In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Allegheny Landing is one of the city’s most photogenic (and photographed) riverfront parks. It helped revitalize the city’s North Shore, and now is in need of revitalization itself.
Situated on Pittsburgh’s North Shore between the Roberto Clemente Bridge and the Andy Warhol Bridge next to PNC Park, its location on the northern bank of the Allegheny River across from Downtown gives it breathtaking views of the water and city skyline. This is a park that appeals to urban romantics and Instagrammers alike.
The Landing was dedicated in 1984 as one of Pittsburgh’s first modern riverfront parks and one the nation’s first riverfront sculpture parks. It was established in recognition of Pittsburgh’s riverfront potential for recreation and incorporating arts within the urban landscape.
Over the past several decades, Allegheny Landing has become a well-used node of Pittsburgh’s riverfront trail system. But near-continuous use and deferred maintenance have left the park “loved to death” and in dire need of improvements.
Since 2010, Riverlife has led the renovation effort for the City-owned park. Accomplishments include the restoration of the dock and Ned Smyth’s Piazza Lavoro, riverfront landscaping including green infrastructure, and riverfront trail redevelopment.
These improvements are part of a master planning process to bring back vibrancy and care to Allegheny Landing, revitalizing the park for a new era.
One of Pittsburgh’s first modern riverfront parks, it’s due for some upgrades. Years of continuous use and deferred maintenance have really taken a toll on this beloved public space on the North Shore near PNC Park.
That’s why Riverlife and the City of Pittsburgh are working on a master plan to make repairs to the park while also making it more accessible and welcoming to everyone.
The revitalization of Allegheny Landing is part of Riverlife’s “Completing the Loop” vision to create a signature destination on the riverfront and fill in the missing gaps in Downtown’s 15-mile riverfront loop experience.
In early October, 2021, these efforts passed a major project milestone as Pittsburgh’s Art Commission granted conceptual approval to the master plan created by LaQuatra Bonci Associates.
Earlier this month, Riverlife teamed up with the Department of Public Works to remove a fountain which had been an out-of-order eyesore for decades. Its removal has created new space for programming and events in the upper plaza.
Local companies can take advantage of the Waterfront Development Tax Credit to help revive Allegheny Landing. Riverlife is a designated Waterfront Development Organization, which means your business can get a 75% tax benefit this year by contributing to the Allegheny Landing revitalization project through the Pennsylvania Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program. The application period opened October 15, 2021.
Images courtesy of Riverlife.