Ribbon cut on $32M project to connect Hill District, Pittsburgh city center

PITTSBURGH — Members of Congress, Gov. Tom Wolf and other state and local leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder Monday as they cut the ribbon on the new Frankie Pace Park.

The $32 million project now connects the Hill District with the Pittsburgh city center.

The project included a new bridge, crosswalks, lighting, landscaping, benches and green space.

It was named in honor of Frankie Mae Pace, an advocate who worked to provide housing and jobs for people living in the Hill District.

Councilman Daniel Lavelle is credited with taking the story of this project to leaders in Washington who provided $19 million in funding. In the 1950s, more than 400 businesses and 8,000 residents were relocated to create the I-579 Crosstown Boulevard.

“This isn’t just about a park. It was never about that. It’s about transformation of this entire region,” said Congressman Mike Doyle.

I-579 ‘Cap’ project taking shape in downtown Pittsburgh

©2021 Cox Media Group