[gallacus]

I'm not an architect in any way, so correct me if I'm wrong, but is there a single arena built recently in the U.S. that IS architecturally significant? I've seen plenty of new arenas in the U.S. and the theme seems to be, make it boring on the outside, but place nice materials on the inside. As far as this trend goes, I think the new Pittsburgh arena is faring well. The exterior seems to be shaping up pretty nicely as compared with other arenas being built around the country.

Some examples:

RBC Center in North Carolina:
http://www.seaboardfoundations.com/images/Raleighsportscomplex.jpg

Philips Arena in Atlanta:
http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/AtlantaThrashers/front.jpg

Prudential Center in Newark:
http://static.blip.tv/Tvjersey-NewarkArenaTimeLapse306.jpg

Pepsi Center in Denver:
http://www.unitedasphalts.com/nav_images/Pepsi_Ctr_4.jpg

None of these look architecturally significant. The one thing that I notice that is different about Pittsburgh's new arena than most is that it will have buildings surrounding it, sort of like the picture of Prudential Center above. What sort of things were all of you hoping that the new Pittsburgh arena would feature that it doesn't?

[Johnland]

I wasn't really hoping for anything in particular. I could care less about sports and thier idiotic venues. By nature, they're usually heavily geared toward parking, thus I find them boring and detrimental to the urban fabric wherever they are.

[Evergrey]

how bout the Petersen Events Center?
http://www.ajdemor.com/images/Peterson-Events-Center.jpg

[Johnland]

I'm a Pitt grad, so I will give the Peterson a pass.

[PA Pride]

I love the Peterson Events center. I think it's a great design.

[Tombstoner]

I think the one is NC is pretty lame and (sorry) the Petersen looks pretty McStadium, but I think the Atlanta, Newark and Denver arenas have a bit of pizzazz. While arenas have certain functions that lend themselves to big-box-ism, I don't think you have to come up with something as bland as the Penguins' arena.

[JackStraw]

how bout the Petersen Events Center?
http://www.ajdemor.com/images/Peterson-Events-Center.jpg

If you walk on the backside of the Peterson to the dorms notice the lighting.

It probably sucks.............

[UrbaniDesDev]

I particularly like the StaplesCenter in LA.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter3.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter2.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter4.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter8.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter5.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter6.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/UrbaniDesDev/StaplesCenter7.jpg

[chucka]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08137/882367-85.stm

Preservationists make wish list of sites to be saved
Main streets, theaters, pools make top 10

Friday, May 16, 2008
By Diana Nelson Jones, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Blairsville Armory in Indiana County, a 1909 building on the National Register of Historic Places, is the Young Preservationists Association's leading cause on this year's Top 10 best preservation opportunities in the region.

In its sixth year of publishing a Top 10 wish list of sites to be saved, YPA celebrates the cause at a gala tonight at the New Hazlett Theater in Allegheny Center. It will award Norwin High School student Tansy Michaud its 2008 Promise Award for her video about the history of Irwin and plan for its revitalization.

The YPA promotes preservation of historic sites in a nine-county area of southwestern Pennsylvania.

On the Top 10 list, the Blairsville site ranked No. 1 based on a grading formula that considers the strength of community efforts, feasibility of saving the site, threat to it and its location, said YPA founder and Chief Executive Officer Dan Holland.

With both Main Street and Elm Street funding and the first phase of a $1 million streetscape completed, "Blairsville has a very good plan, and we want to support that," he said.

The rest of the Top 10, with comments from Mr. Holland, in descending order, are:

2. The G.C. Murphy Building, 1907, West Newton, Westmoreland County. "Many of these classic storefronts are disappearing from the American landscape every year." The community has plans to restore the building for retail use.

3. Wilkinsburg's Main Street, 1890s to the 1940s. "The commercial core is an outstanding example of the classic Western Pennsylvania small-town main street."

4. The Meason House, 1802, Lemont Furnace, Fayette County. "A unique expression of the English Palladian villa in America, it was built by Isaac Meason, a pioneer in the iron industry. The house is threatened by encroaching development."

