Pittsburgh Regional Transit and Dormont are teaming up to try their hands at land development.
The transit agency and borough announced Tuesday they want developers to submit qualifications and their concepts for how to use 2.5 acres adjacent to Dormont Junction, a stop for nearly 100,000 bus and light rail passengers every year. The two would be partners in developing a “lively mixed-used and mixed-income community” to improve the neighborhood around West Liberty Avenue and increase transit ridership, according to a news release.
Seeking a developer is the next step in plans PRT and Dormont have been working on for more than five years to upgrade the transit station and use excess property at the site for transit-oriented development. The goal is to upgrade the station first, then develop the property, but the final design for the station could be adapted to work with the developer’s needs, PRT spokesman Andrew Carr said in an email.
In March 2024, PRT received a $500,000 federal grant to help with the redesign of the station. Initial plans called for moving the entrance to the center of the site to make it more accessible from West Liberty and Biltmore avenues and covering the inbound and outbound waiting areas with a roof.
The concept called for using excess land for several small buildings with commercial businesses on the first floor and apartments or offices on upper floors.
Carr said the project is moving toward final design, and construction could begin in May 2026 if it is included in the agency’s capital budget for next year and it receives environmental clearances. The agency will review proposals from developers and expects to choose one this fall.
The additional development likely would be done after station renovations are completed, Carr said.
“PRT and the borough will work with the development team and the community to identify the best fit for the site,” Carr said. “Ideally there is vision of one big concept, but we are open to working with the development team on the best course of action for the site.”
In the news release, Dormont Council President Jen Mazzocco said the project is “extremely important” to the borough.
“Not only will it bring new residents who will ride the Red Line and 41 bus route, but it will also help us redevelop the West Liberty Avenue corridor, with new small businesses and a people-centered streetscape,” she said.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.