We get it, you’re busy. We’re busy too. But if you’re anything like us, you don’t want that to prevent you from staying in the loop. Especially when that means keeping tabs on what’s happening around Pittsburgh.
Prime example: when a new restaurant opens, you want to know. Same goes for game-changing developments and massive construction projects contributing to Pittsburgh’s resurgence. Trouble is, you don’t want to flip through page after page – or browser tab after browser tab – in the process.
Lucky for you, we did the legwork to bring you the rundown on everything you want to know, and nothing you don’t, taking shape in Pittsburgh.
We’re getting a High Line
New York City made the concept of a High Line popular the world over when they turned an elevated railroad line into a public green space. Now, Pittsburgh is preparing to create its very own version of the High Line, converting the South Side’s Terminal Building into a public riverfront green space. The only thing we’d change? The name…we could have gone for something a little more unique.
Uber has even bigger plans for Pittsburgh
In case you missed it, Uber is building self-driving cars in Pittsburgh. But that’s not all. The ride-sharing company is thinking about putting down some serious roots in Pittsburgh, adding an office, research center, 1.16-acre riverfront park, boat dock, and observation deck to their sizeable campus in the Strip District. For the time being this plan is just that, a plan. Stay tuned.
Two co-working spots open up
As Pittsburgh’s freelance workforce continues to tick up, more creatives and entrepreneurs need a place to post up, that isn’t’ a coffee shop. Enter two new co-working spaces. Alloy 26 is a 50,000 square foot workplace on the North Side that can fit up to 300 people in a sleek, well-designed space. Meanwhile, across town, Stack bills itself as a co-working lounge. Located on Baum Boulevard in an old auto parts warehouse, this spot matches Pittsburgh’s style – you can feel the industrial past, but it cleans up real nice.
East End Brewing opens taproom in the Strip
When the Pittsburgh Public Market closed (again), East End Brewing had to leave the Strip. But now they’re back and better than ever with their all new taproom in the Pennsylvania Market. You’ll have your choice of 12 taps, ranging from flagships, like Big Hop, to seasonal favorites. And in a bit of a role reversal, the taproom is ‘BYOF’ (bring your own food), which won’t be hard to find in the Strip.
Beechview gets a big upgrade
There was a time not long ago when Broadway Avenue in Beechview was alive with energy. In recent years, the neighborhood has largely flown under the radar. But there are plan in the works to change all of that, and in a big way. Atlas Development has been criss-crossing this community, inviting input and feedback, ahead of kicking off work at 1600, 1601, and 6019 Broadway Avenue. At present, the plan calls for everything from eateries, offices, and residential spaces. Be on the lookout for a boutique hotel, podcast studio, Italian restaurant, and speakeasy style jazz club.
Pennsylvania is ‘freeing’ the six pack
We all remember the moment when we realized how backwards Pennsylvania’s liquor laws were. We were roadtripping to see our buddy at WVU when we stopped for gas. On the way to the cooler to grab a Red Bull we found a cooler full of beer. That joy was followed up by disappointment, what the heck is wrong with the folks back home? Well the time has come friends, the six pack is free in Pennsylvania. A limited number of gas stations have been approved to sell beer. It’s a small step in the direction of modernizing the state’s archaic liquor system.
A ‘gift’ becomes the largest park in the city
Frick Park is an amazing place to enjoy the great outdoors. But Pittsburgh’s largest park has been one-upped thanks to a 660 acre ‘gift’ that will become the city’s new largest park. Charles J. Betters, who heads up the Pittsburgh Development Corporation, had other plans for the wooded green space in the Hays neighborhood of Pittsburgh. When plans fell through, the land, including a bald eagle’s nest and waterfalls, Betters struck a deal with the city to sell off the park for $5 million – an amount well below market value covering fees related to the ownership change. Hence the use of the term ‘gift’.
Fresh start in former Salt of the Earth space
When it opened, Salt of the Earth put Garfield and Pittsburgh’s food scene on the map. In the last few years this spot slipped into extinction. But now, the space is primed for a comeback. Albeit under new ownership, and a name yet to be announced, the former home of Salt will rise again under the guidance of Richard DeShantz. Yes, that Richard DeShantz, of Meat & Potatoes, Butcher & the Rye, täkō, and the much anticipated Pork & Beans (hurry, please!). We’re hungry for details and, given the track record, we’re already salivating over whatever they end up serving.
Get ready for a Cat Cafe
In a quick change of pace, we’re jumping from foodie heaven to feline fantasies. Calling all crazy passionate cat ladies (and gentlemen), Pittsburgh is preparing to welcome its very first cat cafe. What in the world is that, you ask? It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like, a cafe offering coffee, cats, and community under one roof. Fans and felines can thank Olivia Ciotoli, a Point Park graduate, and Indigo Baloch, a student at Chatham, for bringing the Black Cat Market to life. Having successfully funded a $20,000 Kickstarter campaign, the cafe is set to open this fall
Big plans underway for the riverfront
The Strip District is home to some huge redevelopment projects. From residential to retail and office space popping up, there’s construction in every direction. Thankfully, the city and the folks at Riverlife are making sure the waterfront and green spaces are not overlooked in the process. If all goes according to plan, parks, public spaces, plazas, gathering spaces, and recreational trails between 11th and 27th Streets along the Allegheny River.
Arsenal Terminal takes shape
The boom in Lawrenceville continues. The neighborhood that is already home to some of the city’s best restaurant, including the Vandal and Cure, as well as unique shops (see Toll Gate Revival, Wild Card, and Kinsman Men’s Shop), is now the epicenter of residential housing. As the Foundry at 41st continues toward completion, Arsenal Terminal is poised to reinvent a 12.75-acre site between 39th and 40th streets off of Butler Street. All told the project, that will unfold in three phases, is expected to bring 625 apartment and townhouse units, commercial space, riverfront trail access, and additional improvements to the area.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.