Expanding Downtown (Pittsburgh, Monongahela: live, light rail, arena)

[nuwaver88]

People tend to think of Downtown Pittsburgh as the area between the rivers that extends east to the Mellon Arena area. I like to think of Station Square and the North Shore as being downtown also. Just because there are bridges to cross, does not mean that are downtown has to be considered "small." If the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers were to be pushed further north and further south respectively, all that is currently built on parts of the North Side and Station Square and the South Side would be considered more of the downtown area.
I like Pittsburgh's topography the way it is. However, I am not keen on height restrictions on the North Shore and Station Square. Taller buildings would make these areas seem more part of the downtown area rather than just being seperate areas across the river. Station Square still has a ton of room on their east and west parking lots. Harrah's proposal had several new buildings proposed had they won te slots license. There were several builfdings in the fififteen to twenty story range that would have stretched from the light rail bridge to the east, to the Fort Pitt Bridge to the west. Hong Kong has skyscrapers on both sides of it's bay, and is a sight to behold. Where is thieir downtown? All of it is. I am just looking for ways to utilize our unique setting for a downtown area. I know high rises etc. are built through supply and demand. I just hope city planners think more boldly if the demand ever comes . The argument for height restrictions on buildings across the river from downtown to me is akin to not planting trees to block the view of the forest. I fully expect someone to disagree with me, and that is fine. I like urban density and I like tall buildings across the rivers. It will expand what people view as our "downtown" boundaries.

[dugdogmaster]

It's an interesting idea, and I agree with you. The height restrictions do have their purpose though. Many on the north and south sides wouldn't have the beautiful vista views that they do of our grand downtown if their were taller buildings on either shore.

[Geeo]

I like the idea of more density and taller buildings onthe north and south banks of the Mon and Allegheny. But with our unique topography, they have to take into account that there are hills with views behind the river banks, and the people who live up there are sensitive to high-rises blocking the views of downtown. I think 15- 20 stories might be a good height limit for those areas.