Smith’s Viewpoint: Seizing the moment: Translate Pittsburgh’s AI momentum into real jobs
Story Highlights Pittsburgh’s Energy & Innovation Summit highlighted $90 billion in new investment. A unified, urgent strategy is needed for economic development. Clear, measurable goals must focus on job creation and growth. Read Full Story Here
Mill 19: A Catalytic Postindustrial Landscape
Honor Award General Design Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States TEN x TEN D.I.R.T. Studio Client: Regional Industrial Development Corporation Read Full Story Here
CMU and RIDC at Mill 19: Sparking the creation of an iconic symbol of Pittsburgh’s new economy
When RIDC took control of Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green, part of what was once a sprawling J&L and LTV steel works, it set out to create a project that would become a symbol of Pittsburgh’s future economic growth, while paying homage to its industrial heritage. Read Full Story Here
Re:Build Manufacturing at New Ken Advanced Manufacturing Park: Charting a course for American manufacturing, lifting up a community
When Governor Shapiro announced two years ago that a national search by Massachusetts-based Re:Build Manufacturing had led it to New Kensington, it was big news for the region. The Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) had taken control of the property – a former Alcoa campus – in partnership with the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation […]
Instinct Robotics leases space at Mill 19, bringing AI-driven manufacturing robots to Pittsburgh tech hub
Story Highlights Instinct Robotics leases 3,000-square-foot office in Mill 19. Company develops AI-driven robots for manufacturing tasks like grinding. Instinct Robotics received multi-million-dollar seed funding from Valor Equity Partners. Read Full Story Here
Rebuilding Pittsburgh — the Story of RIDC
The story of RIDC over the past 70 years — it was founded in 1955 — is closely intertwined with the economic history of the Pittsburgh region. Both are chronicled in a new book, Rebuilding Pittsburgh: RIDC and the Transformation of the Steel City. Written by award-winning journalist Jeffery Fraser and edited by Pittsburgh Quarterly publisher […]
RIDC acquires first Neighborhood 91 building, plans new 100,000-square-foot facility
RIDC buys first Neighborhood 91 building from Buncher Company. RIDC plans 100,000-square-foot building construction by year-end at Neighborhood 91. RIDC takes over Neighborhood 91 development, focusing on additive manufacturing. Read Full Story Here
RIDC and Westmoreland County: Partnership brings jobs to the region
This is the fifth in a series of excerpts from “Rebuilding Pittsburgh: RIDC and the Transformation of the Steel City.” For the past 70 years, the Regional industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) has played an integral role in rebuilding the Pittsburgh region’s economy. A new book, Rebuilding Pittsburgh: RIDC and the Transformation of […]
Photos: Then-and-now of RIDC’s 70-year history and influence in Pittsburgh region
RIDC celebrates 70 years of reshaping southwestern Pennsylvania’s development. RIDC transformed former steel sites into tech and industrial centers. RIDC’s projects include Mill 19, Carrie Furnace and Lawrenceville Technology Center. Read Full Story Here
How RIDC went from perceived competitor to key partner for regional growth
RIDC transformed a former Sony plant into the Westmoreland Innovation Center. The center now houses major tenants and employs over 1,000 people. RIDC’s success inspired private developers to invest in Westmoreland County. Read Full Story Here
Pittsburgh’s Neighborhood 91 Advances as a Comprehensive Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem
Neighborhood 91 in Pittsburgh is actively expanding as a comprehensive site that integrates multiple stages of the additive manufacturing (AM) supply chain. Located near Pittsburgh International Airport, the development is overseen by the nonprofit Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) on land owned by the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Of the 195-acre master plan, one building is currently operational and […]
Plum author details RIDC’s efforts to revitalize Pittsburgh region over 7 decades
The Regional Industrial Development Corporation is marking its 70th year of helping guide southwest Pennsylvania’s turbulent economic journey spurred by the steel industry collapse. Read Full Story Here
Spotlight On: Donald Smith, President, Regional Industrial Development Corporation
“We should prioritize timely approvals for projects that align with the region’s outlook,” said Regional Industrial Development Corporation President Donald Smith in an interview with Invest:. Smith highlighted the organization’s focus on strategic development and priorities including revitalizing underutilized sites and fostering growth in key sectors like autonomy and advanced manufacturing to drive economic development in […]
Allegheny Conference leads push for ‘Appalachian Innovation Corridor’ in AI and energy tech
Pittsburgh organizations propose Appalachian Innovation Corridor for AI infrastructure development. Department of Energy considers NETL sites for AI infrastructure expansion. Twenty-four organizations cosign proposal to establish AI leadership hub. Read Story Here
AIA Architecture Award 2025 winner – Mill 19
Explore the AIA Architecture Award 2025 winners—recognized as the best in contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. Read Story Here
20 People to Know in Construction/Development
John Buechli manages construction projects for RIDC, transforming underutilized real estate. Buechli is most proud of working on RIDC Mill 19. He recommends redeveloping the Sharpsburg Riverfront area of Pittsburgh. Read Story Here
Smith’s Viewpoint: Transparency, accountability and more efficient government-funded programs
Pittsburgh needs clear priorities and measurable results for economic growth. Effective metrics should focus on companies, jobs and tax revenue. Government funding should prioritize successful economic development programs Read Full Story Here
NAIOP Presents Best Industrial Renovation Award to RIDC and WCIDC
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PA Sites funding awarded to Industrial Development Project in New Kensington
NEW KENSINGTON – State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Jill Cooper (R-55) announced recently that the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) awarded a nearly $7 million PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) grant to Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund. The funding will be used to […]
Test track in Westmoreland County
Strip District-based Aurora has launched a commercial driverless trucking service in Texas — the first company to do so on public roads, per the company. Read Full Story Here
RIDC awarded $6.98M grant for New Kensington manufacturing site
RIDC receives $6.98 million for New Kensington manufacturing site. Gov. Josh Shapiro announces $64 million in grants for site development. Two other regional projects receive funding for economic development initiatives. Read Full Story Here