The Stacks

Located at the northeast corner of 29th Street and Railroad Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, The Stacks at 3 Crossings is a transformative adaptive reuse project delivering 110,860 gross square feet of innovative office, retail, and amenity space within one of the city’s fastest-growing innovation corridors.

Originally an industrial warehouse facility owned and occupied by Packaging Corporation of America, the development reimagines two existing warehouse buildings into a dynamic mixed-use destination designed for today’s workforce. Global medical technology leader Smith+Nephew selected The Stacks as its Pittsburgh home, reinforcing the district’s position as a center for technology, research, and innovation.

The renovation preserves the industrial character of the original structures while introducing modern functionality and experience-driven design. Each building incorporates three warehouse bays of approximately 18,000 square feet, featuring dramatic 7-foot-deep structural trusses spanning each bay and soaring 40-foot clear heights to the underside of the trusses. Two new floors were strategically inserted into each end bay, creating 55,430 square feet per building while maintaining expansive, column-free top-floor environments.

At the center of the project, the former warehouse bay has been transformed into a vibrant open-air industrial plaza that serves as the social heart of The Stacks. Activated by retail and hospitality spaces, the plaza encourages cafés and restaurants to extend outdoors and create an engaging pedestrian experience. Complementing the lifestyle offerings is Stacks Fitness, a state-of-the-art self-guided fitness facility programmed and operated by Mecka Fitness.

Supporting accessibility and multimodal connectivity, The Hive Transit Facility located directly across the street provides approximately 600 parking spaces, dedicated EV charging locations, 100 bicycle parking spaces, and 12,150 square feet of additional retail amenities.

Sustainability Explored

At The Stacks, sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the building’s design, construction, and operation. Achieving LEED® Silver certification reflects 3 Crossings’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, occupant wellness, and resilient urban development.

Key sustainability initiatives include:

• Sensitive Land Protection – Thoughtful site planning protects the surrounding environment and supports responsible development adjacent to the Allegheny River.
• High Priority Site Selection – Located within an established urban district, The Stacks promotes walkability and transit use while incorporating environmental remediation efforts that transformed previously impacted industrial land.
• Density and Mixed-Use Integration – By combining workplace, retail, recreation, and public gathering spaces, the project supports efficient land use and community connectivity.
• Access to Quality Transit – Immediate access to multiple public transit routes encourages alternative transportation options and reduces vehicle dependency, placing Downtown Pittsburgh just minutes away.
• Heat Island Reduction – Reflective roofing systems and intentional landscaping strategies help reduce heat absorption and improve overall site comfort.
• Outdoor Water Conservation – Efficient landscape design and water-conscious practices minimize outdoor water consumption.
• Tenant Sustainability Standards – Tenant design and construction guidelines encourage occupants to align with the project’s environmental and operational objectives.
• Optimized Energy Performance – Building systems were designed and calibrated to maximize energy efficiency, lowering operating costs and reducing environmental impact.
• Enhanced Commissioning – Rigorous testing and verification processes ensure building systems perform as intended and continue operating efficiently over time.
• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies – Additional air quality measures support healthier indoor environments and improved occupant wellness.
• Low-Emitting Materials – Interior finishes and materials were selected to reduce VOC emissions and promote healthier spaces.
• Construction IAQ Management – Air quality protection measures implemented during construction extend into future tenant improvements to support existing occupants and maintain building performance.

The Stacks demonstrates how adaptive reuse, sustainability, and intentional urban design can work together to create an exceptional workplace destination that strengthens Pittsburgh’s growing technology district.