We’re thrilled to be included in the new issue of h magazine, The Heinz Endowments’ publication covering community, environment, and civic life across southwestern Pennsylvania. Donovan Harrell’s feature, “Creating Connective Spaces,” tells the story of Hazelwood Local and we’re grateful for the careful reporting and the platform. We encourage you to read the article here, starting on page 27.
Hazelwood Local is a placemaking and storytelling initiative working alongside the Hazelwood community at Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green, the 178-acre former LTV Steel mill site now being redeveloped by a consortium of foundations. Since 2021, the initiative has hosted around 110 events: pop-up markets, outdoor films, welding labs, holiday portrait fairs, and story-driven public art, all built in partnership with neighborhood-rooted organizations.
Street Plans has been with Hazelwood Local from the beginning. Street Plan’s Community Events Manager, Nikki Martin is located in Pittsburgh and has been on the ground in the neighborhood for years. Our team plans and produces the events, builds and tends the partnerships that anchor the work, and handles the outreach that brings residents out- week after week, season after season. Here’s how our team described the work to h magazine:
“Placemaking isn’t just about building new spaces. It’s about listening to the people who’ve been here all along and fostering a sense of belonging. Bringing people onto the site for joyful experiences gives them a voice and a part in the evolution of Hazelwood Green.” — Cassiopea McDonald, Project Director, Street Plans
“Hazelwood Green sits on land with a complicated industrial history. One of its core values is recognizing that history while supporting environmental and community renewal. Through our events, we’re not just activating that space, we’re helping the community reclaim it as a place where people gather and create new memories.” — Nikki Martin, Community Events Manager, Street Plans
Looking ahead, Hazelwood Local has another full season of events on the calendar for 2026. More to come!
Read the full feature: h magazine, Issue 1, 2026 (PDF)
