By the 1920s Oakland had emerged as, perhaps, Pittsburgh’s greatest civic space. It flowered under the nurturing care of private developer Franklin Nicola, Public Works Director Edward Bigelow, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and a number of local architects, who collectively envisioned the area as Pittsburgh’s antidote to the Smoky City’s unseemly physical landscape and a grand space of City Beautiful dimensions. Schenley Park, the Carnegie Institute, the Carnegie Technical School, and the University of Pittsburgh all aspired to educating the public and generally mitigating the difficulties of living in this great industrial metropolis. The city’s elite chose Oakland to be the site of private clubs, civic monuments and grand churches.

The explosion of automobiles and the University of Pittsburgh’s unending appetite for land have eroded the fabric of Oakland’s civic space but not destroyed it. At the same time, some of Oakland’s residential neighborhoods have deteriorated as their traditional residents aged, died or moved to the suburbs. Then landlords subdivided houses carelessly into apartments for students and let them deteriorate. In turn, the decline of the neighborhoods have weakened local businesses. The civic space, neighborhoods and businesses should be nurtured and improved in a manner consistent with a vision of Oakland, which the city wants to see 10 or 20 years from now.

Since I work but do not live in Oakland, I will concentrate on the civic space and function of the area. Oakland’s civic space and neighborhoods must complement each other again, as they had once done before the 1970s. Older folks, often no longer living in Oakland, remember fondly the lively business streets, available entertainment and cultural and recreational opportunities of the Carnegie Institute and Schenley Park. This symbiosis among the neighborhoods, businesses and civic space can be re-established in a new configuration by strengthening each component in an integral fashion.

By the 1930s cars were allowed to park on Schenley Plaza. Located between the Carnegie Library and Forbes Field, the Plaza provided a carefully designed and landscaped entrance to Schenley Park. Since the late 1890s, civic leaders desired a grand entrance to the park that would tie it with nearby civic institutions. The plaza resulted from a design competition before World War I. Today it is a parking lot! It is imperative to restore this area as a grand public space, serving its original function of linking the park, the university and the Carnegie.

In much the same way, the closing of Bigelow Boulevard between Fifth and Forbes Avenues would enhance the university campus and extend the designed space of the plaza to tie in with nonuniversity institutions such as the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and the PAA. Preservationists decry the closing of Bigelow’s grand boulevard that connected Downtown with the park, but, in fact, development and its two right turns on city streets have long since obscured the grand character of this boulevard concept.

Neither grandness nor access to the park would be hindered by closing the block. As landscaped spaces this new green space and the plaza together would create a grand open place surrounded by half a dozen major buildings and institutions, replacing the current congested, dangerous and less than remarkable area. Carefully designed, dotted with vendors and programmed regularly, the extended Schenley Plaza can become an European-style space, another destination point in the city.

Other spaces within this institutional heart of Oakland must be addressed as well. One is, of course, the former location of the Syria Mosque and now another parking lot. While the university’s ownership of this property constrains it usage somewhat, its location is critical to the overall complex. I would urge city and university officials to begin discussions of the best use of this property -- not just in terms of a proposed building’s function, but also of its architecture, landscaping and relationship to other buildings and the streetscape.

Similarly the two major street arteries -- Forbes and Fifth Avenues -- need to be redesigned in ways that enhance pedestrian safety, maintain a reasonable traffic function and create a streetscape appropriate to the civic character of Oakland. Currently they are paved to the maximum width to encourage the greatest volume and speed of traffic. They are a traffic engineer’s solution with little concern to the aesthetic and public nature of the district. Parking and the opposing-direction bus lane should be removed from Fifth Avenue, and landscaping established that enhances the overall district and encourages greater pedestrian use.

It is no longer a secret that pedestrian use best develops a vigorous urban district, while landscapes designed around the automobile discourage use. I am not advocating the removal of the automobile, but rather a redesign of these streets and the other public spaces of Oakland that places automobiles in a more appropriate relationship to the civic space.

Parking is extremely tight today and discourages more use of Oakland. Thus, a parking garage should be built below the new Schenley Plaza and more elsewhere in locations linked to redesigned traffic patterns. Surface lots may be cheaper to build, but they are more expensive in the long run if they discourage the fullest use of the area.

