Pittsburgh Office Building to Become Apartments

A downtown office building will be converted into 70 residential units and a new restaurant by early 2028.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage 1920s brick building facade with scaffolding, evoking urban residential redevelopment in Pittsburgh. — Pittsburgh developers plan to convert a historic downtown office building on Penn Avenue into 70 residential units by early 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support converting vacant office buildings into residential apartments in your downtown area?

Developers plan to transform an eight-story building at 933 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh into 70 residential apartments and ground-floor restaurant space. The project is expected to reach completion by early 2028.

Why it matters

The renovation aims to address downtown housing needs by repurposing a historic 1920s structure identified for its ideal rectangular shape and open floor plan. It serves as part of a broader push to revitalize the city's urban core.

The eight-story building encompasses 73,000 square feet and will include seven designated affordable housing units. Total development costs are estimated between $40 million and $50 million.

The players

Governor of Pennsylvania

The governor is the chief executive of the commonwealth who oversees statewide infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

The details

Construction crews will gut the interior of the 1920s-era structure and replace the existing aluminum frontage with a new masonry facade. The conversion focuses on utilizing the building's large, rectangular footprint to optimize residential layout.

The original building was constructed around 1920.
The Governor announced a downtown revitalization plan in 2024.
Completion of the residential project is scheduled for early 2028.

Culture Shift

This development aligns with the nationwide trend of office-to-residential conversions intended to revitalize downtown cores. It reflects a wider societal shift away from traditional single-use commercial districts toward mixed-use urban environments.

The project will increase housing availability in the Cultural District and add new dining options for area residents. The inclusion of seven affordable units provides additional housing access within the downtown market.

The takeaway

Repurposing older office structures allows cities to expand residential capacity while preserving historical footprints. Residents interested in urban living can monitor this project for future leasing availability as the 2028 completion date approaches.