February 28, 2006

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has announced the selection of four finalist teams to master-plan, design and develop the new Cultural District Riverfront Development. The development consists of a six-acre, two-block site located on the downtown waterfront in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, a 14-square block area bounded in part by the David Lawrence Convention Center and the Allegheny River. The district is within walking distance of the central business district, and a major-league ballpark, as well as being home to five major theaters and other amenities.

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Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization created in 1984 to lead the cultural and economic development of downtown Pittsburgh. In keeping with its mission, the arts play a strong role in the composition of each team of architects, design professionals and developers. The four finalist teams are led by the following design architects: Team O'Neill/TREK including Koning Eizenberg Architecture; Team Richman Group including MVRDV; Team RiverPARC Development including Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner; and Team Trammell Crow/Steven Holl.

Each team will compete for the creation of the final design and development plan for the site. The winning plan may include residential, retail, restaurants, plazas and parks, public arts projects, performance spaces, and improved access to the riverfront. The Trust will announce the selected team this summer.

Jennifer Lucchino