The Waterfront - Layout & Features

Layout & Features

The Waterfront, unlike the SouthSide Works located a few miles up the river, was developed in a more suburban fashion, with retail, residential, and office spaces all being separated from each other by vast parking lots. However, unlike the Southside Works, the Waterfront did not benefit from proximity to, and unrestricted access to, a thriving urban commercial area. Also of note; while comparisons of relative tax yield are often made, these comparisons do not take into account the sizeable public investment required to facilitate the Southside Works. The Waterfront was predominantly a private investment, although there was a tax increment financing of approximately $ 25 million approved by three separate municipalities, one county, and one school district, a notable accomplishment. Traffic congestion within the development is common due to the large distances between outlets and the lack of sidewalks and pathways; the limited entrances into and out of The Waterfront also add to the congestion. The complex is separated from the original sections of Homestead, West Homestead, and Munhall, via railroad tracks and does not physically or visually connect with the older sections of the municipalities, which was impossible due to the active rail lines. To facilitate access, Allegheny County constructed a new access ramp to the site from the Homestead High Level (Grays) Bridge, and also partnered with the Commonwealth of PA in 1993 on the construction of the East Flyover Ramp in Munhall Borough. The construction of this ramp was well in advance of development plans which were announced in 1997. This resulted in a ramp which ultimately proved to be less than optimal. The Town Center area of the development is home to stores one would find in most malls, including American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, and Victoria's Secret. Macy's (formerly Kaufmann's), Barnes & Noble, and a Loews Cineplex are located in this area as well. The eastern end of the development resembles more of a traditional suburban strip mall, with many big-box retail stores fronting a large parking lot. Stores here include Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Dick's Sporting Goods, Giant Eagle grocery, Lowe's, and Target. Around the perimeter of the complex, particularly along the Monongahela River, are most of the development's restaurants, almost all of which are typical chain restaurants like Red Robin, T.G.I. Friday's, and P. F. Chang's China Bistro, as well as several fast food locations. An apartment complex, a few office buildings (such as GAI Consultants, Inc.), fueling station, and a hotel are also located along the river perimeter.