North Side Transformation: A New Era for Pittsburgh

A major change is coming to Pittsburgh’s North Side. Next week, a $740 million project will start turning an old, empty parking lot into a lively entertainment area. The ceremony kicks off at 1 p. m. on Monday and will last until 3 p. m. at 929 Beaver Ave. in the Chateau neighborhood. The project, called Esplanade, will bring a lot of new things to the area. Think a huge Ferris wheel, places to eat, shops, spots to relax by the river, and even a grocery store. There will also be a condo building, a hotel, and apartments for people with different incomes. The goal is to make this old industrial area a place for culture, shopping, and community. But not everyone is happy about it. A local group, Manchester Neighbors, has raised concerns. They worry about the environment, especially since the site is a brownfield, which means it has a history of industrial use. The group’s founder, Stanley Lowe, thinks the developer, Piatt Companies, hasn’t been open about possible hazards on the property. Piatt Companies says they’ve done their homework. They’ve got approvals from the state’s environmental department and have worked with experts to study the site. Despite the concerns, the project has a lot of support. The city, county, and school district have all agreed to help fund it. Plus, no one lives on the site, so no one will have to move out. The area is right by the Ohio River and near the Rivers Casino. The casino opened in 2009 and has been a big hit. Now, the hope is that Esplanade will be just as popular, with a marina, winter garden, and green spaces. The ceremony on Monday will start with a video and speeches, followed by the first shovelful of dirt.