Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

ISSUE AREA: PAYING FOR IT

City: Pittsburgh, PA
Arts - Neighborhood Development - Urban

Contact:
Kevin McMahon
President
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
803 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 471-6070

Date Published: October 2006

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (PCT) seeks to lead the way in uniting public and private interests in pursuit of mutually supportive cultural and economic development objectives, particularly through the creation and fostering of a cultural district. The PCT was established in1984 to deal with the economic downturn which afflicted many ‘rust belt’ cities. Through the established 14 block downtown area of Pittsburgh, the PCT has created and renovated first class performance facilities and brought in new patrons and businesses that have economically revitalized the area. Additionally, the PCT emphasizes that comprehensive efforts at revitalizing downtown Pittsburgh would be impossible in the absence of extensive public/private partnerships. Pittsburgh is preserving its arts heritage while inspiring economic development.

Like many large, post-industrial towns, Pittsburgh has taken stock of its assets, and with both private and public funding, is working toward economic development. The city centers its development on the creation and fostering of a cultural district. This would not have been possible without the vision of former mayor Jack Heinz, who "never wavered in his belief that the arts and business could work together to form a unique and enduring partnership that would bring a new economic energy to an area of the City which, though long ignored, still brimmed with potential."

The fruit of this vision is the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Since 1984, the PCT has been leading public and private interests in pursuit of cultural and economic development objectives. The PCT encourages development of diverse performing and visual arts and quality entertainment programs. The PCT endorses comprehensive educational and outreach programs by community groups to promote "appreciation of and access to District activities among diverse segments of the regional population."

The cultural district does not simply elevate the artistic sensibilities of Pittsburgh residents. The PCT’s efforts are intended to stimulate commercial, economic, and residential development. Since its creation, the PCT has doubled audiences and performances, with more than one million people attending nearly 600 performances. Even more impressive is the PCT’s raising of $33 million in public investment, combined with $63 million in philanthropic funds. These monies triggered almost $115 million in commercial investment. Tax revenues from real estate and performance-related activities more than doubled, and planners expect it to exceed $28 million in 2000.

The objective has been to make downtown Pittsburgh a regional attraction. More than just attracting people for commercial ventures and entertainment, the PCT aims to make Pittsburgh a magnet for long-term international investment - returning Pittsburgh to its past world preeminence. Pittsburgh’s cultural district success already has won national recognition as a model of a flourishing downtown economy, a model now eagerly emulated in American cities.

The cultural district environment reflects both historic preservation, and bold use of art and color. The district’s main street, Penn Avenue, is punctuated with commissioned art intended to provide a distinct character. Decorative lighting is positioned throughout the District, much of it emphasizing the unique murals that now decorate the once barren brick walls. The District has paid particular attention to lighting, to engage the public as participant and observer. Artistic lighting that invites pedestrian traffic and increases safety is critical to the success of an arts district. People feel secure as they stroll from restaurant to gallery to theatre to coffee shop to transportation center.

Furthermore, people need not just visit - they can happily live as downtown residents. Part of the Cultural Trust’s ten-year plan for the district included 600 residential units. With sites planned along a developed riverfront, the PCT intends to construct Fort Duquesne as an in-town residential area. A stable in-town population will naturally support local restaurants and retail establishments. Further, an invested population has a stake in the neighborhood, and contributes "to the overall animation of the Cultural District." For residential development, the PCT focuses on a combination of historic preservation and new buildings, blending the two through complementary architecture. Pittsburgh residents will be able to live, play, and work in the downtown in several new office buildings. These office towers are designed so that the lower levels are inviting to foot traffic, with restaurants, galleries, and jazz clubs.

The PCT is making use of the Penn-Liberty Historic Facade Restoration Loan Program to restore the facades of the District’s loft buildings. Fifty of these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places and qualify for tax credits. Because the PCT is a 501(c)3, it can accept non-cash charitable building contributions. These building contributions allow owners to be eligible for valuable tax credits to support the adaptive reuse, rather than demolition, of these older buildings.

Donations account for a significant portion of the funding - more than double the public investment - and have helped trigger private investment of $650 million since 1980. The cultural district relies on the cooperation and commitment among the Pittsburgh Cultural PCT, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the region’s major philanthropic organizations. The PCT anticipates that public and philanthropic support for arts and economic activities will be a further catalyst for business and real estate investors.

Resources:

www.pgharts.org