North Side 'Esplanade' master plan gets approval from City Planning Commission
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh's City Planning Commission has approved the master plan for a massive entertainment, retail and housing 'Esplanade' on the city's North Side.
The $600 million project would redevelop fifteen acres of old industrial land along the Ohio River.
Piatt Companies is behind the idea, which is around seven years in the making.
Under the proposed plan, the first phase would include a permanent Ferris wheel, a marina, and improvements along the riverfront trail.
Future plans include around 300 apartments, restaurants and shopping attractions.
People KDKA-TV spoke to shared their excitement for the project.
"I think it's a great thing for the North Side. The North Side has had some rough times over the years, but it's a great place to live," said longtime resident Ed Menzer. "It's really going to develop the shore. We have Pirates stadium, we have the Steelers stadium, and the casino, and it's going to the river."
"It looks great, it does. And I'm a man of fine dining myself, and my family likes to eat," another resident said. "That Ferris wheel doesn't look too bad; I'd take a spin on it."
The project is expected to support more than 9,000 jobs with operations itself bringing more than 4,000.
The next step is for the project to go to the City Council for a vote, with hopes of breaking ground in 2025.
Phase One could be completed between 2027 and 2028.