5. Colonial Hotel, 1904, Meyersdale, Somerset County. "The historic Colonial is one of the most important architectural, historical and cultural assets in the borough."

6. Zillmer Building, circa 1890s, Arnold, Westmoreland County. "It is the most architecturally distinctive building in the commercial district and on the city's demolition list. Short-term funding is needed to stabilize."

7. McKees Rocks' Main Street, 1890s to 1930s. "The McKees Rocks Community Development Corp. is transforming the economy, design and function of lower Chartiers Avenue. Listing on the Top 10 provides a much needed boost to fund-raising and financing efforts."

8. Overholt Distillery, 1853-1899, Broad Ford, Fayette County. "The distillery was one of the few to operate during Prohibition, distilling spirits for 'medicinal purposes.' Now abandoned and vandalized, it is envisioned as a destination on the newly established American Whiskey Trail."

9. Dormont Pool, 1929, Dormont, which has generally maintained its original look. "Friends of Dormont Pool formed to raise $1.2 million for renovations. They are halfway there."

10. The Garden Theater, 1915, Central North Side. "Nickelodeon-style theater believed to be the oldest theater in Pittsburgh. With city's historic designation, the theater is protected from demolition."

Mr. Holland said that, of the 60 sites YPA has recommended over the years, "we have had just one loss, the Murphy Building in Uniontown," which was demolished several years ago.

A number of them have been preserved, like the Armstrong Cork Factory, which was turned into luxury apartments in the Strip District, and the Union Project, a former church, now a community center in Highland Park.

"A larger number are too early to tell, and a small number still face an imminent threat but are not lost yet," he said. "The point is that preservation takes time. It's not the quick and easy thing but it is the right thing to do, and once things get preserved, it adds value -- economically, socially and politically -- to the community."

Diana Nelson Jones can be reached at djones@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1626.


Making Main Street a family destination

By F.A. Krift
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, May 16, 2008

David Chaek practically grew up on Market Street in downtown Blairsville.
His family's ice cream parlor, Chaek's Window, opened 29 years ago when he was 3 on East Market Street. His grandfather owned a beauty parlor before the ice cream shop. Today, Chaek, 32, owns a photography studio next door to the soft-serve ice cream store.

"It's kind of like family to me," he said about Blairsville's main street.

Leaders of the Blairsville Main Street program want it to be more of a family destination, and their plans for the Conemaugh River community's downtown have attracted the attention of the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh.

In a celebration at 6 p.m. tonight at the New Hazlett Theater in the North Side, the association will honor the Blairsville's revitalization program for Market and Elm streets as the best preservation opportunity in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It's the sixth year of the association's top 10 list.
Downtown Blairsville in Indiana County is lined with 19th century and turn-of-the-century buildings. When he was a child, Chaek recalled, it bustled with people. People lined up on the warm summer days for ice cream. They shopped at the clothing stores.

While people are driving to malls, Jim Friedline, the Blairsville Main Street program manager, said he's noticed more of them craving the community feel that a downtown can provide.

"With our revitalization plan, this honor gives us another perspective on our little diamond in the rough here," Friedline said. "I think it's one of those sleepy little towns that once upon a time it was a hub of this part of the state, and I think it's going to go back to that. People are slowly realizing what we have here."

Young Preservationists Association Chief Executive Officer Dan Holland started the top 10 list in 2003 to bring attention to the positive restoration work happening across the region.

The association called Wilkinsburg "an outstanding example of classic Western Pennsylvania small town main street" and put it No. 3 on the list behind the 101-year-old Murphy Building in West Newton. In a year, Wilkinsburg plans to apply for the state's Main Street revitalization program, which supports preservation efforts.

In Wilkinsburg, the Penn Avenue revitalization committees have had 96 meetings since 2006, said Tracey Evans, a Wilkinsburg councilwoman and secretary of the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp.

"We do a lot a month, so it's nice to be recognized," Evans said. "(The business district) needs to be nicer, and I think that is why people are working so hard."

Young Preservationists Association Chief Executive Officer Dan Holland said community leaders exhaust themselves trying to protect and restore historic buildings. Of the 60 structures honored so far, Holland is proud to point out that only one has been demolished: the Murphy Building in downtown Uniontown.

