A major hotel project could soon transform Downtown Pittsburgh and expand the city’s ability to host large-scale events.

A major hotel project could soon transform Downtown Pittsburgh and expand the city’s ability to host large-scale events. State and local leaders announced Loews Hotels has signed a letter of intent to build a new 500-room hotel connected to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Harrisburg on Thursday. Officials say the project would generate more than 16-hundred union jobs and bring a 418-million-dollar investment to Downtown Pittsburgh. The announcement follows the city’s record-breaking NFL Draft turnout and is part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader plan to revitalize downtown with new housing, public spaces and business development. In a statement to KDKA Radio, Visit Pittsburgh called the project “a win for Pittsburgh,” saying a convention center hotel has been a longtime priority that could help attract larger conventions, events and visitors to the region. The project still faces additional approvals before construction begins.