Troy Hill Fire House nominated for historic designation

The Troy Hill Fire House, which dates to the 1890s, has been nominated for historic designation.

The historic nomination has earned the recommendation of the Planning Commission and Historic Review Board, though City Council will make the final decision. The fire station is located on Ley Street.

“When you talk about an identifying landmark in a neighborhood, this is the definition of that,” said Sarah Quinn of Pittsburgh’s Department of City Planning.

Troy Hill is a relatively isolated neighborhood set high on the hill overlooking the lower Spring Garden and Deutschtown neighborhoods.

Response time for fires in the area was slow in the era of horse-drawn wagon transportation, particularly when travelling up the steep Ravine Street, now renamed Rialto, as well as Troy Hill Road and Spring Garden Avenue.

Early maps show many early dwellings in Troy Hill were constructed of frame and often were adjoined or very close to each other. That, combined with the prevalent use of wood and coal stoves, explains why Troy Hill residents prioritized establishing a fire department in the neighborhood, the historic designation nomination letter explained.

Several fire stations have already earned historic designation in the city.

“These are really gems in our neighborhoods, and people get very attached to them,” said Commissioner Sabina Deitrick said.