I-579 Urban Open Space Cap

In the 1950s, homes and businesses in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District were demolished to make way for the former Civic Arena, Crosstown Boulevard—now Interstate 579—and other developments. This created a physical divide between the Hill District and downtown, resulting in a "concrete canyon" of towering retaining walls, heavy traffic, and noise. As a consequence, land values fell, and job opportunities diminished for Hill District residents.

The I-579 Urban Open Space Cap project has bridged this divide with a tree-lined park, creating a walkable, direct connection between the Hill District and downtown, Pittsburgh’s economic and cultural hub. This innovative project, the first of its kind, addresses the negative impact of past developments by reconnecting this predominantly African American neighbourhood with a unique land bridge over the interstate. The park, named “Frankie Pace Park” after a local civic leader and advocate for the underprivileged, symbolises this reconnection.

Featuring integrated art by local artists, the park includes “story” walls that highlight the history of notable Hill District residents, as well as performance and green spaces, an outdoor classroom, cycling paths, an amphitheatre, and seating areas. Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, captures stormwater, while native trees, shrubs, and grasses help mitigate traffic noise from the interstate. This project is a vital step in healing the divide, providing much-needed green space and amenities for the local community.