Plans are moving forward for a new, urban three-acre green space that will reconnect Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District with the city’s Downtown business and cultural center.

The yet-to-be-named, tree-lined park will function as a “cap” over Interstate 579 providing a walkable link to a neighborhood that lost its direct access to Downtown Pittsburgh over 50 years ago as a result of urban renewal and federal highway projects.

Awarded a $19 million federal grant through the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program, the $26.4 million pedestrian park will be constructed on top of a bridge-like structure.

The park will include “story” walls featuring the history of the Hill District, performance and green spaces, an outdoor classroom space, bike pathways, an amphitheater, and a bike-share station.

Green infrastructure will enable stormwater capture with rain gardens, native trees, shrubs, and grasses also helping to reduce noise from the interstate below.  The park’s pedestrian and bike-friendly path system will be ADA-accessible. 

HDR Engineering, with LaQuatra Bonci Associates, the landscape architect subcontractor, have created the park’s design with input from the Hill District community.

In the 1950s and 1960s, construction of the former Civic Arena, in concert with other development activities, led to the demolition of entire blocks of homes and businesses in the Lower Hill neighborhood, essentially separating the Hill from Downtown Pittsburgh.

During that same time, Crosstown Boulevard was built, creating an additional barrier; this highway later became federal Interstate 579.

The project is expected to go out for bid by summer 2018, with construction underway later in 2018.

To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green Story website.  Questions should be directed by email to: info@pittsburghgreenstory.com for assistance in reaching individuals or companies featured on this site.

NewsClips:

Frazier: Groups Oppose Another Deep Coal Mine Permit At Ryerson Station State Park

Sen. Laughlin Has Plans For Presque Isle’s Breakwaters, Sand

Op-Ed: Submerged Breakwaters Would Beautify Presque Isle, Sen. Laughlin

Editorial: Let Science Guide Presque Isle Breakwater Deliberations

March 23 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

160-Acre Farm In Northampton County Could Become Parkland

Philly Traffic Lanes To Make Room For Bike Lanes This Spring

Editorial: Riverfronts Bringing New Life And Energy To Philadelphia

10 Of The Best Hikes In PA To Enjoy Waterfalls

Long-Awaited Peculiar Park To Open In Scranton

Popular Path Atop Wilkes-Barre Levee To Be Repaired

Rest, Relaxation And Conservation In The Poconos

AP: FBI Comes Up Empty At Site of Legendary Civil War Gold

Snowstorms Give Lehigh Valley Skiers, Resorts Late Season Bonus

Lynda Waggoner To Retire As Director Of Fallingwater

OSI Commends Increased Federal Funding For Land & Water Conservation Fund

[Posted: March 20, 2018]

3/26/2018