Reimagining Workplace Amenities at the Iconic USX Building in Pittsburgh
601 W Companies partnered with HED to reimagine the amenity floor and spec suites within the landmark USX Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Once the tallest building in the city, the tower has long stood as a symbol of the region’s industrial heritage and resilience. With shifting market expectations and competition from newer office developments, the project presented an opportunity to reposition the building as a destination for today’s tenants, balancing its historic presence with a renewed sense of energy and flexibility.
From the outset, the design strategy focused on embracing the unique architectural character of the USX Building while elevating it for a modern workforce. Exposed Corten steel elements highlight the tower’s distinctive expression, while sweeping 360-degree views of the Pittsburgh skyline are revealed and celebrated throughout the spaces. These features establish a sense of authenticity and permanence, grounding the tenant experience in the building’s history while framing it within a contemporary narrative of growth and change.
HED’s plan introduced a balance of open and enclosed environments to support a wide range of work modalities. Spec suites were laid out to give tenants flexible options, with reconfigurable open areas paired with private settings for focus and collaboration. This adaptability was critical to attracting a diverse tenant mix, from fast-growing technology companies to professional service organizations seeking prestige and presence in the heart of the city.
The amenity floor was designed as a hospitality-infused hub that redefines the tenant experience. A new interconnecting stair links the 27th and 28th floors, encouraging movement and connection across levels while establishing a striking architectural focal point. Lounges with varied seating arrangements provide places for informal meetings or social interaction, while a full fitness center and game room support health, wellness, and recreation. A suite of conferencing facilities further expands the potential for tenants to host events, presentations, and collaborative sessions on-site, reducing the need to look elsewhere for these functions. The layering of amenities creates an environment that feels less like a traditional office and more like a vertical neighborhood, fostering both productivity and community.
Materiality played an essential role in shaping the atmosphere of the redesigned floors. A palette ranging from rough to smooth textures echoes the city’s industrial past while conveying refinement and comfort. Screening elements were conceived as an interplay between filigree and mass, introducing depth and rhythm that complement the tower’s bold exterior. Natural light and panoramic views amplify the effect, infusing the interiors with a sense of openness and vitality.
By integrating flexibility, hospitality, and architectural authenticity, HED’s design repositions the USX Building as a workplace destination for a new era. The project not only enhances the everyday experience for current tenants but also strengthens the tower’s competitive edge in Pittsburgh’s evolving office market. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a historic landmark, ensuring that the USX Building continues to play an active role in the city’s economic and cultural fabric.
