Convention Center Riverfront Plaza

Completed 2011

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Welcoming the world to the water’s edge

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  The Convention Center Riverfront Plaza links the markets and restaurants in the Strip District to Downtown’s Golden Triangle.

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  The Convention Center Riverfront Plaza connects visitors to the riverfront via a riverwalk, public green space, and a watercraft landing.

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  The 1.5 million square foot David L. Lawrence Convention Center was the largest LEED-rated building in the world when it debuted in 2003.

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Overview

Pittsburgh’s grand David L. Lawrence Convention Center debuted in 2003 and was immediately recognized internationally for its sustainable design as the largest Gold LEED-rated building in the world. This huge symbol of sustainability remained unconnected to the riverfront, however, offering few opportunities for conventioneers and downtown visitors to get close to the water's edge.

After an extensive planning period and public process, the Convention Center Riverfront Plaza broke ground in 2009 and was opened to the public by the Sports and Exhibition Authority in 2011, completing the Convention Center's connection to the riverfront.

Formerly a staging area for barges and a downtown by-pass highway, this significant green link welcomes visitors arriving by boat, bike and foot. It directly connects the Convention Center to Three Rivers Park, Pittsburgh's 13-mile downtown riverfront park system. The riverfront Plaza offers a key link connecting the Downtown Allegheny riverfront trails with the Strip District, as well as additional public green space, plantings and trees, boat landings and ecosystem restoration.

HOW DO I GET THERE BY BIKE OR FOOT?

From Penn Avenue & 10th Street: Access Convention Center Riverfront Plaza by taking the winding pathway/water feature that runs directly through the Convention Center toward the Allegheny River.
From Point State Park: Take the Point State Park riverfront promenade upriver (north east) along the Allegheny Riverfront until you reach the Convention Center.

For more information and complete Pittsburgh trail maps, please visit the websites of the City of Pittsburgh and Bike Pittsburgh.

Project Partners

Sports and Exhibition Authority
Riverlife
LaQuatra Bonci Associates
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Process

Background on the creation of the Convention Center Riverfront Plaza from the Sports and Exhibition Authority's website.