Officials Announce Vision For New Strip District Riverfront Park

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When most of us think Strip District, we think of a crowded Penn Avenue full of eclectic shops, eateries, and rather gritty commercial activity.

But this different view of the Cork Factory apartments from the Allegheny River may be the new image of the Strip.

"The Strip District is really being transformed by both private property owners and governmental agencies," Vivien Li, CEO of Riverlife, told KDKA money editor Jon Delano on Friday.

The Strip District has a housing boom, and with that residential growth is the desire for the 24-7 amenities every neighborhood wants.

And that means better use of the Allegheny Riverfront.

"This is a riverfront neighborhood that lacks a quality riverfront park," says Mayor Bill Peduto.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

"So instead of doing it development by development, what we are doing now is going all the way from the Convention Center to the 31st Street Bridge and creating a world class park for this area."

Li and government officials announced Friday their vision plan for the Strip District Riverfront Park at various points along the river connected by updated trails.

Besides wonderful trails to walk and bike on, the ultimate vision is to have more destinations right along the river in the Strip District, places to go to like restaurants.

How soon will that be happening?  That's up to local developers.

Li says the vision includes a plaza adjacent to the river at the end of 11th Street, a landing at 15th Street for food vendors and casual dining, an overlook and fishing pier at 21st Street, and the banks at 26th Street incorporating an existing electrical tower.

"Now you're going to have many more residents and many more visitors," adds Li.  "It's going to be a very lively part of our city, and I think that's the part that has everyone so excited."