PITTSBURGH, PA — January 7, 2026.

The historic Bittner Building located at 80 26th Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District has been acquired through a newly formed LLC. (full story in Pittsburgh Business Times) and (Pittsburgh Magazine). The approximate 80,000 square foot, four-story brick warehouse at the corner of 26th Street and Smallman Street is planned for redevelopment into W Lofts, a residential condominium project.

W Lofts will feature a total of 39 residences, including 33 condominium units ranging from 791 to 1,851 square feet. The one to three-bedroom residences will include optional home office layouts, private balconies, dedicated storage, and on-site parking. The project will also include four two-story rooftop townhomes with private rooftop terraces, as well as two single-family Rooftop Flats.

“This acquisition is an exciting opportunity to deliver new residential options in the Strip District,” said John Watson, Managing Principal of Fourth River Development LLC. “With W Lofts, we plan to preserve the character of the historic building while creating high-quality condominium residences for today’s buyers.”

Project planning and design efforts are currently underway. Additional information regarding timelines, pricing, and residential features will be released as the development progresses.

About Fourth River Development LLC

Fourth River Development LLC is a Pittsburgh-based full-service real estate firm active in development, brokerage, property management, land acquisition, and consulting.

Read more: Pittsburgh Business Times coverage of W Lofts and Pittsburgh Magazine

Media contact

John Watson
Fourth River Development LLC
(412) 231-4444
watson@frd.us.com

A NEW OFFERING AT FOURTH RIVER

With over three decades of experience, Lynn has been at the forefront of transformative projects that have reshaped Pittsburgh’s landscape. Her expertise in land acquisitions, strategic analysis, and repositioning of land has consistently delivered exceptional results. As a past president of NAIOP Pittsburgh and a 2022 inductee into its Hall of Fame, Lynn’s influence and dedication to the industry are well-recognized. Lynn is also involved in ULI (Urban Land Institute), is Vice Chair Emeritus of it’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, and is on the board of the Moon Transportation Authority (MTA) and Mobilify, a transit organization devoted to improving transit and mobility in the region.

At Fourth River Development, Lynn will focus on unlocking new opportunities and driving growth for our clients and partners focusing on land, industrial, residential, and multifamily. With Lynn’s addition, we are poised to enhance our capabilities and deliver even greater value to our clients and partners.

Adding to the team

Cindy Johnston joins Fourth River Development as an Associate with experience in commercial and industrial leasing, and a working knowledge of the land development process. She has experience in the municipal planning and approvals process having served on the Moon Township Board of Supervisors, with two years as chairperson. Cindy also served on the board of the Moon Transportation Authority.

Cindy previously owned the Sir Speedy Print & Marketing company in Colliers Township. She will be working with Fourth River Development to identify future opportunities for existing and new
clients in the Pittsburgh airport corridor.