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PNC return could boost Downtown Pittsburgh's daytime rebound

Thousands of PNC workers will return to Downtown later this spring.

News

Thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PNC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/13/pnc-unveils-new-indy-car-design" data-vars-content-id="4f2520b0-204b-4009-b50e-15bf6485874f" data-vars-headline="PNC return could boost Downtown Pittsburgh&#x27;s daytime rebound" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/13/pnc-unveils-new-indy-car-design" target="_self">PNC</a> workers will return to Downtown later this spring, and the company&#x27;s Pittsburgh regional head says it could help jumpstart the neighborhood&#x27;s daytime rebound.Why it matters: Since the pandemic, Downtown has recovered in terms of restaurant, entertainment and sports visitors, but weekday office worker recovery has been slow.

Penn Hills' new retro tech museum opens for tours

Free tours feature early computers and an '80s living room.

Things to Do

Penn Hills&#x27; long-awaited retro tech museum is now open for limited-capacity tours.The big picture: After months of renovations and exhibit buildout, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bloop Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/16/tech-museum-penn-hills-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="daf095ad-da55-466c-9b93-44e8ef39fd0f" data-vars-headline="Penn Hills&#x27; new retro tech museum opens for tours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/16/tech-museum-penn-hills-pittsburgh" target="_self">Bloop Museum</a> in the former Penn Hills Municipal Building is opening in phases — first debuting early computing displays and a re-created &#x27;80s living room (think plaid couches, a console TV and Atari 2600).

Pittsburgh's abolitionist history gains new spotlight

New exhibit highlights the city's role in the Underground Railroad and Black-led activism.

History

Pittsburgh&#x27;s deep history with the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement is still being uncovered.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s role in abolishing slavery hasn&#x27;t been widely taught, Museum of African American History at the Heinz History Center associate curator Alonna Carter-Donaldson told Axios.

Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico

Sen. Dave McCormick urges travelers to enroll in STEP and monitor flight updates.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" target="_self">Dave McCormick</a> is advising Pennsylvanians in Mexico to stay in close contact with the U.S. State Department.The big picture: Violence following the killing of a Mexican cartel leader has erupted in Mexico, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaving some Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" target="_self">leaving some Americans</a> — and potentially Pittsburghers — stuck in a tough situation.

Pa.'s first passive house debuts in Wilkinsburg

The 700-square-foot home meets rigorous energy standards and runs on all-electric utilities.

A home in Wilkinsburg practically powers itself.Why it matters: Known as the Wilkinsburg Residence, it is the first single-family home in the state to earn a Passive House EnerPHit certification, and it debuted last month.

Smithfield Street is getting a new look

The city is moving ahead with a major Smithfield Street rebuild aimed at safety and outdoor dining.

An overlooked corridor in Downtown is getting some TLC.Why it matters: Downtown&#x27;s evolution has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="benefited public parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/06/downtown-development-pittsburgh-park-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="77c7c6b2-13a2-47d9-bd15-4d232e56bca8" data-vars-headline="Smithfield Street is getting a new look" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/06/downtown-development-pittsburgh-park-nfl-draft" target="_self">benefited public parks</a> and the Cultural District, but Smithfield Street hasn&#x27;t seen as much investment.

It's easier to save for a home in Pittsburgh

It takes about 6.4 years to save for a home down payment in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgers have a slightly easier time saving up a down payment on a home than the average American. Why it matters: Coming up with a down payment is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest barriers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" data-vars-content-id="ec20c5af-c625-4528-b7f7-b7a9643637fe" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s easier to save for a home in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" target="_blank">biggest barriers</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="ec20c5af-c625-4528-b7f7-b7a9643637fe" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s easier to save for a home in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

Quartz tariff could raise countertop costs

Small fabricators warn tariffs could push homebuilding costs even higher.

Buying a house might get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="even more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/20/pittsburgh-housing-growth-outpaces-population" data-vars-content-id="0848c20b-914d-42f7-ae37-b3ff4b9fba13" data-vars-headline="Quartz tariff could raise countertop costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/20/pittsburgh-housing-growth-outpaces-population" target="_self">even more expensive</a> if proposed tariffs on countertops are finalized, regional fabricators tell Axios.Why it matters: Home prices remain stubbornly high, keeping them <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out of reach for many Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/21/the-housing-squeeze-affordability-remains-out-of-reach" data-vars-content-id="0848c20b-914d-42f7-ae37-b3ff4b9fba13" data-vars-headline="Quartz tariff could raise countertop costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/21/the-housing-squeeze-affordability-remains-out-of-reach" target="_self">out of reach for many Americans</a>.

Pittsburgh developments to watch in 2026

A Ferris wheel, new hospital and a Downtown revamp are among the big changes ahead.