"We're getting people calling me almost in tears fighting to get on the list," Holland said "It's become a source of community pride. It's amazing to watch this stuff happen. It galvanizes whole communities."

[chucka]

This is major news:

Dylan to headline music fest at SouthSide Works

Friday, May 16, 2008
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Milwaukee has Summerfest. Seattle has Bumbershoot.

This summer, Pittsburgh has the New American Music Union festival and the lineup is shockingly good.

The two-day summer music festival will feature Bob Dylan and His Band, The Raconteurs, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots, Spoon, The Black Keys, Black Mountain, The Duke Spirit, NASA, Tiny Masters of Today, as well as college bands from across the country.

It will take place Aug. 8 and 9 at SouthSide Works, in the parking lot near McCormick & Schmick's on Sidney Street, which will hold about 10,000 people.

South Side-based American Eagle Outfitters said it created the festival to give bands an opportunity to share the stage with the artists that inspire them. It is being organized by Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Kiedis said he approached the event by asking himself, "If you could go to any concert in the world, what would it be?

"My experience tells me that concerts can be life changing,'' he said. "That is how I approached putting this lineup together. The thrill of seeing Bob Dylan next to The Raconteurs next to Gnarls Barkley next to The Roots is reason for us all to celebrate."

Jani Strand, a spokesperson for American Eagle, said the New American Music Union festival -- guess we can call it NAMU -- could become an annual event, but the company will wait to see how it goes this year.

Dylan, Spoon and The Roots have all played here in recent months, but this will be the first time in Pittsburgh for Gnarls Barkley and the Raconteurs, featuring Jack White of the White Stripes. The Black Keys haven't played here in a few years and the only appearance here by the excellent Canadian indie-rock band Black Mountain was opening for Coldplay in 2005.

Because part of the festival's focus will be to showcase college bands, there will be 15 up-and-coming bands on the bill. Their performances will be judged by music industry people and fellow musicians, with the winner receiving a full-day recording session in a Los Angeles studio valued at $10,000.

Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. General admission tickets for both days are $49.50; student tickets are $25. They are available at www.livenation.com and www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 1-866-448-7849 for Ticketmaster Express.

Scott Mervis can be reached at smervis@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2576.

[PA Pride]

10 story L-shaped hotel to be built at corner of General Robinson St. & Mazeroski Way:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_567778.html
By Ron DaParma and Sam Spatter
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, May 16, 2008

A new $30 million hotel could be the forerunner of even more development on the North Shore near PNC Park.
Kratsa Properties, a prominent Harmar-based developer, on Thursday marked the start of construction for its new 180-room Marriott Residence Inn at General Robinson Street and Mazeroski Way by saying that it eventually may add more commercial projects between the new hotel and its existing Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel at Federal and General Robinson streets.

That could include retail, restaurants, condominium units, office space, or a combination of two or more of those elements on what is a three-acre parking lot site.

"It's still purely conceptual, but we just know that having two great hotels on either side, should only bode well with what can happen in the middle," said Merrill Stabile, president of Alco Parking, and owner of the property.

Stabile could be a partner in the project along with Kratsa and possibly other investors.
Kim Clackson of CB Richard Ellis/Pittsburgh, a Downtown-based commercial real estate firm, is involved in marketing the project.

Like other Kratsa hotel projects in the region, the new Marriott Residence Inn will be built with private money, said William Kratsa Jr., the company's general partner. "No public funds are involved," he said.

The new Marriott is scheduled to open by January 2010.

If all the company's development plans come to fruition, its overall investment Downtown, on the North Shore and South Shore, could total more than $100 million by the end of that year, said David Cocco, Kratsa's vice president of hotel operations.

"Kratsa does not build cookie-cutter hotels, but ones that are architecturally pleasing and fit into the neighborhood," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The new 10-story L-shaped hotel, which will have 126 studio, 36 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments, will have a front court in the shape of a baseball diamond outlined with all three bases and home plate, Kratsa said.

