Penguins Lose Lower Hill Development Rights After 18 Years in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins' exclusive development rights to the more than 28-acre site in the Lower Hill District, surrounding the former Civic Arena, officially expired in 2025 after nearly two decades. Despite promises to develop the area with projects including corporate headquarters, affordable housing, and community benefits, only about 7 acres have been developed, including the FNB Tower and a concert venue by Live Nation. The rights have now reverted to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA), both public agencies that own the land, which plan to engage with community groups to create a new development plan. Community leaders and officials, including Mayor Ed Gainey and City Council President Daniel Lavelle, express disappointment over the slow progress but see this transition as an opportunity for more equitable and inclusive development honoring the area's Black history. The Penguins remain interested in the area's future and pledge to collaborate on forthcoming projects, while local groups emphasize the need for development that benefits the Lower Hill and Hill District communities. This shift marks a new chapter aimed at repairing past harms caused by urban renewal and fulfilling long-standing community commitments.