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Overview

The Cultural District Riverfront Development, a project of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, encompasses six prime acres located on the downtown waterfront within walking distance of premier cultural attractions, the central business district and convention center, a major league ballpark, restaurants, night clubs, and billions of dollars of new investment.

Regarded as one of the most significant urban planning projects in the nation today, the Riverfront Development may include a mix of residential uses, one-of-a-kind retail spaces, parking facilities, restaurants, pedestrian plazas, parks, performance spaces, public art projects and enhanced connections to the riverfront. When complete, it will act as a magnet for both local residents and business owners as well as regional and international visitors. Part of the momentum leading Pittsburgh into its next Renaissance, the final design is expected to help shape the sense of place and identity that Pittsburgh presents to the world.

Shaping the Vision Forum

Shaping the Vision Forum Click here to view the video. Broadband Connection Recommended In June 2005, the Trust hosted an international forum entitled Shaping the Vision, involving distinguished urban planners, architects and designers. Its purpose was to address uses and design of the site and guide the Trust toward creating a unique, thriving neighborhood of visual distinction in Pittsburgh's arts and entertainment district. A broad spectrum of ideas and concepts set the stage for a design competition involving a dozen teams—representing over 100 developers, architects, artists and from the United States and several other countries. "The Shaping the Vision Forum was a brain-storming session that allowed creative people from Pittsburgh and around the country and the world to dream with us about what we should do with this prime piece of riverfront real estate." — J. Kevin McMahon, CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Design Competition

As part of an international process, a dozen teams-representing over 100 developers, architects, artists and design professionals from around the United States and several other countries-submitted their qualifications to compete for the creation of the final plan, design and development of the area bounded by Fort Duquesne Boulevard overlooking the Allegheny River, by Penn Avenue, and by Seventh and Ninth Streets.

In January 2006, after conducting extensive evaluations and interviews in Pittsburgh, the field was narrowed to four awardees who have been invited to proceed to the final round of the juried competition.

Press Release: Trust Completes First Phase of Design Competition

Related Topic: Jury of Recommendation

Development Partner Announced

On July 10, 2006, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust successfully completed a 12-month process to determine a winner for its Cultural District Riverfront Development and Design Competition with the announcement of he selection of the RiverParc team-led by master developer Concord Eastridge Inc., and a world-class design team comprising Behnisch Architekten, architectsAlliance, Gehl Architects, TRANSSOLAR and WTW Architects-as the Trust’s partner in the design and development of the six-acre site.

Background

The Cultural Trust continues to promote the vision of its founder, civic leader and philanthropist H.J. "Jack" Heinz, by pursuing its original mission: to advance regional economic growth and quality of life through the creation, development and promotion of a downtown Cultural District. Under the leadership of Trustee Thomas L. VanKirk, the Cultural District Riverfront Development is the next critical phase of this ongoing revitalization effort.

Formerly a rundown 14-block area, Pittsburgh's Cultural District now stands as a model for revitalization-an urban center that has captured the attention of artists, government and business leaders, philanthropists, architects, urban planners, and real estate developers, as well as national and international media from New York to San Francisco, London to Glasgow.