Message from the President
Dear Downtown Stakeholder -
I’m pleased to say 2007 was a very good year for Downtown Pittsburgh. Two well-known national restaurant chains – Capital Grille and McCormick & Schmick’s – joined the neighborhood; UPMC announced it would relocate its headquarters to Downtown; residential development continued with projects like 5 Lofts on Penn and 941 Penn Avenue; Chick Boutique opened on Liberty Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue extended its store hours. All of these signal that Downtown is stronger and more vibrant than ever before.
Large public investment in destination facilities such as the arena and casino demonstrate a continued commitment to Downtown. We’re seeing major improvement projects like the Grant Street Transportation Center, the North Shore Connector and Point State Park, which represent millions of dollars in new investment.
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) continued to play an important role in expanding the Downtown experience by bringing car-sharing into the city, rejuvenating Market Square through programming and enhancements, and providing funding for the first grocery store in Downtown in 20 years. Additionally, the PDP is helping facilitate more housing and economic development by communicating the benefits of the condo tax abatement, providing funding for the renovation of vacant upper floor spaces and activating streetscapes.
Due to the strong support of our property owners, fantastic partners and a little good luck, our organization has become a mature, visible and innovative leader in Pittsburgh’s urban development. Our 2008 Business Plan is aggressive, timely and filled with value for Downtown and the entire region.
On behalf of the PDP Board of Directors and Downtown property owners, thank you for your continued support and faith in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Yours truly,
Michael Edwards, President and CEO
Full House at 2008 PDP Annual Meeting
Despite the day's inclement weather, eager Pittsburgher's flocked to the Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh City Center to hear about the PDP's plans for Downtown in 2008. The energy level was high inside the Philadelphia Room. Attendees were greeted with a fantastic breakfast while images of our great city were continuously displayed on a slide show. To view the PowerPoint presentation, click here. (57.4 MB)
Incorporated into the meeting was an engaging video presentation, "Experience Downtown." The video consisted of various chapters focusing on: living, playing, working and doing business Downtown. We interviewed some dynamic individuals and captured their experiences of living, working, playing and doing business Downtown.
*If the video doesn't start automatically, click the play button on the media player to watch the video. (10:47)
