The Pittsburgh Planning Commission has approved Piatt Cos.’ master plan for Esplanade project, bringing the $740 million mixed-use redevelopment along the Ohio River closer to reality. The company will develop the 15-acre industrial property beyond Rivers Casino into a 1.7 million square foot complex featuring 900 residential units, a marina, a hotel, restaurants, retail spaces, and potential additions including offices, an aquarium, or a cineplex.
During the commission hearing, CEO Lucas Piatt highlighted how Esplanade will benefit the entire Chateau neighborhood along the Ohio riverfront. “We want to create a wonderful destination for the region,” Piatt said. He envisions Esplanade “unlocking hundreds of acres for positive economic development.”
According to research by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Esplanade project will create 9,300 construction jobs and 4,500 permanent positions, generating $1.5 billion in economic output and $356 million in annual labor compensation.
Jim Holcomb, Piatt Cos.’ development director, outlined key priorities from the Manchester Citizens Council, including affordable housing and eliminating the Route 65 barrier. “We heard very clearly in our meetings that these are critical requirements, and we will meet them,” he said, confirming the inclusion of affordable housing units.
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Esplanade Project: The Seven-Parcel Development Plan;
The Ferris Wheel
A three-story building spanning 34,500 square feet
Will house retail and restaurants
Features a Ferris wheel on the rooftop for enhanced city views
First Residential Tower
19 stories reaching 200 feet
517,000 square feet total
408 apartments (mix of market-rate and affordable units)
304 parking spaces
The Current
64,256-square-foot retail pavilion
Three stories of food service and entertainment
Indoor atrium for winter use
Amphitheater for events
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Mixed-Use Building
Esplanade project Plans include either residential units or 193,000 square feet of office space
600+ parking spaces
Street-level retail
Destination Complex
Features either an aquarium or entertainment center
Includes parking garage
13-story hotel tower
Riverfront Condos
14-story tower
126 residential units
143 parking spaces
Western Edge Development
19-story mixed-use building
484,000 square feet
409 apartments
349 parking spaces
With the Esplanade project’s master plan approved, Piatt Cos. will begin site preparation and seek approval for individual projects. Phase one will commence next year, focusing on the Ferris Wheel, the Current, and the first residential building with garage, representing a $391 million investment.
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Esplanade Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Ohio River, Pittsburgh (adjacent to Rivers Casino)
Total Area: 15 acres
Investment: $740 million
Total Square Footage: 1.7 million sq ft
Developer: Piatt Cos.
Economic Impact
Construction Jobs: 9,300
Permanent Jobs: 4,500
Economic Output: $1.5 billion
Annual Labor Compensation: $356 million
Key Components of the Esplanade Project
Residential Units: 900 total
Mix of market-rate and affordable housing
Includes apartments and condos
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Amenities:
Marina
Hotel
Retail spaces
Restaurants
Observation Ferris wheel
Entertainment complex (“The Current”)
Optional: Aquarium/cineplex
Phase 1 Details
Timeline: Starting 2025
Investment: $391 million
Esplanade Project in Pittsburgh: Development Parcels
Ferris Wheel Complex: 34,500 sq ft
Main Residential: 517,000 sq ft (408 units)
The Current: 64,256 sq ft entertainment venue
Mixed-Use Tower: 193,000 sq ft
Hotel/Attraction Complex: 13 stories
Riverfront Condos: 126 units
Western Edge: 409 units, 484,000 sq ft
Parking Infrastructure
Total structured parking across multiple buildings
Over 1,000 dedicated spaces
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