State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced Thursday that more than $29.35 million in state grants will fund 14 projects across his Pittsburgh district, supporting affordable housing, parks, cultural institutions and downtown redevelopment.
The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, according to a news release from Abney’s office. The program awards state grants for economic development, public space and cultural preservation projects across the commonwealth.
“These investments are about creating places where families can gather, businesses can grow, students can learn, and neighborhoods can thrive,” Abney said.
Downtown awards
The largest grant, $8 million, goes to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for Arts Landing, a gathering space with a performance lawn, recreational amenities, and public art.
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will receive $5 million to modernize Market Square with improved lighting, upgraded infrastructure, flexible event space and enhanced accessibility.
Two grants totaling $7.5 million will continue converting the Gulf Tower into a mixed-use development: $4 million toward housing, retail, hospitality and infrastructure work, and $3.5 million to add retail and dining options and improve the surrounding pedestrian environment. A separate $3 million award will convert underused office space on Grant Street into housing, including affordable units, with street-level retail.
Neighborhood and institutional projects
In the Hill District, the city of Pittsburgh will receive $500,000 to build the Bedford Choice Linear Park. The Charles Street Area Corporation was awarded $500,000 to construct six affordable homes, and Riverlife will use $500,000 to improve accessibility, restore riverfront habitat and add play features at Allegheny Landing on the North Shore.
Awards of $1 million each will fund renovations to a county office building at 1441 Metropolitan St., Duquesne University’s planned health sciences building and campus improvements at Pressley Ridge, which serves students with behavioral and mental health needs.
Cultural institutions also received funding: $550,000 for infrastructure improvements at the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Heinz Hall, $500,000 for a new veterinary hospital at the National Aviary and $300,000 for accessibility and gallery improvements at the Mattress Factory.
“I’m proud to have advocated for investments that will benefit residents today while positioning Pittsburgh for continued success in the years ahead,” Abney said.