Produced annually, the State of Downtown Pittsburgh (SODP) report gives meaning to data, statistics, and trends for use by the general public. The report provides detailed narrative and economic indicators as a year-in-review format and forward-looking examination of the market.
Hosted on May 11 and 12, 2021
Join us virtually for a series of important discussions as we envision the future of Downtown Pittsburgh and review the impact of an unprecedented year from the just-released 2021 State of Downtown Pittsburgh Report.
Pittsburgh Prepares To Welcome More Visitors As Restrictions Lift (KDKA)
Inside the partnership that is making downtown Pittsburgh safer (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership releases longterm mobility plan for Downtown (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership opens Downtown Mobility Plan for public comment (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Welcoming Visitors Back to Downtown
Wednesday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m.
What are the realities and challenges of bringing events and people back to Downtown and how are Downtown events adapting for 2021 and beyond? Hear from Pittsburgh’s arts, entertainment, and hospitality leaders to learn how they are preparing to welcome visitors back to Downtown.
Moderated by Jerad Bachar, President and CEO, VisitPITTSBURGH
Panelists:
Public Safety and Vulnerable Populations
Wednesday, May 12 at 10 a.m.
Learn about what kinds of innovations and new ideas are happening across multi-sector Pittsburgh organizations to support public safety and provide resources for vulnerable populations.
Opening remarks by Wendell D. Hissrich, Director of the Department of Public Safety and Chief Scott E. Schubert, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Project overview of Second Avenue Commons by Linda Metropulos, President, Metropulos Development LLC and Board Chair of Second Avenue Commons
Moderated by Laura Drogowski, City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Community Health & Safety
Panelists:
Digging into Downtown Development
Wednesday, May 12 at 12 p.m.
What is happening in Greater Downtown through a development lens? Hear from leaders in Pittsburgh who are creating the ‘next big project’ to further transform Pittsburgh’s urban core. This session will feature a series of individual project presentations.
Opening session remarks by Marty LaMar, Chief Economic Development Officer, City of Pittsburgh
Heinz Hall Renovations, Melia Tourangeau, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The Industrialist Hotel Pittsburgh, Kelly Giger, Director of Sales and Marketing, Industrialist Hotel Pittsburgh
City Club Apartments, Jonathan Holtzman, Founder, Chairman and CEO, City Club Apartments
Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Generett Jr., Esq., Senior Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Relations, Duquesne University
Carnegie Library Downtown Branch Renovation, Mary Frances Cooper, President and Director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Smith & Fifth, Steve Coven, Vice President of Asset Management, Stark Enterprises
Kaufmann’s Grand on Fifth, Leonard Klehr, Vice Chairman, Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds
Lower Hill Redevelopment Plan, Kevin Acklin, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Pittsburgh Penguins
1501 Penn Avenue, J. Matthew Cassin, Founding and Managing Principal, Acram Group & Christopher Deppoliti, Managing Director, Acram Group
Completing the Loop, A Movement to Complete and Enhance Pittsburgh’s Riverfronts, Matt Galluzzo, President and CEO, Riverlife
Future of Commercial Office Space
Tuesday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m.
The pandemic caused Downtown’s leasing and sales activity to slow as many employees transitioned to remote work. Companies have been forced to re-evaluate their real estate needs to accommodate workforce safety and landlords have been pressured to make concessions to remain competitive in the market. What lies ahead for the commercial office sector and how is Downtown positioned to rebound post-pandemic?
Introduction by Lucas Piatt, President and Chief Operating Officer, Millcraft Investments and Chairperson, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Opening remarks by County Executive Rich Fitzgerald
Moderated by Mark Anthony Thomas, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
Panelists:
Future of Retail & Restaurants
Tuesday, May 11 at 10 a.m.
The pandemic completely changed how retailers and restaurateurs needed to operate over the past year in order to survive. Downtown’s shopping and dining scene are what create a vibrant street life experience in the urban core. Learn about what lies ahead for the retail and restaurant industry and what lessons learned from the pandemic will be here to stay to sustain and even grow these sectors moving forward.
Moderated by Herky Pollock, Executive Vice President & Northeast Director Retailer Services Group, CBRE, Inc.
Panelists:
Future of Downtown Mobility
Tuesday, May 11 at 12 p.m.
This session will launch the Downtown Mobility Plan and share details on priorities and projects that will shape the future of transportation and public realm investments in Downtown for the next decade and beyond.
Moderated by Chris Watts, Vice President of Mobility, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Panelists: