A red brick warehouse at 26th and Smallman could soon swap loading docks for luxury living, as a Neville Island developer moves ahead with plans to turn the historic building into W Lofts, a roughly $23 million condo project with rooftop homes, on-site parking, private outdoor space and amenity perks like a wine-tasting room and fitness center. Developers say they are aiming to break ground later this summer and wrap construction by early 2028.
According to TribLIVE, Neville Island-based Fourth River Development bought the property at 2560 Smallman Street for about $2.5 million in December 2025 and is preparing designs to turn it into W Lofts. The outlet reports the estimated $23 million conversion calls for rooftop common space, storage lockers and a small wine-tasting area reserved for residents.
Fourth River first floated the concept in January when it announced the purchase of the historic Bittner Building at the corner of 26th and Smallman. Pittsburgh Magazine reported that the roughly 80,000-square-foot structure would be reworked into housing while keeping much of its familiar red brick look. “This acquisition is an exciting opportunity to deliver new residential options in the Strip District,” Fourth River managing principal John Watson told the magazine.
What Fourth River Is Proposing
TribLIVE reports the plan calls for about 38 condominiums, with prices starting just under $500,000 and climbing to roughly $1.8 million for higher-end units, including several premium rooftop homes. The outlet also notes that three of those rooftop residences are expected to include both bedroom and office space, and that a smaller building on the site is slated to be demolished to create additional parking.
The project page from Fourth River Development lists planned amenities such as on-site parking, a residents’ lounge, fitness and yoga rooms, bike storage, EV charging and a shared rooftop area. The developer says the layouts emphasize private outdoor space, and that architects intend to replace the warehouse’s industrial-style windows while keeping its character; renderings highlight new balconies and modern glass details added to the facade.
Where This Fits In the Strip District
W Lofts is part of a broader residential wave along Smallman Street and nearby blocks, where new townhouse plans and larger apartment proposals have been landing with increasing regularity. The Pittsburgh Business Times has tracked a series of filings and redevelopment efforts around the neighborhood, while a 2025 State of the Strip District report estimates the area’s population at about 3,242 residents and tallies more than $2.4 billion in investment since 2011.
Before any construction crews roll in, Fourth River will still need to clear city permitting and any design reviews required by the Department of City Planning. The firm says it is wrapping up floor plans and exterior details and expects to start building this summer. Pittsburgh Magazine noted the project’s mix of one- to three-bedroom condos and several multi-level rooftop townhomes, a combination the developer says is intended to preserve outdoor space for owners. Nearby residents and businesses will have chances to weigh in during the public review process as the proposal moves through approvals.
If it secures the green light, W Lofts would add for-sale housing to a Strip District that developers say still has relatively few private-ownership options, potentially nudging the neighborhood’s housing mix toward more condos. This story will be updated as planning filings surface and public meetings are scheduled.
