The Board of Directors and the House Tour Committee of Observatory Hill, Inc. (OHI) are pleased to announce the 2023 House Tour “Stories of a Neighborhood,” on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 if purchased in advance and $20 if purchased the day of the event. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com by searching “Observatory Hill” or by following the link on OHI’s Facebook or Instagram.

“Stories of a Neighborhood” is centered around the unique and historic Northside neighborhood of Observatory Hill. Originally a part of Allegheny City, Observatory Hill boasts many stately homes and preserved green space. Visitors to 2854 Perrysville Avenue will learn about the origins of the beautifully maintained 1912 home built for a well-respected doctor that also housed his medical practice. At 3244 Orleans Street, enjoy the beautifully maintained woodwork and authentic fireplaces throughout this 1911 home. Situated along the “Judge’s Row” section of the neighborhood, you will explore 3308 Perrysville Avenue, a 1904 home with a history of lavish parties and excess. At 120 Richey Avenue, learn about the past and present owners of the 1910 home which include a steel official, a piano dealer, and a murder-for-hire plot.

In addition to other homes on the tour, patrons will also be able to see the completed and ongoing work of OHI and its partner organization Observatory Hill Development Corporation (OHDC), showcasing rehabilitation projects on Bonvue Street and the Five-Points building in the business district. At selected properties, enjoy beer tastings from area breweries and distributors. Molly’s Trolleys will provide transportation along Perrysville Avenue to accommodate tour goers, and food trucks and vendors will be set up near check-in at the Five-Points building at 3917-3919 Perrysville Avenue.

The tour will also feature the scenic Riverview Park. Founded in 1896, the lush, wooded, and rolling terrain of the park provides an excellent escape for residents who enjoy its many trails and outdoor amenities. The jewel atop the crown of the park is the historic Allegheny Observatory. While the present building dates back to 1900, the observatory was established in 1859 by a group of wealthy industrialists and is currently owned by the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to the advances made in science and astronomy, the observatory is believed to have been the first regular and systematic system of time distribution to railroads and cities as well as the origin of the modern standard time system. Using its telescopes to track the timely position of celestial bodies, the observatory transmitted a time service that extended over 2,500 miles with 300 telegraph offices receiving their time signals.

In partnership with the Allegheny Observatory, OHI is excited to announce that timed, guided tours of the observatory will be available to V.I.P. ticket holders this year. V.I.P. tickets can only be purchased online in advance and are $40. V.I.P. tickets will also permit the bearers a larger beer tasting, snacks and swag.

For more information about the 2023 House Tour, visit OHI’s Facebook and Instagram page or email ohipgh@gmail.com.

Observatory Hill, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization made up of volunteers who are committed to improving the quality of life for all residents of Pittsburgh’s historic Observatory Hill neighborhood. n