Alpha Terrace Historic District facts for kids
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Alpha Terrace Historic District
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 Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | 716–740 and 721–743 North Beatty Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
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| Architect | Murphy & Hamilton |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Romanesque Revival, Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001570 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 18, 1985 |
The Alpha Terrace Historic District is a special group of old houses in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It's called a historic district because its buildings are important to history.
This district includes twenty-five stone rowhouses. These homes were built between 1889 and 1894. They show a cool mix of different building styles from that time.
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What Makes Alpha Terrace Special?
The houses at Alpha Terrace were designed by architects Murphy & Hamilton. They used a blend of Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles. This mix gives the buildings a unique and interesting look.
A Look at the Architecture
The Queen Anne style often features towers, turrets, and decorative details. It can also include different textures and colors. The Romanesque Revival style is known for its strong, sturdy look. It often uses stone and features round arches, like those found in old Roman buildings.
The Alpha Terrace homes combine these styles. This creates a distinctive streetscape. It's like a history book written in stone and brick.
Homes for Important People
When they were first built, these homes were all part of one big property. They were rented out to upper-middle-class families. For a while, the company U.S. Steel even rented some of the houses. They used them for their top executives.
In the 1950s, the houses were sold individually. This meant each family could own their own part of Alpha Terrace.
Why is Alpha Terrace Historic?
Alpha Terrace is recognized as an important historical place. It has received several special designations. These help protect the buildings and their history for future generations.
- On July 18, 1985, the block was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a national list of places important to American history.
- In 1979, it became a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark. This recognizes its importance to the city's history.
- In January 1996, the district was also added to the City of Pittsburgh historic designations. This gives it local protection and recognition.
These designations mean that Alpha Terrace is valued for its architecture and its role in Pittsburgh's past.
