The Terminal
The strip district…
The area between Pittsburgh’s 11th and 33rd Streets developed quickly during the early- to mid-nineteenth century and transformed from a "rural retreat" to an area densely populated with homes, shops, schools, and churches. With staggering growth, came the need for substantial residential, commercial, and industrial development. This area was known as “The Strip District.”
At the turn of the century, technological advances and the mechanization of iron and steel manufacturing processes brought about the demise of the iron mill, and the area began to transform from a place of industrial manufacturing to produce distribution center.
The Produce Terminal building was designed for transferring goods from one carrier to another. Perishable produce arrived, was inspected by potential buyers, and then was auctioned at the two-story east end of the building, after which it was transferred to the buyer for transport. The one-story length of the inspection shed was designed for loading and unloading boxcars from either side, with identical doors and box car spacing along each elevation.
Today, the Strip District is home to many ethnic food purveyors, art studios, antique dealers, unique boutiques, and bustling business.
We are proud to call it home.
STAFF PICKS!
Viv says: This novel takes place between the late 60’s to early 70’s with three main characters. It’s a nostalgic story of loss from the perspective of Toru in his college days in Tokyo. Super sappy and wholesome.
Sophia says: This book honestly made me the person I am today. High praise for this book, but I read it when I was a Freshman (like our main character) and it made me want to open myself to the people around me and to experience life honestly. I am getting a quote from it tattooed on me.
Mallory says: This was my favorite book of the year. I love Wilson’s writing. It’s personable, yet witty and just so creative. He has a way to write about bizarre circumstances in such a realistic way, like twins that spontaneously combust. The story follows Lillian, the children’s “governess” as she takes care of these two feral anomalies. She becomes their world and they become hers.
Viv says: Philosophical take on the greek myth of Sisyphus, who is condemned to roll a rock up to the top of a mountain, only for it to roll back down to the bottom every time he reaches the top. The greater meaning to this is that there is no greater meaning in life, but what we give it.
Viggo Says: This story is set in a very unique world where death is no more. The story follows two characters and their journey to become Scythes. The story sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Having you question everything. It’s filled with strong and emotional moments that make for a great read!
Sophia says: A well written mystery novel that grabs hold of you. The setting and story feel like something out of a true crime show/podcast; as the main character goes through what could be seen as a true crime lover's dream, trying to solve a cold case.
Levi says: Written 30 years ago by acclaimed Sci-Fi author, Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash, stands as one of the most important foundational texts of the cyberpunk movement, even having coined the term “metaverse” back in 1992. Snow Crash tells the story of Hiro Protagonist, hacker and pizza delivery guy. When he encounters a dangerous new computer virus that harms you in the metaverse and, subsequently, in real life, he races against the clock to solve the mystery and find out who is responsible. If you enjoy action, history, language, religion, and computer science, this is for you!
Levi says: This book beautifully weaves together the tales of architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer, H.H. Holmes amongst shining lights of the 1893 World’s Fail in Chicago. This is quite literally my favorite book of all time and is a must read for anyone interested in history and/or true crime.
Levi says: Where to even begin? Marlon James weaves an incredible, beautiful, complicated, and devastating tale about Jamaica in the 1970s-1990s through multiple perspectives. It’s brutal and compelling and not for the faint of heart. For those of you with the fortitude to stick it out, you will be rewarded with one of the best books of the decade, hands down. A masterclass in historical fiction.
Mallory says: Dark. Mysterious. Addictive. This book is the first in the on-going Valerie Hart series. If you like reading about detectives chasing serial killers, this book is for you.