Badge entry Ritva
Ritva at Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

The badge contest ended in a tie, so I will be altering the badge I use here, but you are welcome to use either of the winning badges.

I’ve been very busy this past week getting everything ready for the launch yesterday of the new book Willow Willers and I have been working on the past year. I realized yesterday that I hadn’t planned anything for Thursday Doors. Since our book is set in Pittsburgh, I decided to dig into the pictures from my visit to the city in April and see if I could put something together. I found some colorful doors from our visit to the Strip District and here we are.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the book we’ve just launched, I’d encourage you to visit Willow’s post from yesterday. She has a complete schedule of the launch posts, including links to all the previous posts. Suffice it to say, we are grateful to all the people who’ve hosted us, and we are extremely excited about the book being live. There are some links below the gallery in case you’d like to purchase the book, and there’s a link to the trailer.

OK, enough marketing, onto the doors. As always, I’d encourage you to visit some of the links in the comments to see the other participants’ doors.

Promo banner for Poetic justice
Kindle and Paperback available on Amazon

If you are in a hurry and don’t wish to scroll through the comments, click to Jump to the comment form.

114 responses to “Colorful Pittsburgh”

  1. Aha, this is what I love… so vibrant! Here is mine for this week: https://wanderingteresa.com/the-giants-house/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The colors stood out even more because of the weather. We didn’t get wet that day, but we shopped to avoid a few quick showers.

      Your post is amazing!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I really love the colours in this area of Pittsburgh Dan it looks so vibrant and the colours are in stark contrast to the rain reflective loading bay and the old warehouse doors. I love the way it’s one extreme to the other.

    I would also like to thank everyone who visited us at John Howell’s yesterday for all their support.💜🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow. This area has been undergoing a transformation for years. From old warehouse district to vibrant community. We love visiting when we’re in the city. As I scrambled to put a post together (in between thanking people for their delightful comments at John’s place) I decided I’d pick the colorful ones.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Congratulations on the launch of the new book. There utilitarian red brick buildings are impressive and imposing, and while they have a modern feel, it looks like they are quite old. 1920s?

    A selection of doors from Leicester from me this week: https://scooj.org/2025/06/12/thursday-doors-12-june-2025-doors-of-leicester/#Leicester#uk

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Steve. Two of the businesses that my grandparents shopped at (to supply their small grocery) date back to 1902-These are still in business. The area, which is a strip of flat land between the river and one of Pittsburgh’s many hills, became part of the city in the early 1800s. It began with mills, but by the late 1800s, it was mainly a wholesale distribution center.

      Great post at your place today!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A wonderful bit of family history. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Colourful mostly Dan. My favourite is the no parking loading dock. Lots of good window reflections too
    Here’s my door

    Wandering (in Murwillumbah)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Brian. That was the first door I picked for this collection before I started adding the colorful ones. I couldn’t set that one aside. Colors pop on a rainy day, and I love reflections.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Congratulations on your book launch 🌅

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Robbie – and thanks for your help!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. […] These photographs are from Inyati Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. I’ve show a few of the doors and also some sunrise and sunset pictures to compliment my poem above. You can join in Thursday Doors here: https://nofacilities.com/2025/06/12/colorful-pittsburgh/ […]

    Like

    1. Wonderful combo post, Robbie. I love the poetry and the photos.

      Like

  7. Pittsburgh certainly has some colourful and interesting buildings.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. They seem to be making this area brighter every year.

      Like

  8. Love the old warehouse door Dan. Good luck with the launch, I’m sure there’s a lot of work involved but very exciting. https://wrookieschu.com/2025/06/12/doors-of-wordpress-v122-🇵🇭/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Wayne. The old doors were going to be the theme, but then I found the colorful ones I hadn’t used so I decided to go with that. The launch is going well. Willow worked very hard lining up hosts and seeing to it that they got the material they needed. We are both very excited.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I am actually going to purchase this one as it sounds very intriguing.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.

          Liked by 1 person

  9. […] Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors […]

    Like

  10. I love old warehouses, these are great!

    Here is mine:

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wanted to get some photos of the older buildings before they are converted to serve some new purpose. It’s a good thing for the city, but I remember going to this district with my father when it was filled with wholesale supply houses.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. What a great study of the old and the new, and how the new can evolve from the old. Those old warehouses sure couldn’t boast much in the way of fashion, but they were built for work and built to last. Monuments to function.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Those buildings served the city well in their heyday. I remember going with my father in the early 60s to get everything from building materials and cleaning supplies to pistachios and chickpeas (the chickpeas were for my grandmother). It was a busy place back then, but a different kind of busy. I’m glad to see them repurposing the buildings instead of leveling the whole area and building new (although there is some of that).