The residential area between Forbes Avenue and Bates Street must be nurtured carefully by both the city and the university. This suggestion, like those above, is not original. Institutions should be not allowed to penetrate further into the neighborhood. The city must enforce codes, keep the area clean and encourage a new use for some of it.

The university must be vigilant in assuring that its students are responsible neighbors, and it must be more sensitive to good design when erecting residential buildings (unlike the new apartments rising along Bouquet Street).

Most importantly, the city should take action to turn Atwood Street into a more vigorous ethnic restaurant street than it already is. This would entail incentives to restaurateurs, providing additional parking and creating an appropriate streetscape. The ethnic (moderately priced) restaurant identity might well become a signature feature of Oakland, which would attract many more folks to the area and complement the extant cultural activities to the benefit of both. [To a lesser extent, Craig Street already functions in this manner].

In turn, it would spur a better mix and higher order of shops on Forbes Avenue, especially if the city improved Forbes’ streetscape. A better mix means a greater balance of stores between orientation to students and an orientation to specialty shoppers.

One could envision an avenue more along the lines of Boston’s Newbury Street and our own short stretch of Craig Street. Between the new Schenley Plaza and ethnic restaurant corridor, Oakland businesses would have an opportunity to capture a share of visitors’ discretionary dollars.

While Downtown’s cultural district offers a high style, performance art venue and ambiance, Oakland would provide a more relaxed, moderately priced and often daytime ambiance.

The hollow between the Carnegie Institute and Carnegie Mellon University must be used more effectively than its current use of surface parking lots. It may well provide one of the best options for adding more intensive parking and routing some traffic off of Oakland’s main arteries (as some already is).

Convenient access to Schenley Plaza must then be built. The bikeway connection to Second Avenue must also be extended into Oakland itself where streets and spaces redesigned as suggested would offer a more user-friendly environment. Biking would add to the relaxed, recreational atmosphere of Oakland.

Finally, I think the north Oakland area around Centre Avenue should be upgraded in every way. It is currently a bit run-down, congested and not very attractive. As the civic space of Oakland improves again, adjacent residential housing will be in even greater demand by folks who are not students. If it has bike-friendly access to the heart of Oakland, a better business mix along Centre Avenue and a better streetscape, the emphasis on student housing might diminish and the growth of moderately priced housing for folks desiring to be close to the civic center, restaurants and entertainment would materialize.

Across the nation many retirees want the educational and cultural advantages of university campuses and towns. We have not adequately recognized this trend in Oakland.

To be sure, the pressures for student housing and activities are great; more permanent residents would only intensify the pressure. However, cooperation between the city and the universities would provide a framework to solve some of the problems, if they had a generally shared vision of a district, which would enhance the objectives of both entities.

At the moment, the visions, to the extent that they exist, are separate, and the players pursue separate goals. An improved public space in Oakland with more vigorous and distinctive business streets will in the end benefit both the city and the universities. There are models to learn from in other cities.

Edward K. Muller, Director of Urban Studies, University of Pittsburgh

Seventy-three years ago at an autumn ceremony, the University of Pittsburgh broke ground for what would become the only skyscraper university building in America. Other than the Golden Dome at Notre Dame, possibly no other university building is as uniquely recognized or as emblematic of academic renown as is the Cathedral of Learning. At 545 feet, the Cathedral predominantly symbolizes both the value of academic prominence and Pittsburgh’s cultural stature.

As a youngster attending classes at the Carnegie Museum or Library, a Pirate game at Forbes Field, or a Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory, I was fascinated by the towering Cathedral and wondered why no one had cleaned its façade. Years later as a university graduate student, I thought it was unfortunate that nothing had yet been done. Now, 20 years and more have passed and when I take my family to the Carnegie, the Phipps or other events in Oakland, that same blemishing soot reminds me of my childhood lament, and I now wonder if other repairs or upgrades have not since become necessary.

With the imminent demolition of Pitt Stadium, it is in a word, "timely" to sustain what this historic landmark has meant to thousands upon thousands of Pitt graduates, city residents, and national and international tourists and visitors.

In "Landmark Architecture of Allegheny County Pennsylvania," James D. Van Trump and Arthur P. Ziegler Jr. closed their synopsis of this "huge building" with the following entreaty: "The building . . . is the ‘centerpiece’ of Oakland, a highly important visual element in the landscape that must be preserved."

