Nestled between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland — two of the top three economic centers in Pennsylvania — Uptown is a historic neighborhood that was settled by diverse immigrants who came to work in steel mills, coal mines, railroads, and other related industries. This bustling community (then known as Soho and The Bluff) included 19thcentury brick row homes, retail and wholesale businesses, a few grand institutions and homes of successful capitalists.
Today, Uptown is home to nearly 1,000 permanent residents; startup companies; nonprofit agencies; small businesses and retail establishments; PPG Paints Arena; the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL team; UPMC-Mercy, which provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient health care; and Duquesne University, a doctoral institution of nearly 10,000 students.
New investments in housing and start-up businesses are happening both within and around Uptown. The neighborhood presents unparalleled opportunities to encourage new investment that supports new and growing businesses, but also creates opportunities for existing residents. The district is also part of Pittsburgh’s Innovation Corridor along with Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh.