The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) is executing a transformative idea–the Living Well Initiative, a program that could make Downtown Pittsburgh a healthier, more vibrant place to live, work, and connect. 

If you are looking for specialty coffee or tea, delicious food and pastries, or cozy places to work remotely, here is a list of the Downtown Neighbor Alliance’s favorite coffee shops in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

Following the successful introduction of “Pittsburgh Public Potties” last year, Pittsburgh’s downtown area could soon see even more public restrooms installed. 

City officials are considering installing up to 11 permanent facilities in high-traffic areas, hoping to meet the ongoing demand for accessible and convenient restrooms in the bustling downtown district.

Pittsburgh’s three rivers, the Allegheny to the North, the Monogahela to the South, and the Ohio to the West, have shaped the city’s history since before the United States of America was a nation. Visitors can stand at the confluence of these three great rivers in Point State Park. 

Traffic patterns in Downtown Pittsburgh are changing significantly as work progresses on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, a major initiative to improve transit efficiency and sustainability between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh. The new line, named The University Line, aims to ease congestion by prioritizing bus travel along the busy Fifth and Sixth Avenue corridors.

 On October 25th Gov. Josh Shapiro along with private industry, local officials and the foundation community unveiled details of a historic $600 million plan to reinvent Downtown Pittsburgh.

Downtown Pittsburgh is looking to improve the safety of residents and provide solutions to the homelessness issue. As of this month, officials have decided to close down the oldest continuing homeless encampment in Pittsburgh.

In the coming weeks, significant improvements are set to transform the Downtown Pittsburgh intersections. The Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) has announced the installation of new traffic signals, a total of 35 will be installed. This initiative is designed to enhance public transit flow between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh, both of which are among Pennsylvania’s largest economic centers.

Downtown Pittsburgh is undergoing a transformation as office spaces are being converted into residential units in response to high commercial vacancy rates. A report from JLL, Pittsburgh’s largest commercial real estate provider, highlights this trend as a solution to the surplus of unused office buildings post-pandemic, a shift driven largely by the rise of remote work. 

An empty building that predates World War l will be transformed into affordable housing and office space with the help of ACTION-Housing, a non-profit organization. 

This month, the John P. Robin Civic Building at 200 Ross St. sold for $4 million to ACTION-Housing. The organization plans to convert 104,920 sq. ft. into 68 affordable housing units ranging from three bedroom to one bedroom apartments. These units are intended for people making 50% to 80% of the area median income. 

This holiday season, Mellon Square in Downtown Pittsburgh will come alive with a new vibrant, interactive light display titled, “Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square.” Designed by artist Joshua Challen Ice, this enchanting installation seeks to draw more visitors to the historic park, which typically closes during winter. By bringing space to life with captivating elements, this display aims to enhance the festive atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Downtown Neighbors Alliance hosted the Developer’s Forum where city leaders shared upcoming improvements to Downtown Pittsburgh. The panel focused on Point Park University’s recent announcement of a new community events center and the future of the city.

Pittsburgh, get ready for a spectacular night of dance magic! Mark your calendars for February 4, 2025, as the Dancing with the Stars take the stage at the Benedum Center for their exhilarating Dancing with the Stars: Live! Tour. This highly anticipated event will feature some of the show’s top professional dancers, delivering dazzling performances and exciting new routines that are sure to leave you breathless.

Downtown is a lively, bustling place that attracts locals looking for entertainment or a nice meal. Lately, the draw of downtown has charmed some of Pittsburgh’s younger residents to stay after their afterschool programs let out, leading to an increase in tensions on Liberty Ave. 

PaPa J’s Twin Plaza Restaurant has something for whatever you may be craving. Soup? They’ve got pasta e fagioli or wedding soups – two classic Italian dishes. Of course, they have the classics: polenta parmigiano, sauteéd banana peppers, classic Italian and margherita pizzas, and pasta, from ravioli to radiatori. It doesn’t stop there: they have a full bar, with Italian cocktails, and housemade gelato to top things off. 

Looking for a fun way to kick off a Steelers’ home game? Enjoy a brunch at Redbeard’s on Sixth Street before all home 1 o’clock Steelers games!

The Cultural Trust and Downtown Neighbors Alliance ask that you join us for an evening of discussion, a question-and-answer session, making new friends with residents and business owners, and of course, food and libations.

I am so proud to live in Downtown Pittsburgh! This is my home! Leaving Downtown is your choice. Going public about wanting to move your business out of downtown is also your choice, but doing that just makes the problems harder to resolve for the rest of us.

Since the bar’s grand opening in 2001, Olive or Twist has been serving guests, hosting events, and supporting the community in Downtown Pittsburgh by offering locally sourced spirits and beers on their menu and by featuring local musicians who perform live music for guests.

Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast is a cozy, quaint restaurant located on 6th Street serving up breakfast and lunch dishes with a Turkish flair. The restaurant was opened by Martina and Alihan Hanoglu, who also own Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, in September 2022.