Pittsburgh is poised for another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busy year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" data-vars-content-id="a7b54cf2-9c5b-4821-bad6-bcc03c20c489" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" target="_self">busy year</a> of development, from renewed Downtown revitalization efforts to momentum generated by the city&#x27;s newly opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airport terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" data-vars-content-id="a7b54cf2-9c5b-4821-bad6-bcc03c20c489" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" target="_self">airport terminal</a> and this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/23/2026-nfl-draft-dates-announced" data-vars-content-id="a7b54cf2-9c5b-4821-bad6-bcc03c20c489" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/23/2026-nfl-draft-dates-announced" target="_self">NFL draft</a>.Here&#x27;s a look at the progress made in 2025 and what we&#x27;re watching this year.

Condos proposed for historic Strip District building

A developer has acquired the historic Bittner Building and plans to convert a warehouse into a condo project.

Development

Nearly 40 new residences could be coming to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming Strip District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/07/strip-district-pittsburgh-growth-report-2025" data-vars-content-id="59d2123e-bb8c-4e12-80d4-f3cec6139bb3" data-vars-headline="Condos proposed for historic Strip District building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/07/strip-district-pittsburgh-growth-report-2025" target="_self">booming Strip District</a>.The intrigue: Neville Island-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth River Development LLC" data-vars-click-url="https://fourthriverdevelopment.com/" data-vars-content-id="59d2123e-bb8c-4e12-80d4-f3cec6139bb3" data-vars-headline="Condos proposed for historic Strip District building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fourthriverdevelopment.com/" target="_blank">Fourth River Development LLC</a> announced Thursday it has acquired the historic Bittner Building in the Strip and plans to convert a warehouse into a condo project.

Pittsburgh's 2026 is bigger than you can fathom

The NFL Draft, World Cup events and major arts festivals will put Pittsburgh on a global stage.

The stars are aligning for Pittsburgh in an unprecedented manner.Why it matters: Infrastructure improvements, massive events and returning crowds this year will inject hundreds of millions in economic impact into a city and region that are wading through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget issues" data-vars-click-url="https://triblive.com/local/a-guide-to-pittsburghs-budget-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="694dc2de-5b32-4ba0-869b-92b9336f284b" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh&#x27;s 2026 is bigger than you can fathom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://triblive.com/local/a-guide-to-pittsburghs-budget-crisis/" target="_blank">budget issues</a>.

Pittsburgh's favorite used-to-be-there place

We're making a list of Pittsburgh's most-missed places and want your help.

Culture

Let&#x27;s find out where the most nostalgic place in the Steel City is.The big picture: We have trouble accepting change and love to reminisce, but that&#x27;s part of our charm. It&#x27;s customary here to give directions with landmarks of places that used to be there, rather than what is currently there.<ul><li>So why not use our obsession with the past to obsess even more?</li></ul>We want to hear about your favorite thing in the Pittsburgh area that used to be here.Case in point: Mine is Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. The venerable spot on Liberty Avenue closed in 2017. It was a great bar that provided yinzer necessities: cheap beer, hot pierogies and a good vibe.<ul><li>The sign on the building is still there, but it is now a small apartment building.</li></ul>But it could be anything. It could be Kaufmann&#x27;s department store Downtown (which is now a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small Target with apartments on top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtae.com/article/target-pittsburgh-kaufmanns-downtown/40629316" data-vars-content-id="ced3984d-d9f3-4396-b1a4-1b224561e86a" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh&#x27;s favorite used-to-be-there place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtae.com/article/target-pittsburgh-kaufmanns-downtown/40629316" target="_blank">small Target with apartments on top</a>), the Original Hot Dog Shop (aka <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The O" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pghcitypaper.com/food-drink/the-original-hot-dog-shop-in-pittsburghs-oakland-neighborhood-has-closed-for-good-17160269/" data-vars-content-id="ced3984d-d9f3-4396-b1a4-1b224561e86a" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh&#x27;s favorite used-to-be-there place" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pghcitypaper.com/food-drink/the-original-hot-dog-shop-in-pittsburghs-oakland-neighborhood-has-closed-for-good-17160269/" target="_blank">The O</a>, which is now a taco place), or something that disappeared entirely.We are compiling a list and need your help so we don&#x27;t miss anything memorable.<ul><li>Send us your thoughts to pittsburgh@axios.com.</li></ul>

Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns

Developers keep building data centers in Pa. despite noise, energy and pollution concerns.

A tide is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forming against data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" target="_self">forming against data centers</a>, but Pennsylvania is holding it back — for now.Why it matters: Data centers are attracting more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushback from locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" target="_self">pushback from locals</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid monitors" data-vars-click-url="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" target="_blank">electric grid monitors</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" target="_self">politicians</a>, but it doesn&#x27;t appear to be slowing them down much in the Keystone State.

Development 🏗️

PNC return could boost Downtown Pittsburgh's daytime rebound

Pa.'s first passive house debuts in Wilkinsburg

Smithfield Street is getting a new look

It's easier to save for a home in Pittsburgh

Quartz tariff could raise countertop costs