Massive New Development Plan Unveiled For Old Civic Arena Site

PITTSBURGH, PA - Long-delayed plans to redevelop the old Civic Arena site got a major shot in the arm Friday when the Penguins announced a massive new proposal for the 28-acre site. The project will feature a mix of residential, commercial and office space, entertainment and food venues, retail and parks and green space.

Construction is set to kick off this fall with 250 units of rental housing. That will be followed next winter by groundbreaking on a 200,000 square-foot mixed use building with 50,000 square feet of retail space.

An announcement on what the Penguins described as “an immersive food, beverage and entertainment tenant” is expected to be made shortly.

"We have been hard at work over the past several months building a new development team and working with our business and community partners on an exciting new master plan that incorporates what we have been hearing from the community," Pens CEO David Morehouse said in a statement.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said of the long-stalled development plans, “It was worth the time to listen closely to our Hill District partners and get this right.

"With the help of the Penguins and their development team we're delivering on promises of new jobs, affordable housing, and a historic re-connection between the Hill and the heart of the Downtown business district."

The project is anticipated to attract over $750 million in private investment, generate over 4,000 construction and 3,000 permanent jobs and generate around $25 million in annual tax revenues to the city, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Allegheny County and the state.

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