New Kensington, Industrial city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
New Kensington sits along the Allegheny River with neighborhoods such as Parnassus, Mount Vernon, and Valley Heights spread across the landscape. The city's layout follows the river, creating distinct residential areas that make up the overall community.
The city grew around the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which later became Alcoa, when it established operations in 1891. This industrial foundation transformed the area into a major aluminum manufacturing center.
The downtown area displays early 20th-century buildings that reflect the city's role as an aluminum manufacturing hub. These structures show how industrial work shaped the community's identity and daily life.
The city has several schools and a campus of Pennsylvania State University that serve local educational needs. These facilities make the area accessible to families and students looking for learning opportunities.
Aluminum City Terrace, designed by Bauhaus architects in 1941, was originally built as worker housing and later transformed into a resident-managed cooperative. This community stands as a unique example of Bauhaus design principles applied in America.
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