1+3

1. Addressing and improving the riverfront condition in front of Penn Lincoln Parkway and the Incline by pedestrian friendly programs.

2. The major means of accessing the downtown area is by vehicle, and most views of downtown are limited to pedestrians, especially across the Monongahela river where the steep terrain offers spectacular views of downtown. Considering the unique geography of Pittsburgh, it is inevitable to address the way in which Pittsburgh is conceived, and this site offers a plethora of opportunities to address such issues.
3. Currently, the site is an under-utilized area where the majority of the space is abandoned parking space which not many prefer to access. Also, with Fort Pitt Bridge hovering over the site, it breaches the integrity of the continuum of space. The hill juxtaposing the site creates tension among the unique site conditions, and the site acts as a mediator between the river and the hilltop. Aside the natural terrain, a series of manmade infrastructure divides the connectivity of the riverfront to the hills. Such isolation should be re-stitched and resolved to celebrate the characteristics of downtown Pittsburgh by foot.
4. The Incline does not seem to have proper connections to the context and is a stand-alone program on the hill. To further ground this program properly into its context, and to further make it more accessible, it is necessary to redevelop the site. The site is also adjacent to Station Square, and offers opportunities for this program to expand. The site also is a part of the Great Allegheny Passage, a trail system that allows more people to engage the waterfront. With such favorable neighboring conditions, the site has potential to be transformed into a proper entryway to Pittsburgh.