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Lovely, Dan. Love the mix of old and new. I love when old warehouses are transformed into apartments or lofts. They are usually so interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am so glad this area grew to be appreciated for the old buildings and that new projects are working to incorporate them in to serving yet another few generations.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Nothing sadder than when an area falls to decripitude, deglected.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Just bought the book. Thanks Dan. Love your promo video.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Sherry. I hope you enjoy it.

      Like

  14. Love the colors, Dan! Pittsburgh pigmentations!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Dave. Colors on a gray day stood out in my archives.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. These pictures make the area look very similar to Long Island City, NY.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It has a similar history, GP. I hope it doesn’t become as upscale. A lot of the small shops wouldn’t be able to afford much higher rents.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m afraid if we get a $15. minimum wage, those shops will go under as well.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Our minimum has been there for years. Most places have to pay more to get employees. McDonald’s here pays over $17.

          Liked by 1 person

  16. Good morning, Congratulations on the launching of your new book, I enjoy seeing Pittsburg since this the home of the Penguins! I doubt now that I will ever get to visit in person, the climate being what it is… Hope you all have a great start to a weekend. (Father’ Day on Sunday, up here) My contribution this week,, is a chop suey of doors from my “door folder” https://dymoonblog.com/2025/06/12/doors-6/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This district is next door to the area where the Penguins began playing at the Civic Arena. They’re still trying to find a good use for that site, now that they’ve moved to PPG Paints. I’m hoping the Oilers can take the cup. I’m not a fan of Florida.

      Like

  17. Oh these are excellent Dan. Love the sharp pops of color, the brick walls and great reflections in windows you captured.

    The feature photo, the Sandbox with the superbly neon-green Adirondack chairs (?) and the food truck are my favorites.

    Looks like it rained in some of the photos which, I feel adds a warm mood to the lighting. Outstanding tour of Pittsburgh. I thoroughly enjoyed this vibrant share. Made me happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked these, Suzette. I think the clouds and the periodic rain brought the colors to life. We dodged the rain by drifting into the shops. That was pretty much the story of the long weekend. We mainly stayed dry, and we certainly enjoyed ourselves. The food truck and the old warehouse doors are my favorites, but the bright colors formed a theme I had to go with.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Great point about the rain adding sharpness to colors…I had not thought of that.
        P.S. Congratulations on you and Willow’s book release. I enjoyed the video trailer. Both the music and the words were well thoughtfully presented/edited.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I’m glad you liked the trailer, Suzette. It was fun picking out tidbits that wouldn’t be spoilers. That was very hard with this book, there are many things that would be bad for a reader if they knew about them ahead of time.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Thank you Dan. I look forward to reading your new book.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Thanks Suzette. I hope you enjoy it.

              Liked by 1 person

  18. Love the photo’s Dan. Always fun to visit Pittsburgh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked these, John. I’m going back to hang out with my brother later this summer. He’s always up to chauffeur me around in search of doors. Thanks again for hosting Willow and me yesterday!

      Liked by 2 people

  19. Well you certainly got my attention…. Scrambled or fried you did a great job 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow. We always enjoy visiting this area. I think the rain and clouds made the colors pop a bit louder.

      Like

      1. Yes they were absolutely wonderful 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

  20. The video for the new book is wonderful, Dan. The music, the words…fantastic preview!

    Those old warehouse buildings…they are so pretty even with their age showing. I love seeing buildings like that. And maybe apartments?! Sounds good to me.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. At a point when I was younger, Lois, I think I would have enjoyed living in an area like this. I’m glad you liked the trailer. I’ll tease your interest by telling you that there’s a Lois in the story you might recognize ;-)

      Liked by 2 people

      1. haha! Dan–you have made my day!

        Liked by 1 person

  21. The old warehouse doors photo calls to me. I occasionally see doors like those around here and wonder what it was like when the doors were in use.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That was the first photo I chose for today, Ally. I really liked it. When I switched the theme to colorful doors, I decided to leave that one in anyway.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Very nice! I love the variety of doors you chose. My granddaughter had a conference there and thought the city was beautiful. Good luck with the new book!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks,Cheryl. It is a beautiful city (IMO) and it’s a great place to set a mystery.

