Pittsburgh is on the cusp of expanding its entertainment landscape with two major developments: a $740 million mixed-use complex and a new Live Nation music venue.

On November 12, Pittsburgh’s planning commission approved a significant housing, entertainment, and retail project on the city’s North Side. Spearheaded by Piatt Cos., a real estate firm based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the Esplanade will transform nearly 15 acres of post-industrial land along the Ohio River. The development will feature more than 1.7 million square feet of space, including over 8 acres of public areas, with a key highlight being a 164-foot Ferris wheel, which will offer sweeping views of the project.

Molly Onafur, director of public affairs for Piatt Cos., shared that the development's estimated cost is $740 million, based on an analysis from the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh. This ambitious project will also include a 225-room hotel with meeting spaces, 300 apartments, 105 condominiums, and retail and dining areas. A river safety facility for local, state, and national agencies will be part of the complex as well.

Construction will be carried out in two phases, with the first expected to start in 2025. Piatt Cos. has set a timeline to begin site work within 10 to 12 months after receiving city approvals, with the first buildings slated to be constructed within two years of closing on the land, which is expected by March 31.

In addition to the Esplanade development, Pittsburgh is also set to welcome a new 98,000-square-foot Live Nation music venue. Located just a block from the PPG Paints Arena, the new concert hall is estimated to cost $64 million. The venue will accommodate up to 4,500 people, providing a new home for events that might otherwise pass over Pittsburgh in favor of larger cities like New York, Chicago, or Philadelphia. While a separate parking garage project is also planned, no definitive timeline has been set for its construction.

These projects represent a significant investment in Pittsburgh’s entertainment infrastructure, totaling more than $800 million and promising to enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors.