Altoona, Pa.

mrherodotus · #1 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 3:48 AM**

Altoona is often compared against it's nearby neighbor, Johnstown. Two, somewhat grungy, west/central Pennsylvania towns. The two are quite different though. Johnstown has by far the more dramatic location. Johnstown's downtown totally destroys the pitiful area that passes for downtown in Altoona. Downtown Altoona is just awful. That said, I think that outside of the downtown area, Altoona is the better city. Johnstown is extremely disjointed, and no matter where you go there, it feels small. Altoona feels much more cohesive, and in certain sections, you almost feel like you're in a much bigger city.

I like this one.

Nice theatre.

A rare downtown goodie.

WTF! One of the best downtown buildings has had it's street closed off, and it's space encroached on by an ugly newer building.

Houses like these make for an excellent streetscape. Too bad they are the only ones like this on the block.

Broad Street has some great buildings. Too bad the best ones are wrecks.

For a detatched house city, the density is not bad. Lot's of good streetscapes here.

WHOA!!!! This kicks some serious ass, and would be an asset in any city.

Don't act shocked. You know I had to put at least one row in there.

More nice blocks that would be at home in any number of larger cities.

ColDayMan · #2 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 5:19 AM**

The Lansing of Pennsylvania.

James Bond Agent 007 · #3 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 5:29 AM**

It's got that Pennsylvania look.

Evergrey · #4 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 4:48 PM**

Nice shots and spot on analysis. Altoona's neighborhoods blow away Johnstown while Johnstown's downtown blows away Altoona. I do think Altoona has a pretty beautiful natural location with the neighborhoods climbing steep hills tucked in a narrow valley between the westernmost mountain ridge in the "Ridge & Valley" region and the Allegheny Front. Interestingly, Altoona is VERY red while Johnstown is VERY blue. Altoona also has very little residential sprawl but has a massive commercial sprawl area (Plank Road, Logan Town Centre, etc.). Did you make it by Baker Mansion in South Altoona? That's Altoona's "upscale" area full of mansions on larger lots and lush tree-lined streets. The famous Mansion Park is there. East Altoona is pretty bleak... kinda has the "urban redneck" phenomenon going on. West Altoona is much nicer and has more functional neighborhoods with corner stores and whatnot. One of Penn State's largest branch campuses is on the northern fringe of the city. Downtown Altoona is truly pathetic and depressing... and honestly it looks like it probably didn't even amount to much in its salad days.

williamphilapa · #5 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 7:00 PM**

enjoyed the photos

Ex-Ithacan · #6 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 7:03 PM**

I also tend to agree with your summary of Altoona/Johnstown. I did stumble across some quite urban, if shabby, hoods in Johnstown. But I think your pics prove Altoona has(or should that be had) a very stong residential urban fabric. Sadly the city seems to be dying a slow death. I guess even the Horseshoe Curve can't stop the decline.

Thanks for the great pics hero.

JManc · #7 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 9:08 PM**

distinctly central PA

Paintballer1708 · #8 Posted **Dec 3, 2006, 9:30 PM**

Altoona's downtown is really pathetic, but i personally like Altoona better than Johnstown. Nice pictures, hero.

boden · #9 Posted **Dec 4, 2006, 1:04 AM**

Some interesting ramshackle houses in the mix. Good post.

barneyg · #10 Posted **Dec 4, 2006, 3:11 PM**

Stop dissing Johnstown. We Canadians will forever be grateful for Slapshot.

giovanni sasso · #11 Posted **Dec 4, 2006, 7:06 PM**

gee i wish my comments from last night hadn't gone the way of the dodo/SSP server.

a quick summation: nice pics hero; my view of altoona is love/hate, leaning toward love since i grew up with it after all.