Downtown Pittsburgh revitalizes with $600 million project

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown Pittsburgh is undergoing a $600 million revitalization project. This includes converting vacant office spaces into apartments, addressing the high commercial real estate vacancy rate, which is now 22.1%. Remote and hybrid work models have become standard, with about 30% of workdays in the U.S. now remote. Many companies, including Highmark and PNC, have adapted to these changes, leading to a shift in how office spaces are utilized. The restaurant industry has rebounded, with national revenue projected to reach $1.5 trillion in 2025. Takeout and delivery options remain popular, as many customers have adapted to new dining habits established during the pandemic.