RIDC: An engine of economic growth for communities and the region

Which economic development organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania is responsible for active projects that currently support more than 8,000 jobs? Which economic development organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania is responsible for projects that now are a source of more than $200 million in income taxes and $20 million in property taxes? It may surprise some readers to […]

RIDC: Strategic Catalytic Development Revitalizing the Pittsburgh Region

Against the backdrop of historic Mill 19 at Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green, a property once owned by Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, Don Smith, president of RIDC, addressed the importance of strategic catalytic development in revitalizing the Pittsburgh region. Smith, together with Mike Embrescia, chief development officer of Carnegie Robotics, Patrick Mondi, CEO of Thoro.ai and […]

RIDC Mill 19 Next to New Neighbors

New photo of RIDC’s Mill 19 with its Hazelwood Green neighbors: Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Innovation Center (right) and University of Pittsburgh’s BioForge (left).  

National Economic Council Director visits RIDC Mill 19

RIDC’s Mill 19 hosted National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard for a roundtable discussion on the region’s economy. Pictured: PNC CEO William Demchak, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, RIDC President Don Smith, RIDC Senior VP Tim White. Pictured: Allegheny Conference President Stefani Pashman, PNC CEO William Demchak, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, and […]

Innovation Accelerators an Important Part of the Economic Growth Cycle

Successful long-term economic development strategies often proceed on multiple tracks, leveraging the resources and assets available throughout a region to grow a multi-faceted job base. Gov. Josh. Shapiro’s plan to invest $500 million in site development is one such strategy. Job-creating companies are being lured to other states with impressive incentives. If we don’t have […]

RIDC Mill 19 Wins 2024 World Landscape Architecture Merit Award in Large Landscape Design

RIDC Mill 19 won a 2024 WLA Merit Award in Large Landscape Design! The 2024 World Landscape Architecture Professional Awards celebrate the pinnacle of design excellence, innovation, and sustainability in landscape architecture and received over 250 entries from over 40 different countries. From urban parks and green spaces to restorative ecological projects, the entries reflect […]

Creating jobs in the Mon Valley: A Decades-Long Effort Bears Fruit

When RIDC acquired the former Westinghouse campus in Turtle Creek 35 years ago — intent on renovating the decaying buildings and revitalizing the abandoned site — it was the first in a series of moves over decades that have transformed several old industrial sites and provided homes for job creating companies in the Mon Valley.

Blooming from Blight: Earth Day Spotlight on Green Redevelopment in Pittsburgh

Across the Pittsburgh region, there are historic industrial sites that, while abandoned and left to blight after the fall of steel and other industries, have since been brought back to life, redeveloped and revitalized into homes for companies that are driving the innovation of today. Giving new life to old structures is in and of […]

Governor Shapiro Visits RIDC Mill 19 to Discuss New Economic Development Plan

RIDC President Donald Smith kicked off Governor Shapiro’s visit to Mill 19 today where he discussed his new economic development plan and was joined by numerous regional leaders lending their support. Media Coverage: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Gov. Shapiro visits Pittsburgh to outline investment priorities in state economic development plan Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Editorial) – Editorial: Shapiro […]

Flurry of Activity Around RIDC’s Mill 19, a Centerpiece for Hazelwood Green’s Revitalization

RIDC Mill 19 serves as an important proof of concept project, being both a pioneering development on site, but also an example of the power of great buildings in attracting great companies. It also showcases the importance of partnerships, with critical contributions from Richard King Mellon Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University enabling the project to move forward. “Build it […]

First Lady Jill Biden Visits RIDC Mill 19, Discussing Workforce Development

First Lady Jill Biden was at RIDC Mill 19 today to discuss the region’s workforce development efforts with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su at RIDC Mill 19. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh was named one of five “workforce hubs” in the country. RIDC Mill 19 tenant Advanced Robotics for […]

Smith’s Viewpoint: Where Will the Next Phase of Job Growth Take Place?

When RIDC built Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green, we viewed it as a project that would have a catalytic effect on the undeveloped portion of that site and, ultimately, an economic impact that would benefit the community and the region as a whole. We’ve achieved some important milestones thus far, and more activity is in […]

Photos: Butterfly Sanctuaries at RIDC Mill 19 and Tech Forge

Did you know there are butterfly sanctuaries at RIDC Mill 19 and Tech Forge? Butterflies are attracted to bright flowers and need to feed on nectar. When they do their bodies collect pollen and carry it to other plants. This helps fruits, vegetables and flowers produce new seeds. The flowers planted at both properties were […]

TechVibe Radio: RIDC’s Commitment to Transforming Industrial Spaces, Innovation and Sustainable Development

RIDC President Don Smith talks with the Pittsburgh Technology Council‘s TechVibe Radio to detail RIDC’s commitment to transforming industrial spaces into thriving centers for innovation and sustainable development. Smith overviews RIDC’s approach to how revitalizing large, unused properties benefits not only the companies that occupy them, but also the communities in which they are located. […]

RIDC Mill 19 Buildings A & B Now LEED-NC v.4 Gold Certified

The USGBC National Capital Region has certified RIDC’s Mill 19 Buildings A & B LEED-NC v.4 Gold! Sustainable measures include the first two phases being designed to approach net zero energy use, featuring the largest single-sloped PV array in the country.