MRCDC set out with a bold, long-range vision: transform McKees Rocks and the greater Sto-Rox community from a post-industrial neighborhood defined by poverty and disinvestment into a complete community — one where every resident can work, eat, shop, access green space, enjoy arts and culture, and build toward real economic independence.
That vision is no longer a plan on paper.
It is under construction.
| ★ A Historic Milestone for Community Safety ★ Calendar year 2025 was the first year since 2010 that the Sto-Rox community did not experience a homicide due to gun violence — a direct result of the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI) and the sustained commitment of MRCDC’s partners, staff, and residents. |
1. Economic Development
Lower Chartiers Avenue Streetscape Reconstruction
Phase 1 of the Lower Chartiers Avenue streetscape reconstruction is well advanced, with $4 million in committed funding secured and PennDOT approval of the initial Line and Grade Plan in hand. Michael Baker International leads engineering. Construction documents are on track for late 2026, with physical reconstruction beginning in 2027 — the first of four phases extending through 2035. The project will deliver safer pedestrian crossings, improved transit stops, green infrastructure for stormwater management, and a more vibrant downtown environment.
Transformative Downtown Development
602 Chartiers Avenue: After a structural collapse in March 2024, MRCDC led emergency demolition of the former Bank of McKees Rocks — spending approximately $2 million on remediation. The site is now cleared, certified clean, and held by MRCDC as a prime infill redevelopment opportunity.
426 Locust Street: A $750,000 Congressional Community Project Funding grant has been secured, and the site has been acquired to add parking capacity one block off Chartiers Avenue. Design and construction will advance in FY2027.
704/708 Chartiers Avenue: ACTION Housing is moving forward with a fully funded $25 million mixed-use development — 44 affordable rental units on upper floors and ground-floor commercial space at the heart of our downtown. Full LIHTC funding is in place and groundbreaking is anticipated winter 2026/27.
Food21 — Restaurant Launch & Food Hall Pipeline
Milanes Corner Cafe opened March 21, 2026 — Pittsburgh’s only authentic Cuban restaurant and the first full-service downtown restaurant in McKees Rocks since 2019 — launched through a new $90,000 revolving loan fund co-created by MRCDC and Food21. A $40,000 planning grant is now funding a food hall feasibility study at the former Rite Aid on Chartiers Avenue. In FY2027, MRCDC will identify a lead development partner and support additional local food entrepreneurs in moving from concept to brick-and-mortar.
Waterfront & Public Green Space
MRCDC has secured a PA DCNR grant for a pedestrian bridge across Chartiers Creek and has launched a comprehensive waterfront master plan with Friends of the Riverfront. The long-range vision includes a pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting downtown McKees Rocks to Sheraden Park — providing residents meaningful access to green space and closing a gap in the regional trail network.
BY THE NUMBERS
| $50M+ In Construction Beginning FY2027 |
| 144 Affordable housing units in the pipeline |
| $4M+Secured for Lower Chartiers Streetscape Phase 1 |
| 27,000 sq. ft. Historic Boiler and Tank Building in acquisition for workforce training |
2. Financial Independence & Generational Wealth
Opportunity Campus Workforce Hub
MRCDC has entered into a $1.5 million sales agreement for the 27,000 sq. ft. historic Boiler and Tank Building — Phase 1 of a multi-building workforce training campus on a 30-acre brownfield adjacent to downtown. Building trades training is emerging as the strongest anchor tenant prospect. The full project is estimated at $15.5 million, with a federal earmark submitted through Congressman Deluzio and a PA Sites application in progress. In FY2027, MRCDC will complete acquisition and secure an anchor tenant.
Communities by LEVEL — Affordable Homeownership
Five homes on Woodward Avenue are nearing completion and ready for homeownership through Communities by LEVEL, with four more following in fall 2026. More than 20 qualified applicants are in the ‘Fast Track’ pipeline, and 100+ Sto-Rox residents are in ‘Growth Track’ — receiving credit counseling, budget coaching, and support from partners including Dollar Bank, Focus on Renewal, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and Allegheny County Housing Authority.
Prosperity Hubs
MRCDC is developing a network of multi-generational community spaces — spanning athletics, STEAM education, career readiness, and wellness — within walking distance of every Sto-Rox resident. Priority sites include the Boiler and Tank Building, the former Rite Aid, and 1002 Chartiers Avenue, where MRCDC is partnering with Bridgepoint Wellness Collective on an intergenerational hub focused on wellness, mental health, food access, and youth STEM.
Small Business Support
MRCDC continues responsive, one-on-one support for local businesses — from TT’s Toybox’s expansion into specialized care for neurodivergent children at 701 Chartiers, to Reed Building Supply’s grant application, to fielding growth inquiries from Ruthrauff Sauer and Wayne Crouse Inc. Partnerships with Pitt SBDC and Huntington Bank will be formalized in FY2027.
3. Inclusive, Affordable Residential Neighborhoods
708 Chartiers Avenue: ACTION Housing’s $25M mixed-use development brings 44 affordable units and ground-floor commercial to our downtown. Groundbreaking is set for winter 2026/27.
LEVEL Homeownership: With homes nearly complete on Woodward Avenue and a growing buyer pipeline, the program is building genuine generational wealth for McKees Rocks families.
4. Education, Outreach & Community Safety
MRCDC Ambassadors
The Ambassador cohort is growing — recently adding two members, with two more planned, focused on seniors. Ambassadors lead neighborhood town halls, host community events, and maintain a structured conversation database that captures resident input and aggregates missing data. In FY2027, MRCDC will mine this database to measure impact and direct feedback to the right institutions.
Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI)
Three frontline programs produced the 2025 safety milestone:
- ACTES — helps at-risk men gain skills and find employment
- BAM (Becoming a Man) — social-emotional skills for at-risk youth
- Cure Violence — trained interrupters prevent violent encounters before they occur
MRCDC supports CVRI through workforce planning, space coordination, and Ambassador outreach. In FY2027, MRCDC will work with partners to build a sustainable long-term funding strategy for these programs.
