Biggs Hillside Garden
Program Area: Ambassador Project, ReClaim
Topic: Vacant Land
Year: 2015, Current
Neighborhood: Fineview, Northside
Parent Project: ReClaim Northside 2014-2015

News/Press Coverage
North Siders reclaiming vacant lots with designs for community
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | April 27,2015
Nicole Flaherty is a resident of Fineview, a neighborhood nestled in the hills of the Northside. As its name suggests, Fineview has truly incredible views of the City. Nicole loves exploring her neighborhood and others with her family. In one of her many walks around the area, she found a vacant lot next to a set of City steps that she hopes to reclaim as a quiet community space.
The lot is enveloped in several beautiful old trees, and edged on one side with City steps. Many years ago, a house burned down on the site, leaving an overgrown lot that burdened neighbors of the site with maintenance. Nicole’s design for the site includes a pathway leading to an open area for sitting and reflecting, surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. The design also contains a Little Free Library, and some fun crafts created by the community.
Throughout the summer, Nicole led several groups of volunteers to help bring her design to life, including neighbors, family, and young women from The Academy Schools. Volunteers pulled out weeds, created a pathway and open gathering space in the center, built a bench, installed fences, planted perennials, and built a Little Free Library. In the fall, Nicole will spread wildflower seeds around the perimeter of the site to create a beautiful meadow.
I hope Fineview continues to grow. Grow in community events, population, new and rehabilitated homes and community gardens. It would be wonderful to see some more local businesses and restaurants also make a home in our community because they see the potential for growth and economic stability.
— Nicole Flaherty, ReClaim Northside Ambassador
2033 Biggs Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States