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Thursday, October 6, 2016

Ed Dillard: Opening Up

Every resident at The Encore on 7th knows Ed. In fact, he makes sure you do. Edward J. Dillard has served as the concierge at the Encore on 7th for the past 10 years and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

When you ask Ed about his title, he balks at the term “concierge.” He prefers doorman. This might be because Ed has worked as a doorman for over 40 years, but it’s probably because he’s a straight shooter who just likes to connect with his residents.

“I like meeting people. I call everybody by their first name the majority of the time,” he notes.

Ed’s familiarity with residents is rooted in his passion for making The Encore on 7th as welcoming a place as possible. “This is where I work, but for the residents, this is their home. I want them to feel at home every time they walk through the door.”

Ed continues, “You know, everybody has problems and I just want people to be glad when they walk through that door that there’s somebody there to greet them. I enjoy that. I’ve met a lot of people that way. I just enjoy people. I enjoy talking to them, making them laugh if I can make them laugh. Just greeting them when they come walking through the door.”

Ed takes his duties very seriously and has become a staple of hospitality at The Encore on 7th. Whether it’s holding the door open for returning residents, giving tours to folks who are new to the building, or simply going the extra mile to ensure every single resident feels at home, Ed is the man.

“I’d do anything for anyone in here. Monday and Tuesday are my normal days off, but once, one of our residents said, ‘hey can you do me a favor? I have an affair going on up in the lounge. Could you come in between 5:30 and 7:30?’ I said I don’t mind. I’m 77 years old, what do I have to worry about? I enjoy the people here. I really do. We have a great staff and it’s a great building in Downtown Pittsburgh.”

Although he’s modest, Ed stands behind his work. It’s this devotion that makes him one of The Encore on 7th’s best attributes, and we know it!

In addition to all of his formal responsibilities, Ed serves another, equally important role. He is an ambassador for Downtown Pittsburgh. Ed has lived in Pittsburgh his entire life, growing up in the North Hills. Before coming to the Encore on 7th, he worked at iconic buildings like the US Steel Tower. Over the past seven decades, Ed has witnessed firsthand the myriad changes Pittsburgh has undergone.

“When I was a lot younger, Downtown was a lot different. There were more stores. Sometimes I used to go shopping around Christmastime, but I got away from that because you couldn’t move Downtown! You had to walk out in the streets to get around because people would stop right in front of you to look in store windows. I’d like to see Downtown revitalize itself with more shopping.”

Ed maintains a positive outlook. Although these shopping “glory days” of Downtown Pittsburgh have passed, Ed knows the city is on a major upswing. He’s excited to see people moving back Downtown and all of the new restaurants opening. He hopes this trend continues with more shops returning to the area. Ed knows just how special Downtown Pittsburgh is, and he’s rooting for it.

Speaking of rooting, Ed’s favorite thing to do (besides manning the door at The Encore on 7th) is to cheer on his beloved Pittsburgh sports teams—Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins, it doesn’t matter. Ed is proud of his city. In his lifetime, he’s seen, 6 Super Bowl victories, 3 World Series championships, and 4 Stanley Cups. He’s even had the pleasure of meeting a number of Pittsburgh athletes who have called The Encore on 7th home, adding he knows the Pirates are going the achieve greatness because they’re such “good young men.”

Ed’s unconditional devotion to The Encore’s residents is not without its rewards. He explains that one his greatest joys is when he’s walking down the street and one of his residents says hello, maybe introducing him to their friends. “That’s how you know they’re a good person,” he muses, adding that everyone at The Encore on 7th is a good person. It’s a job he enjoys and wants to continue doing as long as possible.

As Downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, changing for the better, Ed Dillard remains a constant reminder of the city’s past and the right way to do things. Just like one of our city’s countless bridges, Ed ushers his residents back home. His devotion to The Encore on 7th and Pittsburgh in general is manifested every time he opens that door, every time he greets a resident, or whenever he goes that extra mile to ensure they have the best home in the city.

