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Steven Alschuler, steve@alschulerpr.com, 917-647-2151
Desiree Niccoli, desiree@alschulerpr.com, 412-535-5701
Updated: July 8, 2019.
Pittsburgh, PA – July 2, 2019 – Hitachi Rail STS, a global leader in railway signaling and systems, has purchased 1000 Technology Drive at the Pittsburgh Technology Center from the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC). Constructed in 1994 to support Pittsburgh’s emerging technology ecosystem, the 175,000 square foot facility was home to Union Switch & Signal, which was acquired by Ansaldo STS and is now Hitachi Rail STS.
The Pittsburgh Technology Center was one of the first major riverfront brownfield redevelopments in Pittsburgh. Through a partnership including RIDC, the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and several institutions, the former J&L coke works was transformed into a high-tech hub. A second building constructed by RIDC, 2000 Technology Drive, was constructed in 1994, occupied in 1996, and sold to Silk & Stewart in 2014. With this transaction to Hitachi Rail STS, RIDC will no longer have any ownership position in this historic and transformational property that served as the foundation for the region’s resurgence as a tech powerhouse.
“This transaction marks a gratifying end to RIDC’s participation in a project that stands out as a highlight of Pittsburgh’s transformation from an industrial city to a center of technology and innovation,” said RIDC President Donald F. Smith, Jr. “It also serves as a national model for the revitalization of obsolete industrial sites for cities that need to chart a course toward a new future. This project is a tangible illustration of RIDC’s mission and we could not be more proud of our role in it, which has now reached a successful conclusion.”
“We are invested in the Pittsburgh region and this milestone assures our presence here long into the future,” said Joseph Pozza, President, Hitachi Rail STS USA, Inc. “With a legacy of more than 138 years, we are proud to be part of a community that has earned its reputation globally as a technology center with best-in-class engineering and software development talent. To us, this address maintains significance to the city’s past and future, as well as our own.”
The Pittsburgh Technology Center was originally a collaboration of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, RIDC, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and several other regional and State partners. RIDC conducted the remediation and site preparation and also partnered to complete the major on-site infrastructure. CMU and RIDC led with the first buildings on site, with Pitt following with a building. The site is now home to nine high-tech buildings.
Pittsburgh Technology Center represents the first planned inner city industrial development for R&D and a successful adaptive reuse of a former steel site. It serves as an example for further developments along riverfront properties.
About RIDC
The mission of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania is to catalyze and support economic growth and high-quality job creation through real estate development and finance of projects that advance the public interest. A not-for-profit entity, RIDC owns over 2,800 acres of land in 11 industrial parks and manages over 50 buildings. More information is available at www.ridc.org.
About Hitachi Rail STS:
Among the largest engineering companies in the Pittsburgh region, Hitachi Rail STS employs more than 500 engineers and software developers from its North American headquarters. We help clients solve the world’s most complex transportation challenges. An international provider of turnkey services and solutions with deep expertise in railway signaling, systems’ integration, and operations and maintenance, we serve mass transit operators, freight, and passenger railways. We design, manufacture, test, install and commission solutions that meet the safety and management needs of freight and passenger rail operators.
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Media Coverage:
Staying put: Hitachi Rail STS buys one of first Pittsburgh Technology Center buildings
