” she said. “Everything we need is close by, making it not only a welcoming place but also a highly convenient one to run a business. We’re minutes from everything.”
There are many reasons the Northside is special in Laskaris’ viewpoint, but one particularly stands out. “For us, it’s the people. The Northside is home to a dynamic mix of longtime residents, young families, students, and professionals, all bringing their own stories and energy to the neighborhood. On top of that, we get to welcome visitors from all over. They come here for the world-class arts, science, sports, and the area’s rich history. That blend of familiar faces and new connections makes every day here special,” she said.
In the warmer months, the Friday afternoon farmers’ market on the Northside connects local farms and vendors to residents and those who work in the area. According to James Longanecker, farmers’ market manager, the location is ideal for a number of reasons. “We are located right across from Allegheny General Hospital, which makes it convenient for families visiting the hospital and our health care workers. We’re also hoping that neighbors in Allegheny West, Mexican War Streets, Fineview, and Deutschtown will visit the market,” he said.
With over 20 local vendors, Longanecker said that this season, they are balancing the market to include a full selection of products, prepared foods, and community partners like the Children’s Museum and Adagio Health. The market will open on May 16 and will feature special events throughout the season.
“We are connecting the community through good food. The market helps keep the east side of the park alive as well,” Longanecker said.
An integral part of the Northside is Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). “Building on CCAC’s distinguished legacy of expanding educational access, fostering community engagement, and driving workforce development, the Northside location stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity. Anchored by the recently opened state-of-the-art ‘Center for Education Innovation and Training,’ a $45 million workforce training facility, this campus serves as a catalyst for economic growth and social mobility,” said Dr. Evon Walters, CCAC vice president for strategic initiatives and community engagement.
“More than just a learning center, the Northside location functions as an incubator of ideas and collaboration, forming strategic alliances with local school districts, the Northside/North Shore Chamber of Commerce, and a network of community-based organizations. These partnerships amplify CCAC’s impact, aligning education with real-world industry needs and ensuring that students and the community gain access to the post-secondary training, credentialing, and skills required to thrive in high-demand fields.”
Dr. Walters continued, “The Northside campus is truly unique because it is deeply woven into the fabric of its community. This deep-rooted connection ensures that the Northside isn’t just a location—it’s a gateway to transformation, empowering individuals and strengthening the entire community.
Natasha and Bill Brittain, owners of The WBU Event Center, preserved its history while renovating their venue. “The WBU is a multi-floor historic venue in Spring Hill that sits on an acre of land with an outdoor garden, fruiting trees, and honeybees. We specialize in hosting memorable celebrations such as weddings and galas, continuing the tradition on-site for over a century,” Natasha Brittain said.
She explained that The Workingman’s Beneficial Union (WBU) was built in 1887 as a community center for German American workers in Pittsburgh and originally included a ballroom, bowling alley, and two bars. When the Brittains assumed ownership, the building had been vacant for 15 years. “We brought it back to life starting in 2015. The WBU is fully renovated and honors its history while merging with modern times,” she said.
The Brittains, who held their own wedding at The WBU, feel the venue chose them. “We have always loved the Northside, but it was the location that spoke to us. We found the listing on a two-year-old Craigslist ad, and that’s where our part of the story began,” Brittain said.
War Streets Art Salon is new to the Northside. “We opened in August 2024 with the vision of creating a space that bridges the gap between professional art studios and cookie-cutter craft party venues. I wanted to build a place where people could truly explore their creative side in a casual, welcoming setting—without pressure or perfectionism,” Founder and Owner Clarise Fearn said.
Fearn also highlighted the sense of community. “I have never experienced community the way I have in the Northside. This community is so vibrant and supportive and has helped me get the studio off the ground in ways I never would have imagined. It’s truly special,” she said.
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