Ed concludes with this thought: “When I first started here, they asked me what my goal was. I said, to make The Encore on 7th the best highrise in the city of Pittsburgh. We won four awards last year. Every year they evaluate highrise and garden-style apartment and we won four awards—every category we could win. The staff are nice, we get along. That’s the main thing. We’re all here for one goal: to make the residents want to stay here.”

Thursday, September 22, 2016

How to Spend a Quiet Weekend Around the Cultural District

While there’s so much going on in downtown Pittsburgh, it’s understandable to want a quiet night or weekend every once in awhile. However, just because you’re not going to a special event doesn’t mean there’s not loads to do around Downtown and the Cultural District. Keep reading for a few of our favorite things to do on a lazy Saturday or Sunday, all within walking distance from The Encore on 7th!


Amazing Books


Whether you’re into James Joyce or J.K. Rowling, this is a must for anyone living in Downtown Pittsburgh. Located on Liberty Ave. between 7th Ave. and Smithfield St., the aptly named Amazing Books is just that! It’s easy to get lost for hours, combing through shelf after shelf of books spanning countless genres. In addition to classics and well known authors, you’ll be sure to discover so obscure, yet captivating titles. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of rare and first editions. You never know what you might find!


But it’s not just books that makes this independently owned shop so amazing. If you’re an audiophile, you’ll love the vast collection of records just waiting for you to flip through them. Found something you’d like to hear? No problem! They’ll let you listen to the record right in the store.


National Aviary


Just a 15 minute walk across the Roberto Clemente bridge to the Northside will land you at one of Pittsburgh’s greatest treasures. The National Aviary is home to some of the most exotic species on the planet, complete with condors, South African penguins, and even an adorable, baby three-toed sloth! While this might not be the quietest option in this entry, it’s certainly the most beautiful. Walk from room to room where birds fly freely. In addition to the natural beauty of the birds and habitats, the National Aviary hosts some pretty cool events including daily feedings, penguin painting, and an Aviary VIP experience which gets you behind-the-scenes access to this amazing zoo.


Gasoline Street Coffee Company


If you love coffee, but hate the crowds at big chains, we’ve got the place for you. New to Downtown Pittsburgh, Gasoline Street Coffee is the perfect place for a relaxing Saturday. Whether hanging out with friends or catching up on a good book, this is a coffee shop you won’t want to miss. Nestled under a bridge along 1st Ave, close to the T station and a short walk from The Encore on 7th, Gasoline Street’s blend of modern and industrial decor will transport you to Pittsburgh’s manufacturing hay day--without any of the smog!


The coffee’s amazing, too! Gasoline Street roasts and brews all of its own beverages, using locally sourced materials. They’re famous for their Catalytic Cold Brew which comes in stylish, retro bottle you’ll want to display long after your visit. Better yet, bring your own container to save a few bucks.


Just because you want to take it easy this weekend doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice a fun day off. Visiting these great spots in and around the Cultural District will help you get the most out of living at The Encore on 7th while still recharging your batteries for the busy week ahead.


Do you have a favorite Downtown spot for relaxing? Let us know about it in the comments!

Friday, September 16, 2016

This Weekend in Pittsburgh

Image from Pixabay
Pittsburgh is always busy during the weekends. This is why we love living downtown at The Encore on 7th. This weekend is no exception. We have the Steelers, Oktoberfest events and more all making this weekend a busy one for the city. What is on your itinerary the next few days? Keep reading to see what is going on around your home for this second weekend in September.

Friday

Channel your inner child at the Carnegie Science Center 21+ Night. The theme this month is “Back to School”. Grab a backpack and take your first day photos because this night will be a flashback to kindergarten. Once you get your back-to-school photo taken, you can head to the computers to play Oregon Trail and other classic computer games! Then, the Science Lab is home to your favorite elementary school experiments complete with  baking soda volcanoes and more. There is also a cash bar and music performances throughout the night. The 21+ night starts at 6pm and ends at 10pm.

