WDUQ is Pittsburgh’s jazz and NPR station and it is awesome. Even if you’re not the biggest jazz fan, don’t try and tell me you don’t mess with Robert Siegel or Meeeeeechelle Norris on All Things Considered.

WDUQ is rightly a Pittsburgh institution and they need your help as they prepare to make the switch to being a fully independent station. Help ‘em out.

Above is a shot of 279 cutting right through East Allegheny. Highway construction causes obvious destruction of neighborhoods- The Avery Institute, founded in 1849 by philanthropist and abolitionist Charles Avery as a place where African-Americans could receive a classical education, was razed to make way for on ramps. But such construction projects also cause damage that lingers.

The highway created a border between the east side of town and the west with few conduits between the two. So while the west side of town experiences restoration and development, the east side is left to decay. Granted, the west side of town is closer to busier neighborhoods and has more businesses to anchor the area and make it more attractive. And to be sure, groups like the EACC surely don’t intentionally ignore the eastern part of East Allegheny. But redevelopment is largely built upon momentum and contagion, and four highway lanes between once-adjacent areas disrupt both.

Obviously, 279 has its benefits; I’m not advocating a city that’s impossible to get to or from. But eased traffic flow and greater suburban-urban access do come at a cost, and this cost is the tale of the two neighborhoods of East Allegheny.

And what’s more German than bier and Bach?

East Ohio Street, along with a few streets that branch from it, is home to a wide array of restaurants and bars, small shops and neighborhood services.

Amani International Coffeehouse and Cafe is home to live music on Fridays, all types of networking events, and ALL YOU CAN EAT WAFFLES (on certain days)

Bistro To-Go offers catering, cooking classes and and BYOB dining.

Max’s Allegheny Tavern has a long and storied history that is way too complicated for me to summarize so I’ll leave it to the pros. Suffice it to say they serve authentic German food in an old building that’s been a neighborhood gathering place for over a century. And anything with ‘Max’ or ‘Pollock’ in the title earns a picture on this blog:

Priory Fine Pastries has been around since 2004, but the building they’re housed in has been around since the mid 1880s when David Lytle Clark started the D.L. Clark Candy Company, makers of the Clark Bar. Owned by the same folks who own the Priory Hotel and the Grand Hall, Priory Fine Pastries makes custom cakes and has become an institution on East Ohio Street.

Frozen in Time. They freeze-dry floral arrangements. I’m not quite sure what to make of this one.

Photo Antiquities is an awesome spot that has a huge collection of all types of photographic prints…I think. When I rode by I saw this:

The ‘For Rent’ sign isn’t encouraging but I’m not sure of the status. Anyone have more info? Photo Antiquities is one in a long line of shops that make up a sort of Photo-Row on East Ohio Street. Others are Bernie’s Photo Center,  Pittsburgh Custom Darkroom, and the Pittsburgh Camera Exchange.

Of course, East Ohio Street and East Allegheny in general, are home to tons of other businesses, way to many to discuss here. For a more complete listing, check out the EACC’s website.

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, patio with pond, hardwood floors, fireplaces, views of city, 3,278 sq ft, built in 1900: $322,500 as in $700,000 cheaper than you’d pay in my hometown of Washington, D.C.

Built in 1854, what is now the Grand Hall used to be St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, a hub for the German, Swiss and Austrian communities. Interesting tidbit: the church was created without windows because of ‘the constant vandalism of virulent anti-Catholic partisans during the ascendancy of the Know-Nothing party.’ (Thank Professor Franklin Toker and his wonderful book, Pittsburgh: A New Portrait)

The Grand Hall was restored in 1995 and now houses banquets and weddings and fancy things like that. The adjacent Priory, is now the Priory Hotel, and that is fancy as well.

West side of town:

Knock the dust off of ‘em and you’ve really got something. The west side of the neighborhood features some boarded-up beauts too, but on this side of town, the eye-sores are the exception, not the rule. The East Allegheny Community Council, has undertaken ambitious restoration and preservation projects, most of which seem to be centered in the west part of the neighborhood. The Historic Deutschtown House Tour offers a glimpse of many of the restored 19th century homes. I offer you a smaller glimpse.