Its first floor will contain a swimming pool, spa, exercise area, billiards room and a convenience store. Outside, there will be a fire pit and large grill.

The hotel will cater to extended-stay customers, Kratsa said. Daily room rates are projected about $180 per night. "This kind of upscale, extended-stay hotel does not exist in this section (North Shore) of the market," he said.

"The Kratsa people are smart operators, and if they are investing, they see a market there," said Joseph McGrath, president of VisitPittsburgh, the region's convention and visitors attraction organization.

But with a spate of hotel construction and planning under way in the marketplace, McGrath said some investors may begin to question how much more the local market can sustain.

Eight hotel projects are planned or under construction in the city and in neighborhoods ranging from Downtown to Oakland, Shadyside and East Liberty, according to the year-end 2007 Pittsburgh Real Estate Overall Market Review produced by GVA Oxford, a local real estate management company. Collectively, the projects add up to almost 1,150 new rooms.

Nonetheless, McGrath said the region's hotel occupancy stacks up fairly well against figures from a number of other cities, such as Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and Indianapolis.

Figures show the Pittsburgh area with a 52.6 occupancy rate through March for its 22,046 rooms, said Bobby Bowers, vice president for Smith Travel Research, a Nashville, Tenn.-based hospitality industry research and tracking firm.

That compared to 48.1 percent and 47.4 percent, respectively for Cincinnati and Cleveland, 52.2 for Detroit and 53.4 for Indianapolis, he said.

In addition to its North Shore hotel, Kratsa is building or has plans for a 115-room Marriott SpringHill Suites on the South Side, the 142-room Marriott at the Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland and the 156-room Hilton Garden Inn to be built on a vacant site at Forbes Avenue and Ross Street, Downtown.

Other active developers in the area include Keith McGraw, a partner with Mark LaPort in Concord Hospitality, who said he has plans to build three more hotels while a fourth is under construction on Neville Island.

The hotels, all of which will carry the Marriott brand, include 125-room hotels at Settlers Ridge in Robinson and the Tanger Outlet Mall in Washington County, and a 110-room hotel at Bakery Square in East Liberty.

Other hotels under construction, include a 185-room Fairmont hotel as part of the new Three PNC Plaza, Downtown. And Forest City Enterprises is still contemplating construction of up to 500 additional rooms to its Westin Convention Center Hotel, Downtown.

Several other hotels have been announced for East Liberty.

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08137/882376-53.stm

No buses in Market Square

Port Authority removes the square from the route, creating some eureka moments in the heart of Downtown

Friday, May 16, 2008
By Michael A. Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200805/20080516sm_square02_500.jpg
Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette
Pedestrians walked through Market Square shortly after noon yesterday, the first day city buses were detoured around the square.

Headed to Macy's, Michael Dorish of McKees Rocks was waiting for either the Port Authority 71A or 71C bus at the popular stop on Forbes Avenue near Stanwix Street, Downtown, shortly before noon.

He hadn't been there long enough to worry that something was amiss. But had he not been told what was happening -- actually, not happening -- he would have been waiting a long, long time.

Like for eternity.

Beginning yesterday, hundreds of buses no longer will travel Forbes Avenue through the heart of Market Square. Twenty-two bus routes have been moved to nearby streets in response to a request by city officials and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in order to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. Eventually, cars also will be prohibited as part of a Market Square makeover.

As if on cue, James Love, a member of the Port Authority Voluntary Advisory Committee, a man with a self-proclaimed encylopedic knowledge of all Port Authority schedules, showed up. He told Mr. Love what was already printed on a sign under the now defunct blue and white "Bus Stop" sign--the new stops for the affected bus routes. Mr. Love also gave him a brochure containing detailed maps and stop changes.

As for Mr. Dorish, he took the change in stride.

"It doesn't bother me," he said with a broad smile. "When you're 84 nothing seems to be bothering me. When I start the day breathing, I'm happy."

Not everyone was so philosophical. While some are not happy, others are delighted. What people think depends on whose ox is being gored, or more accurately, whose route is being changed.

Buses have been as ubiquitous in Market Square as pigeons. And just as some people see pigeons as pests while others see them as useful, so too are opinions split about the elimination of bus service through the square.