It would be an admirable public service for this metropolitan area and Pitt alumni to heed their admonition and support the historic restoration of the Cathedral, perhaps before the 75th anniversary of its ground breaking.

Daniel Paul Zajdel, Pittsburgh

At the heart of Oakland is an open space bordered by Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning, the Carnegie Library, Pitt’s Hillman Library and the Frick Fine Arts Building. Right now, this is an ugly (if much-needed) surface parking lot, surrounded by busy streets. But given its setting and location, this space could become one of the most beautiful and heavily used parks in the city -- a meeting place for the Oakland community and a visually distinctive vista that would become a well-known signature for Oakland (especially if the park appears in a few movies).

There are many possible designs for this park. Here is one suggestion: First, either replace the current parking lot with a multilevel underground garage or, if such excavation is not feasible, build a large parking structure not too far away. Next, move the streets that surround the new park below ground level and cover them up. This would eliminate much of the traffic noise and visual clutter, and would connect the new park to the existing green spaces that surround it. If possible, even the stretch of Forbes Avenue separating the park from the Pitt campus should be sunk below ground level, so that visitors can move freely between these areas.

This would be a busy urban park, ideal for people-watching, but with plenty of trees and flower beds as well. At the center, I would like to see a large, shallow lake with a distinctive fountain or statue in the middle. In one corner of the park, make space for some food vendors, in carts or in small buildings, with plenty of picnic tables and benches nearby.

Scott E. Fahlman, professor, Carnegie Mellon University,department of computer science

I have studied in various countries in Europe the past 10 summers and absolutely love it there. The first thing that comes to mind when I think back is flowers, flowers everywhere -- from window boxes, to gardens, to baskets hanging from light poles along the streets. And there are fountains, some large and some not so large but they are usually set off by benches, flowers and people. Townsfolk and visitors alike seem to flock around the serenity of the water.

I graduated from Pitt three years ago (and retired from my job four years ago) and my favorite spot to just sit and enjoy was the fountain in front of the Frick Fine Arts Building, which also has some captivating flowers.

Donna Sebastian, Bellevue

Oakland has many things going for it -- the universities, Schenley Park (including movies on Flagstaff Hill in the summer), Phipps Conservatory, the Carnegie Museums and the cultural venues, such as the Playhouse and Carnegie Music Hall. In addition, the Craig Street shopping district has interesting shops and is appealing.

However, Oakland also has qualities that work against the neighborhood, such as litter, traffic congestion, little street parking and a certain shabbiness in much of the main shopping district. Oakland doesn’t seem to have a unifying theme or feel to it. The cultural and "green" parts are isolated, as are Pitt and CMU from each other.

I don’t think that Oakland’s shopping district will -- or necessarily should -- be upscale. I think that the diversity in Oakland should be retained, but that the area could be spruced up a bit, especially the main shopping district on Forbes. Some of the buildings are in disrepair. Perhaps some funds could be used to repair and paint the buildings. I like the independently owned businesses and certainly wouldn’t want to see a lot of chain stores take over, but perhaps one or two "anchor" stores that carry moderately priced merchandise would be beneficial (something like Old Navy or Target).

In an area such as Oakland, where there are probably more renters than homeowners (at least around the universities), it seems possible that houses are more likely to deteriorate. I don’t know whether the universities own any of the houses in Oakland. If they do, they should be required to keep them in good repair.

In addition, I think that trees should be planted along Forbes, so it’s not all concrete. As it is now, it seems very cold. Additional parklets and public spaces could help make Oakland more accessible and welcoming.

Some people do not feel safe in Oakland, especially at night. Perhaps better lighting would help with this.

The streets and sidewalks should be better maintained, as far as litter is concerned.

The traffic congestion and parking limitations seem to be a problem for many. Perhaps a trolley, shuttle or bus that services only Oakland could reduce these problems.

I think that Oakland should enhance its good qualities and build upon its diverse and culturally rich personality. Few neighborhoods anywhere have as much to offer.

Laura Lind, Squirrel Hill

I grew up in Oakland and graduated from Pitt in 1950. I have two sisters there and still visit Oakland. I will be back for my 50th year homecoming.

Establish an atmosphere that will make Oakland different to the outside viewer (visitor).