      Like

  23. […] in a small eatery at the top of a low pass. But it turned out to be closed. The forbidding black door was shut. I liked the house: wooden frame erected first, then mats nailed to it, plastered and […]

    Like

  24. A nice introduction to the doors of Pittsburgh (and some colourful shop windows).

    Here’s mine: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/a-spirit-door/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. A lot of the shops are newly opened. Last year, they converted a large warehouse into new retail space.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Hope the book launch is going well. Excellent trailer!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jacqui, and thanks again for your help. I’m glad you liked the trailer.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Great series from Pittsburg Dan. Loved them all. Here is my attempt for the week. Shot these in a small town in Maryland last Thursday. https://threwmikeseyez.com/2025/06/12/doors-from-easton/

    Like

    1. One of these days I’ll learn how to spell Pittsburgh. Those of us below the Mason Dixon have trouble with our English.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Don’t beat yourself up over that. There’s a bunch of Pittsburgs but only one with an “H” and they don’t even have a good reason for why it’s there.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. A goodly variety of urban doors.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Liz. It’s a fun little district.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Color really adds cheer to any neighborhood. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Color certainly helped on the day we were there. Otherwise, it was gray and darker gray.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. DAN I SAW these THURSDAY DOORS 100countrytrek.com
    Anita

    Like

  30. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Excellent collection of photos, Dan. I loved the journey! Congratulations on your latest book. I’ve got it on Kindle and will be reading it soon. Bravo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Gwen. I’m glad you liked this little tour. Thanks for getting the book. I hope you enjoy it.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. These are cool esp. the one with the dog. The song “How much is that doggie in the window” comes to mind

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That building had such a fun vibe. Between the art and the reflections, it was a bright spot on a cloudy day.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. I love all these colors, Dan. Those green chairs at the Sand Box are fabulous.

    Great trailer video. The music is really intense. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teagan. Those Adirondack chairs sent a welcoming message to everyone walking by. They are really working to make this area a good experience for visitors. I’m glad you like the trailer.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. […] Linking with Dan’s Thursday Doors. […]

    Like

  34. Congratulations on your latest book, Dan. Nice door photos from Pittsburgh, especially your header photo and the warehouses with lots of windows. Here’s my entry: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2025/06/10/public-art-murals-on-doors/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Natalie. I love how they have been working to transform this district by repurposing the buildings. So many cities would just tear this all down.

      Like

  35. I like the colors and the grit of this part of the city.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. […] To see more doors, visit Dan’s blog. […]

    Like

  37. […] This is my contribution to Dan’s Thursday Doors. […]

    Like

  38. Pittsburgh never looked more vibrant before. There’s such an energy in the photographs this week, Dan. Brilliant colours – the tako truck, apartment complex with the dog in the glass, the loading dock, warehouse doors. They all have character.

    Here’s my post for the week https://smithavpennings.com/2025/06/12/thankful-thursdays-12-06-25-thursday-doors-tanka-tuesday/

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Great selections! I’m especially taken with those worn warehouse doors toward the end. I’ve gone back to Spain with Sara on my blog, as I hope to do sometimes in real life: https://marianallen.com/2025/06/thursday-doors-sara-in-spain/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The warehouse doors were where this gallery started, then I got the idea to add some color. But I still like them the best.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Colorful indeed! Great photos, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

  41. The green on the first one really does pop, it looks like it is escaping from the glass.

    Congratulations on the book.

    LinsArt: Friday Catch Up – 13th June 2025

    Liked by 1 person

    1. When I found that photo, I decided to switch the theme to colorful doors. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  42. […] my way to the Central Market in Adelaide, I passed these doors and thought of Dan’s Thursday Door challenge, so had to stop for a bit. It’s a heritage building, with several entrances all looking […]

    Like

  43. Hey, Dan, another good collection! I like the old warehouse doors in particular. There’s something appealing about weathered wooden doors in a brick building.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Paul. The old warehouse doors were the first ones I chose. They didn’t fit with “colorful” but I like them just the same.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Wow, there is so much character in this area. Congratulations on yours and Willow’s launch, Dan! :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Brenda. I love walking around this district, Brenda. It’s always full of life. Thanks, too, for the good wishes on the launch.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Love the words incorporated into the brick. Great collection.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Trending