Gov. Wolf offers support for FNB project at Civic Arena site

Gov. Tom Wolf is supporting a $1 billion project to redevelop the former Civic Arena site in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District. On Monday, he encouraged the groups behind the project to seek more state funding.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are leading the redevelopment of the 28-acre site that will be anchored by a new 26-story headquarters for FNB Corp.

The $220 million FNB project was announced a year ago and has been making its way through bureaucratic approvals required by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh.

On Monday, Wolf’s office announced the formal partnership between FNB Corp, the Penguins and Buccini/Pollan Group to build the FNB Financial Center, the first office tower built in the city since 2015, according to Wolf, who called FNB “a critical anchor” of the project.

“We thank Gov. Wolf for his strong support of the FNB headquarters project, which will create thousands of immediate construction jobs, leverage a billion dollars in further private investment, create millions in state and local tax revenues, and serve as an economic catalyst to help the Pittsburgh region recover from the covid-19 pandemic,” Penguins Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Kevin Acklin said.

Wolf also encouraged FNB and the Penguins to apply for more Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding.

On Dec. 29, the state announced a parking garage project that’s also part of the development was awarded $3 million in RACP funding.

A 90,000-square-foot entertainment venue also is planned on the site in a partnership with Live Nation.

Plans also include a new emergency services facility, parking and commercial spaces.

The FNB building is slated to open in 2023.

FNB President, Chairman and CEO Vincent J. Delie called the project a “catalyst to drive continued growth” for both the bank and the Pittsburgh region.

“Our project required thoughtful collaboration with state and local government as well as our business partners and members of the community,” Delie said in a statement.

Many residents were displaced when the neighborhood was razed 60 years ago to build the Civic Arena. The neighborhood never recovered from the blow inflicted by the Civic Arena development, Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle has said.

Lower Hill District residents are now being included in the process for the project.

“It will benefit the surrounding community and actively engage minority and women-owned businesses in the area,” Wolf said.