Saturday

Travel back even further in time at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Fair. This one is about a 40 minute drive from The Encore on 7th, but it is worth every minute. You can enjoy jousting, medieval fighting and hilarious shows with the price of admission. Get there early at 10am so you do not miss one of the shows that perform at various times throughout the day. We recommend the German Brothers and the Washing Ladies. There is also great food and beer for you to enjoy throughout your day. Insider's Tip: Make sure to bring cash to tip the performers after each show.

Sunday

Sunday means one thing in Pittsburgh: football! The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals at the first home game of the season. The game starts at 1pm with game festivities starting before. Will you be walking over to the North Shore to pre-game before the Steelers take on one of their biggest rivals?  This rivalry goes back to the days of Chuck Noll. Coach Noll would hate going to the Bengals stadium because they would always mess up the Steelers introductions. However, this is just one small aspect of the rivalry that has only intensified over the years.

These events are going to keep you busy this weekend. Whether you are cheering “Here We Go” or “Hear ye hear ye”, we hope you have a great weekend in the golden triangle.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Summer Is Not Over Yet In Pittsburgh

Summer is not over yet in Pittsburgh! School may have started, but that does not mean you have to stop enjoying the gorgeous weather. Pittsburgh has great events scheduled throughout September. From the Northside to the Cultural District, you can find something for everyone’s tastes by looking at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Calendar. We have featured some great September events that we are marking on our calendars this month. Keep reading and find out what you can add to your itinerary this September.
Image From Pixabay

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still in a fight for the last wildcard spot this month. They will feature a great series over the next two days against the Cincinnati Reds. This division matchup could help us move ahead in the wildcard standings. You can also check out the Pittsburgh Pirates website for a complete list of games and giveaways for the month of September.

On Wednesday, September 14th, there will be a Downtown Rooftop Shindig at the Theatre Square garage. This monthly event is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. This will be the last shindig of the season and will feature the movie Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. This event is also a short walk from your home at The Encore on 7th.

If you want an event that will get you up and moving, make sure to register for the Pittsburgh Great Race. This annual race will be held on Sunday, September 25th this year. This event includes a 10k, 5k, fitness walk and the Junior Great Race. The Great Race is also a “green event”. Compostable cups at the water stops and an online virtual race bag are all examples of how the Great Race is committed to staying green.

Finally, if you want to explore the cultural district, make sure to get your tickets to Kinky Boots. This Tony-Award winning Broadway musical is coming to the Benedum Center on September 20th-25th. The original cast also has a Pittsburgh connection. Pittsburgh-native Billy Porter won a Tony for playing the lead role of Lola. You can purchase tickets or find out more about the show at the Cultural Trust website.

What other events do you know about in the Pittsburgh area this month? You can share your favorites by posting on our Facebook Page. We hope you have a great last few weeks of summer!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Ribfest 2016 is back on the North Shore this weekend.

Image From Pixabay
As we’re sure you know, Pittsburgh has many great events throughout the year. But this weekend features events you surely don’t want to miss. It is finally “kickoff” weekend at Heinz Field, which means food, music and sports for four days straight. In addition to that, you can check out Ribfest, an annual tradition in the city that brings “Pittsburghers” from all over the area to try some of the best ribs in the country. This weekend is even the kickoff for the Pitt Panthers’ season at Heinz Field. Come celebrate your Labor Day weekend on the North Shore with these great traditions.

One of the biggest perks of living at The Encore on 7th is your proximity to the North Shore events. You do not need to worry about finding an Uber or taking the T when you can simply walk across the Clemente Bridge. And this will be wonderful for all the late night concerts that occur during Ribfest. The Clarks will perform on Friday, September 2nd and Chris Jamison will perform on Saturday, September 3rd, both beginning at 9pm. Make sure to check out the schedule to see all of the great performers scheduled to hit the stage this weekend.

