Shapiro Administration Helps Celebrate Major Housing Renovation Project as Part of Revitalization Efforts in Downtown Pittsburgh

The 933 Penn Avenue project, which will convert a vacant office complex into a 70-unit apartment building, is one of the key mixed-use and residential construction projects that are part of Governor Josh Shapiro's 10-year strategic plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh.

Governor Shapiro's historic revitalization plan brought together private sector leaders, local nonprofits, and county and city government to spur action and investments that are making Pittsburgh more livable, vibrant, safer, and cleaner for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Pittsburgh, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Deputy Secretary for Housing Kevin Bush celebrated major progress on Governor Josh Shapiro's 10-year Downtown Pittsburgh revitalization plan, including the 933 Penn Avenue housing project that will transform vacant office space into a 70-unit apartment building in the city.

Governor Shapiro's plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh focuses on building more housing, revitalizing public spaces, and improving safety, cleanliness, and affordability downtown. The Governor's plan pledged to add or preserve nearly 1,000 residential units in Pittsburgh's downtown core ― with a third of those units being affordable for residents with low-to-moderate income. Including the 933 Penn Avenue project, the Commonwealth and its partners have begun work on at least 678 new housing units in Downtown Pittsburgh.

"A thriving city must have strong neighborhoods, and that means making sure people have access to quality housing near work and opportunity," said DCED Deputy Secretary Bush. "Governor Shapiro understands that investing in housing is an investment in Pennsylvania's future. Here in Pittsburgh, projects like 933 Penn Avenue are helping us turn that vision into reality by bringing new residents, businesses, and energy to the city. This is exactly the kind of progress we are working to deliver all across the Commonwealth."

The 933 Penn Avenue project, by Rugby Realty and Walnut Capital, was supported by a $2.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth, with a total project cost of $42 million. When completed, 933 Penn Avenue will provide 70 apartments, seven of them affordable, with about 5,500 square feet of ground-floor retail located in Pittsburgh's Penn-Liberty corridor of the Cultural District - just steps from theaters and one block from Arts Landing.

"Projects like 933 Penn require extraordinary persistence, public-private partnership and a shared commitment to Downtown Pittsburgh's future. Converting historic buildings into housing is incredibly challenging, and without the Commonwealth's significant financial support, this project simply would not have been possible," said Aaron Stauber, President, Rugby Realty. "But Governor Shapiro's leadership goes well beyond this project. His broader vision and investments in housing, public spaces and transformative amenities like the incredible new Arts Landing are helping reimagine Downtown as a destination to live, work and visit."

The 933 Penn Avenue project is one of seven major mixed-use conversion, construction, and improvement projects that are underway to attract more people to live and work in Pittsburgh. Once all projects are completed, nearly 1,000 residential units will be added or preserved in Pittsburgh's downtown core ― with a third of those units being affordable for residents with low-to-moderate income.

As part of the Downtown Pittsburgh Revitalization Plan, construction also continues on the conversion of the Smithfield Lofts, The Porter, and The Standard on Fifth. Developers expect to break ground soon on Gulf Tower. The YWCA Building project is currently being restructured by state and local partners.

Earlier this year, Governor Shapiro celebrated the revitalized Arts Landing Park, the reopening of Downtown Market Square, and the partial re-opening of Point State Park, a major milestone made possible by the Governor's Downtown Pittsburgh revitalization plan.

Governor Shapiro and Pittsburgh officials understand that public safety, continued business growth, and maintaining a cultural arts scene are important to the future of the city. The revitalization plan increases funding for street cleaning and supports increased law enforcement for major spots and social events. It also creates and maintains community spaces and affordable housing projects across the city because Governor Shapiro knows that access to safe, clean, affordable public amenities and housing often is a barrier to attracting new residents to the Commonwealth.

Pittsburgh's 10-year revitalization plan and the full list of projects and Commonwealth investments is available online.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about DCED, visit the agency's website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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