After years of planning, Piatt Companies is ready to move forward with their $600 million riverfront development project called the Esplanade to revitalize a dormant part of Pittsburgh's North Side just up from Rivers Casino along the Ohio River.
Next week, Piatt is set to share a detailed master plan for the Esplanade with the Pittsburgh City Planning Commission, showing that they're ready to take this ambitious project to the next level. If they get the green light, this development could represent a major development for the City of Pittsburgh.
Among many attractions, the mixed use development plans to feature an eye-catching centerpiece: a giant Ferris wheel decked out with LED lights. We can't wait for this to happen.
Since Pittsburgh is the historic home of the Ferris wheel's inventor, George Ferris, an engineer who lived on the North Side, a new Ferris wheel is definitely overdue to spice up the city's skyline and pay homage to its inventor.
The Ferris wheel is expected to boost tourism and local businesses, as visitors come to experience the unique charm of Pittsburgh's North Side. Increased foot traffic means more activity for shops and attractions, benefiting both new businesses and longtime favorites.
Additionally, the Esplanade development is imagined to offer a "four seasons garden." This thoughtfully designed garden aims to provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle, offering residents and visitors a quiet spot to enjoy year-round.
The four seasons garden will feature a variety of plant species selected for visual interest in every season. Seasonal displays will showcase landscape changes, creating an engaging experience for visitors. With walking paths, seating areas, and spaces for community gatherings, the garden is intended as a place for connection and relaxation.
One of the biggest benefits of this project is its potential to create jobs and boost economic growth in the North Side. With an estimated $740 million investment, we expect thousands of construction and permanent jobs that will lift the local economy.
As new businesses and residents move in, demand for goods and services are expected to rise, benefiting existing businesses and encouraging more entrepreneurship. By fostering a supportive environment for business growth, the Esplanade should help the North Side become a vibrant community.
The project also emphasizes local hiring and workforce development, ensuring the benefits reach the Pittsburgh community. The Esplanade aims to spark positive change in the North Side by supporting job creation and economic opportunity.
The Esplanade development is currently in the planning stages, with groundbreaking set for 2025. This marks an exciting milestone, as it signifies the official start of the construction phase, where the project's innovative vision will truly begin to take shape and come to life.
After the groundbreaking, construction will span several years, with a target completion date of 2027-2028. As the project progresses, it's crucial for local residents, business owners, and urban planners to stay engaged and informed. By participating in the planning process and providing feedback, the community can ensure the Esplanade development aligns with their goals and helps the North Side thrive.
The Esplanade Pittsburgh project presents a unique opportunity for the North Side to reshape its identity and serve as a model for urban development. This initiative aims to contribute to the development of Pittsburgh and promote a sense of community. We look forward to watching the Esplanade progress from concept to a Pittsburgh reality and we look forward to riding that Ferris Wheel.
Resources A Yinzer Might Find Useful (Or Not)
- City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission3Explore the documentation and regulatory framework guiding urban development projects in Pittsburgh.
- Sustainable Urban Development Guidelines—An overview of sustainable development goals and practices that can be applied to urban projects.
- North Side Partnership Project—Discover ongoing initiatives and collaborations aiming to benefit Pittsburgh's North Side.
- American Planning Association - Access resources and information on best practices in planning and urban development from a national perspective.
- Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority—Provides information on redevelopment efforts and strategies to foster economic and community growth in Pittsburgh.
Born in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield neighborhood, raised in West View, and living the dream in Pittsburgh's Ross Township, Matt De Reno a/k/a "Noodles" is the publisher and editor of Across Pittsburgh. Email him at
