New Books in Urban Studies Laura Zurowski et al., "City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide" (History Press, 2024)
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Aug 8, 2024 
Laura Zurowski, a technical writer and author, dives into the unique history of Pittsburgh’s city steps alongside Charles Succop, the city archivist, and Matthew Jacob, former city employee. They discuss the steps' evolution from the 1870s, serving as crucial links in a city of hills. The trio highlights maintenance disparities and urban equity issues, while also celebrating the architectural beauty and community significance of these structures. Finally, they share exciting future projects aimed at preserving Pittsburgh's rich history while engaging its residents.
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Zurowski's City Steps Project
- Laura Zurowski's project, "Misconnections with Pittsburgh's City Steps," involved recreating Bob Regan's journey.
- Regan documented all of Pittsburgh's city steps in the late 1990s.
City Steps as Mass Transportation
- Pittsburgh's city steps served as a crucial mass transportation system, especially for workers in the steel mills.
- The steps provided efficient routes across the city's challenging terrain.
Historical Complaints about City Steps
- Historical records reveal letters to the editor complaining about city step conditions.
- These complaints mirror modern concerns about infrastructure, demonstrating continuity in civic engagement.