In 2017, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA), and the City of Pittsburgh teamed up to plan and design the South 21st Street Complete Green Street Project. The goal was to transform the South 21st Street corridor between Josephine and E. Carson Streets with a newly designed streetscape. Plans included a new median to manage stormwater, provide space for trees and perennials, enhance the neighborhood’s beauty, and reduce summer heat. The project also aimed to improve sidewalks, curbs, and planting areas, with upgraded lighting, signage, and other amenities to create a cohesive, welcoming environment.

To learn more about the previous initiative, please see the final presentation

South 21st Street Complete Green Street Project

However, after careful review, the overall cost of the project was found to be unfeasible. In response, the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) is now leading a revised streetscape project focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for all modes of transportation. The updated plan will preserve key elements of the green street design and reflect community priorities, but will emphasize surface-level improvements like improved pedestrian crossings, safer multimodal movement, continuous sidewalks, and basic street furniture, rather than underground stormwater management, large-scale green infrastructure, or new lighting.

The current plan will focus on the following goals:

Enhance pedestrian crossings at all intersections along the corridor.

Ensure safe and efficient movement for all modes of transportation.

Replace and upgrade inaccessible sidewalks and ADA ramps.

Add more green landscaping throughout the corridor.

Install street furniture, including seating, garbage cans, and bike racks.

Street repaving.

Project Extent: S 21st St. between E. Carson St. & Josephine St.