Steelers Eye New Development Plan For Entertainment Complex

The Steelers “no longer are working with” Baltimore-based developer Cordish on plans for the North Shore Live amphitheater and entertainment complex, and the franchise is now “looking to put together a new development plan” by year’s end, according to Mark Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The team “intends to withdraw an application” for up to $10M in state grants “for infrastructure improvements to support [the project].” Continental Real Estate Chair Frank Kass said, “The way the project was going was not going to be feasible for many reasons. Everyone parted as friends. The Steelers are now working on an alternative that we’re working on with them.” Kass said that the Steelers “still expect to develop some type of entertainment venue at the site,” but that the North Shore Live as conceived "had logistical challenges, including seating and a barrier wall, that proved to be difficult to overcome.” Kass added that the Steelers “intend to have nightclubs and outdoor entertainment in the development but it ‘has to be formatted differently’ and will be a little more promotional oriented.” The complex is projected to begin construction in '08 and open in '09 (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 10/20).