City Cast Pittsburgh logo
September 22, 2026

Can $25M Make Smithfield Cool Again?

City Cast Pittsburgh

Can $25M Make Smithfield Cool Again?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

In the midst of Downtown’s larger $600 million makeover, Smithfield Street’s been waiting its turn. Crews are breaking ground today on the first of dozens of small projects, including sidewalk repairs, better lighting, landscaping, and more. It’s unlikely the historic 10-block stretch will ever return to its heyday, but can it be something we all use and enjoy again? Host Megan Harris is with freelancer Adam Smeltz and Public Source’s Stephanie Strasburg to talk about Smithfield’s past and present — and mostly who and what it’ll serve next.

This episode originally aired January 8, 2025.

Notes and references from today’s show:

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 

💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 

🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!

🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 22nd episode:

Carnegie Library

The Frick Pittsburgh

Hazelwood Local

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 9

Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 8

Pittsburgh's Indigenous History

Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place s...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 7

What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook

It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 6

The Dystopian AI School PA Rejected

Notes and references from today’s show: A.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You [New York Times] Sta...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 5

Maple Miso Lattes, Artisanal Croissants & All-You-Can-Eat KBBQ

Korean BBQ, sushi, "artisanal" croissants, and other delectable delicacies are on offer from newly-opened (as well as expanding and reope...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 4

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

When Pittsburgh looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York Ci...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 2

CMU Miami, Bleak Budgets & Duquesne Light’s Strike

Carnegie Mellon University is opening a new campus in Miami, thanks to a $3 billion gift from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. It's the la...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 1

Your Guide to October 2026 in Pittsburgh

October in Pittsburgh is packed with things to eat, see and do — from campy musicals and a pizza opera to the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
September 30

Pittsburgh’s Best Fall Frights, From Terrifying To Totally Tame

How scared do you actually want to be this Halloween? Pittsburgh has plenty of options! Whether you want chainsaw-wielding killers chasin...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
September 29

Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover

Have you ever been enjoying a bike ride along the riverfront, only for the trail to end abruptly? Good news! The city is planning to clos...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art