Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: History of Point Breeze

History of Point Breeze

A Brief History of Point Breeze





history of Point Breeze



The history of Point Breeze grew from a popular watering hole at the crossroads of a country lane and Greensburg Pike, now known as the corner of Penn and Fifth Avenue.  Businessmen and industrialists, such as the Mellons, Scaifes and Hillmans, built large homes and mansions to settle near these well-traveled crossroads.  The neighborhood’s population is mostly Catholic and many of its resident teens attend Central Catholic High School. The Clayton, a large mansion is part of the Frick Art & Historical Center located in this vibrant neighborhood. The Eastern edge of the area is north of Regent Square and east of Frick Park.



Facts About Point Breeze

history of Point Breeze




Point Breeze is one Pittsburgh neighborhood with lots of open space, including Westinghouse Park, Mellon Park and Homewood Cemetery. A Pulitzer Prize winning memoir by Annie Dillard is set in this great area. Called An American Childhood, it chronicles Dillard’s life in the 1950s, particularly at Park Place Elementary. Author John Edgar Wideman also has two memoirs where the setting is Westinghouse Park, also located in the neighborhood.The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary is located in Point Breeze.




This area is known for the diversity of architecture, tree-lined streets and peaceful nature.  It’s located close to other Pittsburgh neighborhoods such as Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, East Liberty, Homewood and Regent Square.



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