Guest Blog Post: Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Collecting Feedback for “Reimagine Smithfield” Project

The rendering above depicts a reimagined version of the Oliver Avenue block along the Smithfield corridor.
Source: SmithGroup, September 2021

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and words of the below guest blog post do not necessarily represent or express those of BikePGH. They are solely those of the author. 

Reimagining Smithfield helps to design for the public’s desire for more people-centric spaces downtown

GUEST BLOG POST BY Kathryn Schlesinger, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

Smithfield Street has served as an important corridor in Downtown Pittsburgh for over 200 years with its historic buildings, legacy of streetcars, and the iconic Kaufmann’s Clock all shaping its history. Despite its position as a premier Downtown destination, it’s clear that Smithfield Street is currently not living up to its full potential. The Downtown Mobility Plan, led by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and released May 2021, unveiled a vision for “Reimagining Smithfield” which includes enhanced features to support the thousands of residents, workers, visitors, and students who use Smithfield every day.

“Reimagining Smithfield” is one of nine high-impact priorities identified in the Downtown Mobility Plan, a unified mobility, public realm, and infrastructure plan developed by the PDP released in May 2021 to identify priorities for Downtown Pittsburgh’s streets and mobility options. This plan reaffirms the public’s desire for a more people-centric space by prioritizing a more walkable, small business-oriented, and pedestrian-friendly experience.

The rendering shows a portion of Smithfield Street “reimagined” around Fifth Avenue near the Kaufmann’s residential conversion project and future Target site. Source: SmithGroup, Downtown Mobility Plan, May 2021

The City and PDP want to plan for the future of Pittsburgh

The City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility & Infrastructure and Department of City Planning have partnered with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) to create a long-term vision for “Reimagining Smithfield” in the coming years. At this time, we are evaluating what role this corridor should play for Pittsburghers and how it can address the needs of all users, both in the short- and long-term. 

In early November, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Department of City Planning partnered to launch a public survey. All are welcome to complete this survey and can find the two interactive maps and survey form on the Reimagining Smithfield EngagePGH page. These survey responses will be factored into the respective project team’s work on Smithfield Street and will also serve to guide public realm investments through future redevelopment initiatives along the corridor.


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