On the water: Riverlife launches Shore Thing in the heart of the Sister Bridges
Pittsburgh has a new floating barge river attraction.
Shore Thing is a 4,800-square-foot modular floating barge platform that will be a space for art, play, food and community when it opens on Tuesday.
It’s the brainchild of Riverlife, the nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.
The floating destination is located in the heart of the Sister Bridges — Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges — on the Allegheny River on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. They connect Downtown Pittsburgh with the North Shore, located at Sixth, Seventh and Ninth streets.
“This is a place to help people create memories. To have the backdrop of the city from the rivers is intentional,” said Matthew Galluzzo, president and CEO of Riverlife. “I believe the best view of Downtown is from the Sister Bridges. We take a transformative lens to our work when we think about the riverfronts and what is the best way to do a concept like this.”
Shore Thing can be moved to different locations. It will be stored in the winter. The plan is to bring it back in the spring.
“It is portable and modular,” he said. “And it can be reconfigured and additional sections can be added.”
Galluzzo said the occupancy is 200 people.
The platform offers a space to lounge, enjoy river views and participate in a rotating calendar of free programs, including yoga, live music and arts workshops.
Shore Thing is also part of Riverlife’s project called “Completing the Loop,” encompassing 15 miles and more than 1,055 acres of parks, trails and green spaces stretching from the West End Bridge and the Manchester riverfront on the Ohio River and the 31st Street Bridge on the Allegheny to the Hot Metal Bridge near SouthSide Works on the Monongahela River.
The loop sees nearly 2 million individuals annually, according to Riverlife, which hopes to increase that number.
In addition to the 10 modular barges that make up the space, Shore Thing has fenced nets that allow guests to sit or lie down over the water.
Guests can check out the Pittsburgh Chandelier, a suspended Capiz shell installation designed by artist Fran Flaherty and her students at Carlow University; and a vibrant mural called A New Wave painted by Pittsburgh-based artist Janel Young. Food and drink will be supplied by Braddock’s BG Brewing. Wagyu hot dogs and rainbow sprinkle-topped ice cream are on the menu.
“Pittsburghers want riverfronts filled with amenities and attractions that are places that bring people together to create memories,” Galluzzo said. “We believe there will be a lot of memories created on Shore Thing.”
Funding for Shore Thing came via the Allegheny Regional Asset District and the Pennsylvania Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program, administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“Shore Thing is an exciting addition to Pittsburgh’s riverfront experience,” Rich Hudic, executive director of the Allegheny Regional Asset District, said in a statement. “Riverlife’s work to create bold, inclusive public spaces fits with RAD’s mission to invest in places where people come together to enjoy the outdoors, connect with one another, and celebrate the best of our region.”
Shore Thing is having a soft opening this weekend.
At 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Setting the Vibe is happening with DJ Inception, who will be spinning tunes such as Funk, House, Afrobeat, and old school Hip-Hop.
At 10 a.m. on Sunday it’s Free Flow, a yoga class for all levels. It will be led by a rotating lineup of local instructors teaching against the backdrop of the water. Guests should bring a yoga mat or towel and water.
It will officially open at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Weather delayed the original Thursday opening.
Shore Thing will be open through mid-October. Hours are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The platform is closed on Mondays, except for select dates.
Details: riverlifepgh.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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