Post-Gazette: Downtown at a crossroads

 

 

The Golden Triangle is thriving but it still needs quality retail and reasonably priced parking, says HERB BURGER.

 

Downtown Pittsburgh has seen dramatic improvements over the past few years. Developments have started that will alter the character of the city core for decades. They were desperately needed -- and reason for all of us to be pleased.

 

A couple of years ago, I headed a group called the Pittsburgh Task Force, which was set up to help redevelop the Fifth and Forbes corridor. Much has been accomplished, thanks to the work of the Regional Industrial Development Corp., the Strategic Investment Fund, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, The History and Landmarks Foundation, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the Elmhurst Group and many others.

 

The list of improvements is astonishing.

One has to salute the pioneer, Jack Piatt, for stepping forward to purchase the Lazarus department store building, where he has created a new hot spot for entertainment with the Capital Grille and McCormick & Schmick''s and is now constructing luxury condominiums.

PNC, under the leadership of CEO Jim Rohr, is building a magnificent office and Fairmont Hotel complex on Fifth Avenue.

Add to these Mr. Piatt''s work on the former G.C. Murphy building, Ralph Falbo''s new high-rise condominium building facing the Monongahela River, David Bishoff''s renovation of the former Union Bank complex, The Carlyle at Fourth and Wood streets and The Encore, facing the Allegheny River.

More is still to come with the Cultural Trust''s planned development of the 8th Street area, which promises 300 more residences.

Last, but not least, the Vacant Upper Floors redevelopment program announced by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is an excellent effort and should be supported.

Also worthy of note are the splendid sports facilities -- Heinz Field, PNC Park and the soon-to-come Penguins arena -- along with the convention center, Heinz Hall, the Benedum, the Public Theatre, all of which provide a magnet to attract people Downtown, making it vibrant and increasingly residential. That''s all good news -- why not celebrate?

Three vital ingredients are missing.