Pittsburgh’s ‘unprecedented’ investment to create a vibrant, livable downtown

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Steel City aims to transform downtown into a cultural and residential hub

Writer: Mirella Franzese

Pittsburgh is set to receive a sweeping $600 million investment from private and public sectors to transform its historic downtown into a vibrant cultural and residential hub, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced last month. The decade-long strategy, blending public and private funds, aims to revitalize the heart of Pittsburgh with affordable housing, renovated public spaces, and dedicated arts funding.

“Pittsburgh is a great city, and in order for our Commonwealth to thrive, we need to ensure downtown Pittsburgh is a hub of innovation, opportunity, and culture,” said Gov. Shapiro during an Oct. 25 announcement speech. “With the Commonwealth’s significant support, we have a plan to invest in and revitalize downtown and help it reach its full potential as a great neighborhood where thousands of Pennsylvanians can live, work, enjoy safe public spaces, and contribute to our vibrant culture.”

More than 80% of the funding will be dedicated to seven mixed-use residential projects, with nearly one-third of the 1,000 new units earmarked for affordable housing.?

Pittsburgh’s affordable housing push comes at a time when many U.S. cities, including San Francisco and New York, are converting excess office spaces to residential units to combat high costs and accommodate urban living demand. Pittsburgh ranks among the top cities for feasible office-to-residential conversions, leveraging lower conversion costs compared to these larger metro areas. In 2022, the city converted office space into 174 apartments, ranking among the top 10 cities for converted apartments. (Los Angeles led all cities with 692 apartments converted.)

Pittsburgh is also investing in the arts at a significant level. The city will contribute $400,000 to the Downtown Arts District, marking the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) largest single investment in state history for the creative community.

“This investment in Pittsburgh will allow us to reimagine the downtown experience, where everyone can enjoy all the downtown will have to offer. These funds will help position the downtown community as a place that attracts more residents, businesses, and those looking for social and recreational activity for years to come,” said State Representative Aerion Abney in an assembly convened by Shapiro.?

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