The goal of the Blurgh is to be part of the solution.
It is the story of two people living in Pittsburgh 20 years from now. The city has a booming economy, a world-class transit system, a vibrant cultural scene, and opportunities everywhere you look.
It is a vision of what this city can become, and only one version of how we can get there. While the details in this blog will certainly be different than what actually transpires, the bigger themes will not. Pittsburgh is a city with massive potential, and that potential lives in its people, both those who currently live in the city and those who’ve moved away as part of the Pittsburgh Diaspora.
All the roots are here for amazing things to happen in the future – we just need to get out of this “no can do” attitude and build this city into what we can imagine it being. Only when we come together to change the things that so desperately need to be changed—the old boys club mentality, self-segregation, the lack of opportunities for young people—will it actually happen.
October 21st, 2027 at 4:01 am
Do NOT ALLOW Pittsburgh Police to move out of the City!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are part of the only tax base the city has!!!!!!!!!!!! If Pgh didn’t charge almost 3% most people wouldn’t have left, city employees are all that they have left. And those people make enough, without education, therefore should pay those taxes. If you want to make the city great again, petition the cops and firefighters, that are bringing home all the money to rally for the city that pays their way. I’m sure one of them has a creative idea or two. How do you court those that have left back into the city?
October 21st, 2027 at 5:20 pm
That really is the question, when it comes down to it. In my opinion, while people all around the country love Pittsburgh, they will only move back in pursuit of opportunities. When they do start coming back, however, it will be like the flood gates opening. The trick is to find a way to attract that first critical mass…suggestions?
November 2nd, 2027 at 7:32 pm
Hi, The “Garden” on the North Side was the quality movie house on North Ave when I lived there…back in the early 50’s. We had several others, the “Kenyon”, just down the street on the other side of the park, the “Arcadia”, and the “Century” on East Ohio Street, and the
“Novelty” and the “Harris” where the Stadiums
are located. There was one other, but I just can not recall the name, but it was located on East Ohio Street on the opposite side of the street from the ” Century ” ( No one ever called
it the Century everyone referred to it as the “Boom-Boom” because they aways had a western
on the bill. I don’t even think most knew the name was the “Century” ) It was long after I left that the “Garden” resorted to the pornographic movies.The closest thing to the porn movies was the “Novelty”, which specialized in the foreign movies. The “Stanley”
theater downtown was THE place to go. It was where the stage shows were presented, such as the time Sinatra made his appearance in the burgh. The Heinz Synphony Hall took its place
somewhere along the late 50’s or early 60’s.
Movie going was a big part of growing up on the
North Side…A hot sausage and a Nehi. and that was a bit of heaven.
November 2nd, 2027 at 7:40 pm
Hi again, I forgot to mention that if you want to see what it looked like back then…check out
www.eclecticartgallery.com, and look at Mary Lois Verrilla’s painting , Title #3 Emsworth, bring back many memories….
November 6th, 2027 at 1:10 pm
Your statement of purpose for this blog says it all. Pittsburgh is a wonderful city and we haven’t hit our potential yet.
November 9th, 2027 at 1:59 pm
I didn’t realize the fictional nature of the blog until reading the “about us” section. How far are you deviating from the truth? Seems like there could be some misinformation being passed, especially when your comments are taken out of context from the blog and published into the City Paper.
November 9th, 2027 at 2:53 pm
Josh — it’s impossible to tell how far we’re deviating from the truth since we’re writing about life in the future. What we write about is what we’d like to see happen in Pittsburgh, because we believe that the city has enormous potential. We try to be as upfront as possible about the fact that we’re writing as if we lived in 2027 by the dates immediately next to each post title, the calendar on the right-hand side that is set in 2027, the header of the browser window reading the slogan “Blogging the Burgh Life in 2027,” having birth dates of only a few years ago for Gretchen and Frank, including the “About the Blurgh” information box on the right hand side of the screen, discussing topics that haven’t happened yet or don’t exist (universal health coverage or Mayor Conway, for example), etc. We can’t be responsible for ensuring that each reader understands the futuristic nature of the blog, because we do our best to make it obvious.
November 9th, 2027 at 5:59 pm
But…but…it’s too abstract for me. Does your dad really run Washie’s? Does your dad even exist? Do you really exist??? OMG WHO AM I!?!? ROLE PLAYING OVER LOAD. DOES NOT COMPUTE.
November 9th, 2027 at 6:06 pm
It’s safe to assume that all the details are fictitious, but the spirit in which they are written is not.
And also, if you have any suggestions for what you’d like Pittsburgh to look like 20 years from now, feel free to send them along!
admin@theblurgh.com
November 11th, 2027 at 1:50 am
Will Ravenstahl still be mayor? 25 years from now… he’ll only be 4 years older than Mark DeSantis is right now.
November 13th, 2027 at 9:44 pm
oooo, talk about the mag lev! http://www.maglevpa.com/
November 30th, 2027 at 5:37 pm
I love the idea and spirit behind this website. I’ve grown up in the suburbs and attended college in the city, and agree that Pittsburgh has massive potential. I would love nothing more than to see this city flourish. Cheers to you both!
December 1st, 2027 at 6:43 pm
I am proud of Frank and Gretchen for doing this blog. It is nice to see young people excited about Pittsburgh now. I remember how so many young people had to leave the city years ago when my kids were growing up. I love all the new methods of transportation now, too! It’s a great place for active seniors.
December 6th, 2027 at 10:13 pm
People willleave Pittsburgh, and that is fine. This city will again be great, but the rebuilding will be by those who want to stay, and who want to make a difference. It will all start by first communicating with eac other, taking action for the future and supporting our tradition. Help support the revitalization of Iron City and The Pittsburgh Brewing Company at www.drinkironcity.com. Its not just just beer, its a part of Pittsburgh. And just one of many traditions we can not lose.
January 9th, 2028 at 5:34 pm
If you’re interested in the future of Pittsburgh, check out www.Pittsburgh2050.comand contribute. It’s another great site for discussion about the city.