James V. Basilico, Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Here’s my family’s input into how Oakland can be made a great place:

1. Put cops on beat patrol around the residential areas especially. Even where I live, near Melwood & Bayard, the streets are dark and very lonely, even in the early night hours. I know of people who’ve been attacked there, and no one feels very safe about going out after dark just for a walk to the store.

2. A restaurant or coffee shop in Webster Hall. There has been an eatery in that establishment for years and years. That area, across from Mellon Institute, is dead, dead, dead after dark. I’m sure the residents in the area would appreciate at least some little convenience store there.

3. Light up the facade of St. Paul Cathedral. It’s a beautiful landmark, and it should be shown off (we think so, anyway!). (Is Heinz Memorial Chapel lit up at night? It should be!)

4. Put some retail shops along North Craig Street, between Bayard and Centre. No more bars, please! We could use a good bakery, an ice cream parlor, etc.

5. How about a cafe with live folk music (acoustic only) that showcases local musicians? I think that would especially be nice on Forbes Avenue around the corner from the shops on South Craig -- right between the CMU & Pitt campuses.

6. Taxi service. For people without cars who have an immediate need to get places closer than the airport, it is hard all over the city to find responsive cabbies.

7. Bring back the Syria Mosque!

Margaret Domer, Oakland

In my 24 years I have been to Oakland enough times to get a fairly good feel of the area and have noted a couple spots that need improvement: If the surroundings are dumpy and every day they stay the same, one’s opinion is that the area is a dump even when it is not. Don’t get me wrong, Oakland is not a dump; just a few areas could look better. These are on the fringe, particularly in the vicinity of the Forbes/Boulevard of the Allies interchange and along Bates Street heading to and from Bouquet Street. There are some vacant buildings along Forbes and the boulevard, some empty lots and buildings that need a face lift. I’m not advocating demolition, rather some sort of economic incentive needs to be put forth to get people to buy and fix up the empty buildings, clean up their homes and build on empty lots. A little work would add a positive image that would draw others to the area.

While discussing the southwestern end of Oakland, the Forbes/Boulevard of the Allies interchange needs to be repaired: The decorative railings in places have fallen over or are missing, concrete is crumbling and all the street needs to be painted. I don’t know if this falls in the jurisdiction of the city or PennDOT, but the site is heartbreaking because this is in many ways the front door to Oakland.

Mass transit to Oakland can be furnished along a former rail right-of-way in Junction and Panther Hollows. The opportunity here is to link Oakland from either end, or both preferably, with light rail tracks or high-speed maglev. For the quickest solution, buses could be used due to the ease of connecting with the existing busway. A transit link here has the advantage of being on a private right-of-way that wouldn’t require much to link with existing lines. It can have stops just a short walk from the heart of the University Center, and it can help alleviate some of the traffic and parking congestion in Oakland.

Speaking about the University Center, I have an idea to solve the dispute regarding The University of Pittsburgh wanting to close a portion of Bigelow Boulevard for students to cross. Realign the edge of Bigelow at Forbes Avenue to make a straight shot to Schenley Drive in front of Hillman Library. Then a median is laid down the center of Bigelow between Fifth and Forbes, requiring the replacement of pull-in parking with parallel parking in front of the Cathedral of Learning. Two-way traffic is extended one block farther south of Forbes so the extra lane along Schenley Plaza can be eliminated in favor of a larger public parking lot. All this would make the traffic flow less confusing and give students crossing Bigelow a safe island between lanes of traffic.

Oakland is a very interesting place with a great collection of institutions, people and architecture. Like a beautiful Oriental rug that is a little frayed on the edges and in need of a cleaning, Oakland needs a visit by the steam cleaners and someone to stitch its edges back to the rest of the city.

John D. Ruskin, Pittsburgh

Suggestion to improve Oakland:

New sparkling and bright lights on Forbes Avenue from Craft Avenue to South Craig Street.

Some decent restaurants, so for the students not going home on the weekend, the parents could come to see the students and spend the weekend in Oakland.

Romolo Pollice, Oakland

On the [Hazelwood] site where they wanted to put the coke plant, why not put a movie studio instead? They’ve been considering having one in Pittsburgh.

Since they’ve made movies here, crews come here with prominent individuals. Why not give them some incentives? We have Carnegie Mellon University, where a lot of prominent film and television stars had their beginning. It would improve Oakland and Pittsburgh.

Max Nathenson, Squirriel Hill