Pittsburgh Office Market Shows Signs of Recovery Four Years After COVID-19

Despite urgent signs a month ago, the Pittsburgh office market is reported to be showing healthier in the first quarter of 2024. 

More specifically, in March a report published by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, revealed that nearly 50% of the office spaces downtown could be sitting empty by 2028. The data cited in the report reveals that over two dozen buildings are at risk of foreclosure — further compounding the economic challenges faced by the city. 

However, it’s reported that the first quarter of 2024 has seen slightly positive trends for the Pittsburgh office market. A more recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) reveals there was a 30% increase in pre-leasing activity, hinting at a more optimistic outlook for the city. 

This uptick in leasing activity marks a positive momentum for the market, which had been struggling with high vacancies due to the pandemic and the rise of hybrid work arrangements. Despite this, the overall market still faced challenges, with a net negative absorption and a vacancy rate of 22%, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. 

Nonetheless, the leases signed over the past year reportedly suggest a trend of tenants reducing their space requirements — signaling a shift towards more efficient and modern office environments. Moreover, the JLL report emphasizes the ongoing transition, particularly in downtown Pittsburgh, where older buildings are either being converted to other uses or facing demolition. 

Prior to this slight recovery, the Pittsburgh office market faced significant challenges, including high vacancy rates and a decline in demand, largely attributed to the increased adoption of remote working arrangements.  

Pittsburgh is one of many major economic hubs facing a potential budget shortfall due to commercial real estate vacancies. The rise of remote and hybrid work models is forcing the city of Boston to confront a daunting financial challenge. According to a report published by WBUR, the city has a projected tax revenue shortfall of more than $1 billion over the next five years due to underutilized office spaces. 

According to another report published by The Washington Times, in D.C., federal agencies only used 12% of their headquarters space in the nation’s capital last year. The drastic decrease in physical office presence has had significant economic repercussions for the city, leading to reduced weekday economic activity. It’s projected that D.C. could face an $800 million budgetary deficit for the fiscal year 2025.   

Pittsburgh’s downtown could be on the road to recovery; however, it is very unlikely that the city’s office space usage will return to pre-pandemic levels. The ongoing recovery process and its economic implications will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of work not just in western Pennsylvania, but across the U.S. and globally.