Heart of Pittsburg | Railroad Avenue Beautification
Pittsburg, CA
GATES Studio partnered with the City of Pittsburg to lead the design of vibrant landscape, hardscape, and placemaking improvements across six sites along the Railroad Avenue corridor. Funded by Caltrans and ARPA, the project reimagines the gateway to the city’s historic downtown with bold colors, custom public art, and inviting spaces that celebrate community pride.
Key features include a dramatic orange archway at 8th Street with porcelain panel artwork honoring local history, colorful landscaping and walking paths, and a new pocket park featuring an illuminated six-foot PITTSBURG sign framed by geometric seating and creek-inspired paving.
Shaped through extensive community input, the design encourages walking, biking, and a deeper connection to Pittsburg’s cultural identity.
The downtown gateway and pocket park were completed in June 2024.
Reviving pride through color, culture, and community
From Ideas to Realization
Pocket Park
Gateway Arch
Existing Conditions
Photosimulation
Built Project
Project Details
The patterned metal gateway arch creates a strong sense of arrival into the downtown, showcasing the City’s signature orange and City logo.
Birds eye view of E. 8th Street and Railroad Ave.
Incorporation of public art - vibrant porcelain panels on three sides of each column showcase artwork representing different aspects of Pittsburg’s history.
Outreach included a project logo, bilingual collateral, and pop-up workshops linking to community events (shown: Pittsburg High School football game)
Planting design matches the diagonal pattern across the entry from N. Parkside Drive
Geometric seating contrasts the circular designs on the hardscape
View of seating area from N. Parkside Drive
The parklet includes a preserved tree that provides shade and screening from the neighboring residents.