Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
About the URA
Showcase Projects:
Washington's Landing
42-acre Herr's Island located on the western bank of the Allegheny River, approximately two miles from Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle
Project Type
Brownfield redevelopment featuring a full service marina, market-rate housing, office/research and development/light industrial uses, a rowing center, and a public park.Special Features
- Brownfield redevelopment
- Revitalization of a once blighted industrial site into a spectacular multi-use development
Project Overview
Washington's Landing is the mixed-use development on the 42-acre Herr's Island located on the western bank of the Allegheny River, approximately two miles from Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle. The Washington's Landing project involves the revitalization of this once blighted island into a high-quality, multi-use development, encompassing a full service marina, market-rate housing, office/research and development/light industrial uses, a rowing center, and a public park. The development was undertaken pursuant to a Redevelopment Plan adopted by Pittsburgh's City Council in October, 1983. The Plan regulates development to accentuate the island's natural assets, including the waterfront areas and the secluded views of the downtown skyline. Each development parcel is situated and designed to take best advantage of the island's natural assets. A network of riverfront trails connects the public open spaces and other park facilities. Pedestrian circulation is encouraged through attractive streetscaping and access to the water at entrances located at building sites.
Project Background
By the 1960's Herr's Island was in a state of deterioration and abandonment. In response, the City and Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh initiated a series of planning and site preparation actions to prepare for the reclamation of this unique land resource and sought funding for the implementation of these activities. With these foundation blocks in place, the URA and the City prepared for future development through preparation of a redevelopment plan in October, 1983.
The URA subsequently acquired all of the land and demolished structures which, along with the construction and signalization of a new bridge and access ramp to the island and a spine road with underground utilities on the island, paved the way for private development.
The entire project area was rezoned from industrial to Specially Planned District (SPD). Development within the SPD must meet design guidelines and standards provided in the Preliminary Land Development Plan prepared for the project area. The SPD allows for the orderly, planned development of a mixed-use project such as this to ensure property owners that a certain standard for development will be followed by all developers.
An additional traffic study was completed in May, 1987, which indicated that traffic generated from 200,000 square feet office space equivalent could be developed on the island without further major capital investment in the highway system. A housing study, also completed in May, 1987, illustrated the economic feasibility of market-rate housing on the island.
Role of the URA
The URA and the City are responsible for the implementation of the Redevelopment Plan, to insure the Plan's goals and objectives are met. The URA was responsible for land assembly, demolition, and site improvement activities, including public infrastructure, parks, and development of other public spaces pursuant to the Plan. The URA also approves all land disposition contracts and development proposals.
FINANCING
The public investment required to prepare Washington's Landing for private development has totaled in excess of $26 million. Funding has come from a myriad of sources, as indicated below.
| U.S. Economic Development Administration | $ 2,280,590 |
| PA Department of Community Affairs | $ 2,300,000 |
| PA Department of Commerce | $ 2,400,000 |
| PA Department of Environmental Resources | $ 3,140,000 |
| Appalachian Regional Commission | $ 1,850,000 |
| City of Pittsburgh CDBG Funds | $ 4,400,000 |
| Urban Redevelopment Authority | $ 1,301,000 |
| City of Pittsburgh Bond Funds | $ 3,248,000 |
| Port Authority Transit | $ 800,000 |
| Urban Redevelopment Authority Program Income | $ 585,500 |
| Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority | $ 1,200,000 |
| PA Strategy 21 Funding (park and open spaces) | $ 3,000,000 |
| TOTAL | $26,505,090 |
INVESTMENT
| Washington's Landing Associates I | $ 2,400,000 |
| Washington's Landing Associates II | $ 2,900,000 |
| Three Rivers Rowing Association | $ 1,500,000 |
| Sports Technology Group | $ 3,288,000 |
| Washington's Landing Marina | $ 3,000,000 |
| 600 Riverfront Drive | $ 2,600,000 |
| 800 Riverfront Drive | $ 2,900,000 (projected) |
| Automated Healthcare | $ 4,590,000 |
| The Village at Washington's Landing | $21,000,000 |
| TOTAL | $44,178,000 |