Shapiro Administration Celebrates Continued Progress in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Revitalization, Helps Break Ground on New Smithfield Lofts Apartments

The nearly $30 million office-to-residential conversion project will add 39 new, affordable housing units to Downtown Pittsburgh.

In October 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro united the private sector, corporate leaders, local nonprofits, and county and city government to develop a historic 10-year revitalization plan for Pittsburgh's downtown.

Pittsburgh, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger participated in the groundbreaking for the $30 million Smithfield Lofts project in Pittsburgh, which will bring 46 new housing units to the downtown - 39 of which will be affordable.

This new office-to-residential conversion project is one of seven included in Governor Josh Shapiro's 10-year, $600 million plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, uniting the city's private sector, local government, corporate leaders, and nonprofits behind a plan to build more housing, revitalize public spaces, and improve safety, cleanliness, and affordability downtown.

The Commonwealth is supporting this project with a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) also provided an additional $2.6 million in funding to support the construction, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.

"This groundbreaking is another major step forward for Downtown Pittsburgh, just weeks after the NFL Draft and less than two years since Governor Shapiro announced his plan to revitalize the City," said Secretary Siger. "Smithfield Lofts will bring even more vitality to the Downtown and provide much needed affordable housing options. The Shapiro Administration will continue to deliver for Downtown Pittsburgh through targeted investments and close collaboration with local partners."

The conversion of the 124-year-old, twelve-story office tower is being led by developer Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and supported by investments from the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), the federal government, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, PNC Bank, Marble Cliff Capital, and others.

Once completed, the new mixed-use residential building will provide 4 efficiency units, 25 one-bedroom units, and 17 two-bedroom units (floors 4-12), as well as a child playroom, fitness room, tenant storage, bike storage room, community room with kitchenette, in-unit washer and dryer hookups, and on-site laundry. The second and third floors of the building will be preserved and modernized as office space. The development will receive historic tax credits to preserve many of the historic qualities of the building.

Since the launch of the revitalization plan, the effort has attracted nearly $600 million in public and private investment, including $62.6 million from the Commonwealth, $27.1 million from local government, and $376.9 million in private capital - with additional support from federal funding, foundations, and corporate donors. These investments are expected to generate more than 3,500 construction jobs over the next four years. As a result of these efforts, the city was designated as a Thrive Outside community last year - a national recognition for their regional efforts to expand outdoor access and strengthen community connections.

Work is ongoing to add and preserve up to 1,000 residential units in Downtown - a third of which will be affordable. In addition to today's groundbreaking for Smithfield Lofts, construction is also underway on a project to convert 100 First Avenue into a 93-affordable-unit apartment building with completion expected sometime in mid-2026. The Shapiro Administration expects to break ground on more projects this year.

"We're so proud to be a part of the redevelopment of downtown Pittsburgh, bringing more affordable living to the city," said Jeffrey J. Woda, CEO & Founder, Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. "Ross Lofts, currently in development along with Smithfield Lofts offers 39 affordable units each for residents earning 20-60% of the area median income. Both communities will offer unique amenities that will improve residents' quality of living, with the conveniences of city life."

"This groundbreaking is important step toward Downtown Pittsburgh's future as a more welcoming neighborhood for all," said County Executive Sara Innamorato. "Allegheny County has been proud to make historic investments in residential projects downtown and partner with the Shapiro-Davis administration in the revitalization efforts in the Golden Triangle. Building more housing, and affordable housing, is a key part of those efforts, and I'm delighted Smithfield Lofts will be part of that future."

"The momentum we are seeing in the growth of Downtown shows what is possible when we create partnerships around a shared vision," said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor. "This project will preserve the history and character of Downtown while creating more housing opportunities for the neighborhood. Thank you to the WODA Cooper team, the Shapiro Administration and all of the partners investing in the vibrancy of Downtown Pittsburgh."

"Smithfield Lofts reflects the strong partnerships and shared vision driving Downtown Pittsburgh's continued evolution into a more vibrant, livable neighborhood," said Chief Housing Officer of Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh Quianna Wasler. "With the support of Governor Shapiro's investment plan and the collaboration of our local and regional partners, we are building on this momentum to create more housing opportunities so that Pittsburgh remains a place where current and future generations want to live, work and thrive. The URA is proud to invest $3.25 million in Woda Cooper's efforts as part of a growing pipeline of URA-supported residential development that continues to strengthen Downtown Pittsburgh."

"When we began the work in 2023 to create a Downtown Vision Plan, housing was a key component. It's gratifying to see that vision is now coming to life. Conversions like this one create a downtown neighborhood that embraces residents - from individuals to families - and creates a livable community that is engaging, vibrant, and welcoming," said CEO of the Allegheny Conference Stefani Pashman. "Congratulations to WODA Cooper on this milestone and thank you to all of the partners for their contributions and commitments. We all win with projects like these."

Last month, Governor Shapiro celebrated the opening of the new Arts Landing and the revamped Market Square. In April, the Shapiro Administration also highlighted the major progress being made to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh at the partial re-opening of Point State Park.

A full list of projects included in Pittsburgh's 10-year revitalization plan and a breakdown of Commonwealth investments is available online.

The Smithfield Lofts project also highlights the critical need for housing infrastructure investments across Pennsylvania. Under current projections, the Commonwealth will face a shortage of roughly 185,000 homes by 2035 without further action.

To address these issues, Governor Shapiro created Pennsylvania's first ever Housing Action Plan, which will build and preserve more homes, modernize housing regulations and zoning rules, and break down barriers preventing people from finding stable housing - all to grow the Commonwealth's economy and improve Pennsylvanians' quality of life.

The Governor's proposed 2026-27 budget calls for targeted investments to support the Housing Action Plan.

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