The River District is located in a riverfront industrial mix use zone. In the past the site was used solely for industrial purposes. Now old industrial buildings were transformed into residential multifamily mid-rising buildings and others have been taken down creating an abundancy of vacant lots.

The site sites on the south east end of the North Hill area of Pittsburgh, a proximally 14 feet above the Allegheny River. The area is fairly flat, making it easy for people to travel around by foot. As seen on the map above the site lacks green spaces. The Three Rivers Heritage trail is the only area with a denser vegetation. Most of the existing vegetation is is not well maintained as seen during site visits.

Site offers amazing views of the Strip District across the river and the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. As you walk the Three Rivers Heritage Trail you can find many openings in the vegetation that provide great views. At the north side of the area the topography defines the view. The central area of the site right now does not offer attractive views of the site due to the lack of streetscape and abundance of vacant lots.

The area lacks zones for retail, restaurants, and open spaces. The site covers an area of approximately 0.3 square miles with a population size of 303 residents. Only 15% of the available housing in the site is unoccupied as of right row.

This is a post development volume diagram showing the proposed buildings in context with the existing structures. As well as the relationship of the redeveloped River District with the surrounding neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.