The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and Riverlife
PES worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team on a plan to convert a rail right-of-way to a green, multi-modal boulevard along the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh. Funded by a Partnership of Sustainable Communities award from the federal government, the plan addressed revitalization opportunities for a 6.5-mile stretch from the Strip District adjacent to Downtown out to the 62nd Street Bridge. Included was a focused mixed-use redevelopment plan for former industrial properties between 43rd and 48th streets. PES tested the market for new residential and commercial development, including potentials for robotics companies associated with the National Robotics Engineering Center of Carnegie Mellon University. The goal is to connect this portion of the Lawrenceville community with the riverfront, long blocked by industrial uses. The introduction of new riverfront amenities, open space and trails for pedestrians and bikes will support renovation of existing housing and commercial facilities within the larger community. PES also prepared financial models to test project feasibility and developed public/private/non-profit investment strategies to implement the plan.