Sauer Buildings Historic District

This is a set of fantastical residential buildings (and their accessories) architected by Frederick Sauer in the 1930s. The area is a lovely gem situated on the side of Center Ave up the steep hill right north of Route 28 in Aspinwall. The 4 – 5 buildings (maybe more) are residential (people seem to live in them) and share a common eccentricity (apparently, some have called the buildings «bizarre»). They are like stone castles, but hard to describe. The architecture is cold and stony, and not strikingly elegant (at least it was not for me), but the whole set of buildings fit together very well and they gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling of fantasy. Words cannot describe them — they are works of art. You gotta see them yourself, especially the magical Heidelberg and the weird mailbox.
We went there when it was dark and still enjoyed the architecture and the hillside quite a bit. The hill is very steep and the very short walk by the area is enjoyable. You can park anywhere on the street after going under the Route 28 bridge.
The buildings are pretty close to Route 28, so be ready for some highway noise. If you are in the mood for fascination, though, this should matter little.
I would definitely like to go back when it is light out, snap some pics, take a hike up the hill into the residential area, and enjoy this beautiful architectural gem in Pittsburgh.
ps. I was amused to learn Sauer also architected two of my favorite churches (architecturally, that is) in Pittsburgh: St. Stanislaus on 21^st and Smallman in the Strip District, and the St. Mary of the Mount in Mount Washington. I am glad he lived here!