Roslyn Place (district)

Roslyn Place is a small, primarily residential historic district located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is notable for being the only known street in the United States paved entirely with hexagonal wooden blocks.

The district comprises Roslyn Place itself, a single block street running between Ellsworth Avenue and Westminster Place, as well as the houses that line the street. These houses, constructed primarily in the early 20th century, are predominantly of brick construction and represent a variety of architectural styles common to the period.

The wooden block paving, originally installed in 1914, was intended to provide a quieter and smoother ride compared to the cobblestone and brick streets common at the time. While the street has been repaired and some blocks replaced over the years, much of the original wooden paving remains. The wooden blocks are treated with creosote to preserve them and deter insect infestation.

Roslyn Place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Its unique paving material and well-preserved residential architecture contribute to its historical significance. The district serves as a tangible reminder of early 20th-century urban planning and paving technology.