URA, City of Pittsburgh, and Partners Celebrate Revival of Broad Street Plaza in East Liberty

Property transfer promises activation of a key site in the business district

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 21, 2025) Today, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA), the City of Pittsburgh, partners, and residents celebrated the renovation and transfer of the new Broad Street Plaza, a long-awaited community gathering space in the heart of East Liberty.

After being underutilized and outdated for decades, the 0.35-acre plaza’s transformation marks an important step in the neighborhood’s ongoing evolution and reflects years of planning, community input, fundraising, and intergovernmental collaboration to repair East Liberty’s urban fabric. The project creates a dynamic public space envisioned by and for the community and strengthens the business district.

Key design features include new lighting, tables, ample seating, green space, stormwater infrastructure, accessibility features, bike racks, waste and recycling bins, electrical outlets, and flexible open areas suited for performances, live music, markets, events, and everyday use.

“This is a prime example of community-centered development and thoughtful design of a pocket park within a business district,” said URA Executive Director Susheela Nemani-Stanger. “While small, pocket parks are an important part of our City's placemaking strategy. They address blight, solidify our cultural presence, encourage street-level commercial activity, and provide a designated place of community, entertainment and rest for individuals and families.”

"With the renovation of Broad Street Plaza, we reaffirm our commitment to East Liberty. A neighborhood long deserving of a safe, uplifting, and welcoming public space," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "This moment marks not just an upgrade, but a shared milestone of a community that continues to rise together."

The renovation was made possible through critical financial support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Governor Josh Shapiro, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and from the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account program. Additional funding was generated through the East Liberty Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID). The East Liberty TRID Revitalization Authority Board of Directors, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Public Schools were essential partners in accessing these funds.

East Liberty Development Inc. (ELDI) and the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce were instrumental in gathering resident input that shaped the final design. Klavon Design Associates, KU Resources, and A. Merante Contracting served as the project’s design and construction team. Together, partners delivered a safe, accessible, and welcoming space that encourages community connection, business attraction, and local economic vitality.

“We are delighted to celebrate the inauguration of the renovated Broad Street Plaza today. This redevelopment has been a significant undertaking and represents a core objective of our 2010 community plan,” said ELDI Executive Director Maelene Myers. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the numerous partners whose contributions brought this vision to fruition. This plaza will undoubtedly be a source of enjoyment for our East End residents, visitors, and the adjacent hotel for many years, bringing vibrancy and life to the area.”

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Language translation is available free of charge. Please email translation@ura.org.

About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) 
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development enterprise. We are committed to building a prosperous and equitable economy for all of Pittsburgh. We help bridge public and private interests to invest in meaningful equitable developments that promote housing affordability, economic mobility, entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization. Our work creates and sustains quality jobs, thriving neighborhoods, healthy communities and sustainable businesses for the benefit of all Pittsburghers.