Now that you know which performers you want to see, it is time to decide which ribs you will try. Ribfest in Pittsburgh is known to have a selection of award winning ribs from around the country. Carolina Rib King and Pigfoot are just two of the top notch vendors with must-try ribs. Once you taste these ribs, you will be coming back for more, year after year.

If all of these events are not enough, you also have the opportunity to cheer on your Pittsburgh Panthers at their home opener. The Panthers will play against Villanova on Saturday at 1:30pm. This gives you the perfect opportunity to visit the North Side all day and enjoy many of these exciting events.

The Encore on 7th is lucky enough to have the North Shore in our backyard. Take a walk across the bridge this weekend and enjoy Ribfest 2016 before it ends on Sunday! We hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Enjoy The End of Summer

Image From Pixabay
Summer is coming to an end, but that does not mean you have to pack up the shorts and flip flops just yet. Pittsburgh has so many great outdoor events over the next few weeks, that you can squeeze every last drop out of summer 2016. We are also lucky enough to have the Pirates and Steelers to cheer for on the North Shore right across from The Encore on 7th. Check out just a few of the great events occurring in Pittsburgh at the end of summer.

Rib Fest
The Fib Festival is an annual tradition as part of opening weekend at Heinz Field. You have free admission to the best ribs in the country, world class entertainment, fun activities for children and more. This Pittsburgh tradition runs September 1st-September 5th. This is also the same weekend as the Pitt Home Opener.


Pittsburgh Restaurant Week features various restaurants around the golden triangle hosting unique specials from August 15th-21st. These restaurants are in the city and in the surrounding suburbs. Make sure to call for reservations ahead of time because the restaurants do fill up fast. 


This Pittsburgh tradition in West Newton, PA, spans six weekends from August 19th-September 25th. You can watch performances, shop artisans and taste delicious food throughout their six themed weekends. This event is good for adults and children of all ages. You can purchase tickets and learn more about the themed weekends by checking out their website. 

These are just a few of the great events around Pittsburgh in the next few weeks. Make sure to take some time to explore our city and discover something new in the last few weeks of summer. 

Friday, August 5, 2016

What To Watch In Rio?

Image From Pixabay
The Rio Olympics are here, and we are ready to cheer on Team USA for the next two weeks. There are plenty of amazing athletes and events to watch starting tonight. We also have the opportunity to watch great Pittsburgh athletes compete for our nation. Whether you are watching from your couch at The Encore on 7th or from a local bar, here are a few recommendations for events to look out for this Olympics.



Opening Ceremonies

The opening ceremonies are tonight at 8:00. The show will be on a tape delay so they can curate footage and insert commentary into the broadcast. NBC will air the opening ceremonies and all other Olympic events throughout the next two weeks. The Brazilian film director Fernando Meirelles created this year's ceremonies and only spent 10% of the budget compared to the 2012 London Olympic games. However, that does not mean it will not be the event to watch of the weekend.

Women's Gymnastics

Two former Olympians lead this group of five girls that have become the definition of "squad goals". They are looking to grab another team gold medal along with five other gold medals up for grabs. Simone Biles the 19 year old gymnastics phenom will be who to watch. Her start value and difficulty is so above the other girls that it is almost impossible for her not to win. The US Team has won every world championship since London, so they are favored in this year's competition. The qualifications for women's gymnastics start on Sunday. Then, the team final will be on Wednesday with individual events to follow.

Swimming

The US has always been a powerhouse in the swimming competition. This year one of the most decorated Olympians in history, Michael Phelps, will be back again to compete for his titles. He is just one of the many swimmers to watch. Katie Ledecky was one of the youngest members of the delegation in 2012 and came home with a gold medal. She is back with even more experience and she is hoping to add some more hardware to her collection. The swimming competitions are held throughout the two-week Olympic run, so make sure to check your schedules to see when each race is held.

These are just a few of the great events we are looking forward to watching this year. You can find out when every sport is broadcast and on what network by checking out the NBC Olympics webpage.