South Shore Riverfront Park

Extending the South Side’s most exciting development to the water’s edge

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  South Shore Riverfront Park is an important connection in Pittsburgh's riverfront park and trail system

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  View of the landscaped path, bleachers and lawn areas leading up from the riverfront to the upper plaza by Hofbrauhaus restaurant.

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  Formerly a brownfield industrial site, South Shore Riverfront Park will soon extend the SouthSide Works retail complex down to the river. Visitors will be able to enjoy live music, riverfront dining and watercraft access.

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  Groundbreaking for South Shore Riverfront Park, July 2009. From left to right: Rick Belloli, South Side Local Development Company; Damian Soffer, Soffer Organization; Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; Rob Stephany, Urban Redevelopment Authority; and Lisa Schroeder, Riverlife.

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  Upon completion, the Park will feature ample public space, a public marina, entertainment facilities, and a connection to the SouthSide Riverfront Trail and Hot Metal Bridge.

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  A unique tensile structure covers the event stage, and a fogger adds dramatic flair to the performances onstage.

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  A view from the Hot Metal Bridge, which now connects down to South Shore Riverfront Park via an access ramp.

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  These ingots are reminders of the site's steel past, and stand upright as a unique interpretive element at the Park.

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Overview

At the SouthSide Works in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood, a former steel mill barge dock has been converted to a riverfront park in an innovative project that straddles a railroad tunnel and overcomes a 40’ drop in elevation to provide access to the Monongahela River. The new park provides a welcoming link to Pittsburgh’s “creative class” who live, work, and shop at the SouthSide Works. Switchback terraces connect upper and lower plazas to create an exciting outdoor public space for recreation, relaxation and special events.

Key Elements of South Shore Riverfront Park Under Construction:

The Upper and Lower River Trails
The cycling and pedestrian trail through the Park is divided into upper and lower sections.  This creates linear trail connections at both the water level and immediately adjacent to the development, and provides uninterrupted trail access during events at the Event Stage.

The Piazza
The Piazza will serve as the front door to the Park when entering from the SouthSide Works retail area, and as the entry portal for the Hofbrauhaus restaurant and development in the planning phase.  Vehicular access will be provided for drop-off and pick-up.  The kiosk is provided for distribution of information and services.

Event Stage
A large stage area with an overhead tensile structure will be situated between the Upper and Lower river trails, provided for outdoor events.  Larger events can be held here, and the switchback and stairs between the Piazza and the Riverlanding can be used for spectator seating.

Riverplace
The valley connecting the SouthSide Works development and the riverfront, this area is bracketed by the Upper and Lower Stages and connected by a landscaped switchback ramp and stairs.  Alternating sections of lawn and stairs serve as spectator seating during events.

Riverlanding
A new bulkhead wall along the river will provide access and tie-ups for large and small motorized boats, including the Gateway Clipper.

Overlooks
A pair of overlooks will be installed to allow trail users to pause and enjoy the spectacular views of the Monongahela River. 

Special Elements and Amenities
A number of special amenities are being planned.  These include public art installations, interpretative features, a mister/fogger and other elements that pay tribute to the site's historic past.

Project Partners

City of Pittsburgh
Urban Redevelopment Authority
Department of Public Works
The Soffer Organization
South Side Local Development Company
Riverlife

Process

Pop City: Construction begins on $12M South Shore Riverfront Park
Riverlife Press Release: American Eagle gives $50,000 to SouthShore Riverfront Park
CBS Pittsburgh: South Shore Riverfront Park nears completion