South Shore Riverfront Park
The riverfront park at the SouthSide Works complex in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood was once the site of the J&L Steel Works. The former steel mill barge dock has been converted to a public park in an innovative project that straddles a railroad tunnel and overcomes a 40’ drop in elevation to provide access to the Monongahela River. Switchback terraces connect upper and lower plazas to create an exciting outdoor public space for recreation, relaxation and special events.
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Managing Partner
South Shore Riverfront Park is owned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and managed by The Soffer Organization / SouthSide Works.
For information about special events and rentals, please visit:
South Shore Riverfront Park website
SouthSide Works website
Development
South Shore Riverfront Park opened in 2012, serving as an important connection for the Great Allegheny Passage and Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The total amount of programmable public open space: is approximately 3.4 acres. The project cost an estimated $13 million, a mix of public and private funding.
Partners in the creation of the park include: City of Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Riverlife, Department of Public Works, The Soffer Organization, South Side Local Development Company. Park design by Environmental Planning & Design.
2017 Gateway and Improvements
The URA completed additional improvements to South Shore Riverfront Park which were celebrated with a public ribbon cutting ceremony on October 16, 2017. The improvements included an expansion of the Park across Water Street into Tunnel Park; the addition of a new kiosk, pergolas and sign to make the Park more visible and welcoming; new lighting and paving; and the addition of seven historic cast-iron columns donated by Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation.
The South Shore Riverfront Park Improvement & Gateway Project was developed by the URA in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Soffer Organization and Riverlife, and designed by the architect, LGA Partners LLC. Tedesco Excavating and Paving was the general contractor; CDR Maguire was the Construction Management/Inspection firm. Total cost for the gateway project was $1.4 million.
