Riverlife’s Shore Thing Named Winner of International Award for Development

Riverlife’s Shore Thing floating platform has been recognized as one of the best new developments in the Western Hemisphere.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) selected Shore Thing as one of nine winners of a prestigious international honor: the 2026 ULI Americas Awards for Excellence, recognizing outstanding new development projects in North, South, and Central America.

“We are truly honored to see Shore Thing selected for this award,” said Riverlife President and CEO Matthew Galluzzo. “A tremendous amount of care and planning went into designing, creating and launching Shore Thing, and our team is thrilled to be among this impressive group of winners. Our thanks go to the Urban Land Institute and the awards jury for this incredible honor.”

Riverlife’s Shore Thing is a free-to-enjoy floating platform anchored just off Allegheny Landing on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, nestled between the iconic Sister Bridges. It was an instant hit for visitors in 2025, welcoming more than 50,000 people on board in its initial season. Built on ten small barges, the new space has brought visitors together through art, play, and community – offering more than 70 free programs in its 2026 season.

ULI began the Awards for Excellence program in 1979 to recognize exemplary new development efforts. This year, 16 finalists were chosen from 93 applicants that “demonstrate leadership through a high standard of excellence in all areas—architecture, design, planning, construction, amenities, economics, and management” and “exhibit environmental sustainability, stewardship, and resiliency” among other criteria.

Earlier this year, Shore Thing hosted two members of ULI’s 15-member jury – which includes experts in the fields of development, planning, design and finance – for an in-person visit. Riverlife staff highlighted on-board public art from Pittsburgh artists Janel Young and La Vispera, the food and beverage partnership with Braddock’s BG Brewing, design elements that keep Shore Thing’s ten small barges pinned together, branding created by Landesberg Design, and the 20 bifacial solar panels on the roof of its on-board shipping container, part of a custom off-grid power system designed by Pittsburgh’s own ZeroFossil.

“Shore Thing has Pittsburgh pride all over it,” said Riverlife Director of Planning and Projects Gavin White. “This award is an honor that the whole city can celebrate, having an internationally-recognized project right in our front yard. It’s the latest example of Pittsburgh exceeding expectations in the areas of urban design and development.”

At 4,800 square feet, Shore Thing has the smallest footprint of this year’s selections, which also included an 11.8-mile transit extension in Toronto, a former shopping mall adapted into a college campus in Austin, and the creation of the Presidio Tunnel Tops parkland in San Francisco. Other recent winners of the ULI Americas Awards for Excellence have included Little Island in New York City, the St. Pete Pier in Florida, and redevelopment of Indianapolis’ Bottleworks District.

Riverlife’s Shore Thing was made possible through the generous support of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Additional contributions were made through the Pennsylvania Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program. Participating companies included Duquesne Light Company, First National Bank, The Gateway Clipper, HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, and UPMC Health Plan. Programming for Riverlife’s Shore Thing is made possible through the generous support of The Charity Randall Foundation, Opportunity Fund, the Fine Foundation, Citizens, Covestro, and Giant Eagle.

SHORE THING DAILY OPERATING HOURS

Admission to Shore Thing is free and open to the public. Entry may be paused when Shore Thing reaches capacity, and temporary closures will occur for safety during severe weather. For more information about Shore Thing, visit us at shorething.riverlifepgh.org and follow @riverlifepgh on Instagram and Facebook.