When will the Pittsburgh Cultural Trusts stalled Downtown development project get under way?
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s ambitious Downtown riverfront development plans were put on hold last May, making them yet another casualty of the credit and mortgage crisis. In 2006, the Trust unveiled the plans for RiverParc — a mix of 700 housing units, plus art venues, shops and restaurants along Fort Duquesne Boulevard and the Allegheny River. Last spring, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust president and chief executive officer Kevin McMahon said that plans would move forward if and when the credit markets rebound. As 2009 dawns, he maintains that cautious attitude: “Until we see where the economy is heading, we’re going to continue to have a wait-and-see approach on that project.” But while McMahon says there’s no definite timeline, he says it will happen. “It is eventually going to move forward. It’s too important a location and development opportunity. We have no doubt it will eventually be a great new neighborhood Downtown.” While the Trust looks ahead to future Downtown transformatio