PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: January 20, 2026
Contact:
Erin Sogal
614-572-5297
Beacon Communities Announces the Start of Construction at 901–903 Liberty Avenue to Create Mixed-Income Apartments
Development blends historic preservation, public investment, and affordable housing in the Cultural District.
PITTSBURGH, PA – Beacon Communities today announced the start of construction on 901–903 Liberty Avenue, marking a significant milestone in the continued revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh. The acquisition includes two historic buildings totaling more than 52,000 square feet along one of the city’s most prominent corridors.
Located in the heart of the Cultural District, the adaptive reuse project will transform these commercial and manufacturing buildings—originally constructed in the 1800s—into one building featuring 50 new residential apartments. The 10-story building will serve households earning 20% to 80% of the Area Median Income. The development will include a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units and will preserve defining architectural features such as large bay windows, exposed brick, and structural features that reflect the buildings’ historic character.
“The acquisition of 901–903 Liberty Avenue represents another important step in bringing life to Downtown Pittsburgh while ensuring housing affordability remains part of the city’s future,” said Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities. “Thanks to the Shapiro Administration and the City of Pittsburgh, this project allows us to honor the historic fabric of the Cultural District while creating much-needed housing that supports a vibrant, inclusive urban core.”
The project will leverage Federal Historic Tax Credits, 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and local funding sources to complete the renovation. Residents will benefit from walkable access to theaters, restaurants, galleries, and public transit, including nearby Port Authority services that connect residents throughout Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
“Downtown is the heart of our region and revitalization means that we have to work together to create not just opportunities for businesses, but housing for everyone,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “901-903 Liberty is an example of the kind of housing development to bring Downtown. Thank you to Beacon Communities for redeveloping a historic property in partnership with the state, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Housing Authority, Allegheny County, and private sources to create this much-needed affordable housing. This project shows what we can achieve Downtown when the public and private sectors work together.”
“We are thrilled to see this project moving forward, bringing new affordable housing options for residents while also breathing new life into downtown Pittsburgh,” said Secretary Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. “This project shows what we can accomplish when government, the private sector, and community partners work together to get stuff done. The Shapiro Administration will continue to support the revitalization of the downtown, ensuring it is a vibrant, safe, and economically dynamic neighborhood for generations to come.”
The development reflects broader momentum in Downtown Pittsburgh, where strategic reinvestment is reshaping legacy office and commercial properties into mixed-use and residential spaces that support a more dynamic, 24-hour city. By adding affordable housing to the Cultural District, this project from Beacon Communities aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure revitalization benefits a diverse range of residents and workers.
“Congratulations to Beacon Communities. I am very pleased that these historic buildings in the heart of the Cultural District downtown will be rehabilitated and converted into residences. And special thanks to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for its continuing investment in Downtown Pittsburgh and in my 42nd Senate District,” said State Senator Wayne Fontana.
“901-903 Liberty Avenue is one of the first downtown projects to receive direct investment from Allegheny County, through the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC). RAAC invested $750,000 into this development because of its strategic importance to our downtown revitalization efforts,” said Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive. “The next iteration of Downtown Pittsburgh will include upgraded public spaces and a significant increase in the number of housing units. As this project demonstrates, the public has a key role to play as a catalytic investor in making downtown a neighborhood where everyone feels welcomed and everyone can call home.”
Financing and partnership support for the project includes the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and other public and private partners PNC Multifamily Capital and JPMorgan Chase. PWWG Architects is serving as architect, with Clio Consulting providing historic consulting services.
“The start of construction of 901-903 Liberty Avenue is an exciting and important step in the continued revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh,” said Robin Wiessmann, Executive Director and CEO, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “PHFA is proud to provide tax credits to this new community that will bring affordable housing opportunities and breathe new life and energy into the city’s Cultural District.”
“We are excited to invest in this transformational conversion project as part of the URA’s Downtown investment strategy,” said Susheela Nemani-Stange, Executive Director, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. “I commend Beacon Communities for creating opportunities for people of all income levels to not only live in Downtown Pittsburgh, but to live near our world-class arts and culture scene, inspiring public spaces like the new Arts Landing, and transit. This is an important step toward ensuring the Cultural District is accessible and vibrant.”
“The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is passionate about improving the quality of life for all residents of the City of Pittsburgh and elated to continue this mission by forging key partnerships with entities such as Beacon Communities, the City of Pittsburgh, and the URA. These projects have been successful across the city because we work so closely together to get the job done. The HACP looks forward to bringing more affordable housing units to the city’s portfolio and has happily contributed $2.2 million in Gap-Financing and 22 Project-Based Vouchers to the Liberty Avenue development,” said Caster D. Binion, Executive Director, Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. “It’s also important to have the opportunity to house people Downtown in close proximity to essential services, employment opportunities, and cultural activities.”
901-903 Liberty joins Beacon’s nine other communities in Downtown Pittsburgh and is expected to welcome residents in 2027.
About Beacon Communities LLC
Beacon Communities LLC is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multi-family housing. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate housing, and mixed income-housing. Their developments range from new construction to historic adaptive reuse to the renovation of existing housing. They take on challenging developments and make them succeed. Their driving passion is to create well-designed, healthy homes that enhance the neighborhoods in which they are located. For more information about Beacon Communities LLC, please visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com
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