Greg Dennison, who works in maintenance at PPG Place, said he thinks eliminating bus traffic "is great. It should only be pedestrian traffic. There shouldn't even be cars.

"This is a place where people can come and eat their lunch and have a nice time. It should be a place where people are safe. It should be a nice place to relax and meet and greet other people."

Joel Mizerak of Allison Park, who works at PNC, was munching on a wrap from Subway while sitting on a wall. He said the difference in traffic and noise yesterday was noticeable.

"Honestly, I don't think any traffic should come through here."

But there are those, like Cheryl Droste of Monroeville who works at PNC and who takes the EBS Short, said "I'm furious."

Noting that she has to walk farther to a bus stop, she added, "The rerouting will get me home 15 to 20 minutes later. I don't see the purpose."

Ms. Droste was eating lunch in Cherrie's Diner at 212 Forbes near Market Square and had wanted her opinion known after hearing owner Talib Hussain tell a reporter he doesn't mind the bus ban and doesn't foresee a downturn in business. In fact, yesterday was one of his better days in the four months he's been open.

Kaitlin Aloisio, a crew member at MixStirs in Market Square, who was passing out free samples of pina colada smoothies, said she doesn't expect her employer to lose much business, if any, because their customers are generally Downtown workers who walk there.

A spokesman for Primanti Brothers, which was packed yesterday, inside and out, said business, if anything, should pick up because of the decline of noise and fumes from the buses.

To help customers if they were confused, Chris Visconti, associate senior planner for the Port Authority, manned a booth in the square, answering riders' questions and passing out the changes brochure.

What had the feedback been from riders?

"Everyone generally is not happy with it," he said. But then he recalled one guy who liked the change.

The Port Authority also pointed out that many riders are used to the changes because Forbes has been closed so often for construction, movie shoots, rallies and other activities. Some riders will benefit because the new route will take them several blocks closer to their destinations.

Hundreds of people yesterday got to experience the first permanent bus-less square. They were drawn there by a beautiful spring day, the season's first weekly "Thursdays in Market Square," which features live music performances, and the oasis-like quality of the square, a part of the city's grid since 1792.

Those eating lunch outside restaurants at tables in the square and those just hanging around enjoyed not having to deal with bus fumes and the roar of bus engines. The loudest sound that could be heard was from construction of nearby Three PNC Plaza.

Furthermore, since automobile traffic is sporadic through the square -- sometimes five minutes or so passed with nary a car -- pedestrians used the middle of Forbes as a walkway.

Performing yesterday without having to worry about competing with bus traffic was Scott Blasey of the popular Pittsburgh band "The Clarks," who performed a top-notch hour-long solo set on guitar. His songs ranged from Tom Petty's "Breakdown," to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" to The Clarks' own "Cigarette."

On this day, all that seemed to be missing from his set -- and literally from Forbes near Market Square -- was "Bus Stop," a '60s hit for the Hollies and a decades-long hit for many Port Authority riders.
Michael A. Fuoco can be reached at mfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1968.

[Evergrey]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_568155.html

Tax-increment financing successful, city data indicate

By Bonnie Pfister
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, May 18, 2008

An often criticized financing tool used by local governments to spur private development appears to be working well in Pittsburgh, according to data provided by the city's redevelopment agency.

As some communities across the country begin to more closely scrutinize the use of tax-increment financing, and seek better definitions for projects to be eligible for such bonds, the Tribune-Review analyzed figures provided by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for these so-called TIFs in the city dating to 1993.

Since that year, Pittsburgh has completed 14 tax-increment financing projects that created 12,225 jobs, which exceeded projections, and last year generated $12.8 million in property tax-increment revenues, nearly 10 percent more than anticipated, according to the URA figures. Some of the jobs, however, were shifted from other business locations within the region.

An additional five TIFs are under development.

Individually, half of the projects exceeded tax revenue projections, and nine topped job projections.

Successful TIFs have transformed land dirtied by Pittsburgh's former heavy industry into open-office settings that nurture high-tech and bioscience jobs. Others have fallen short, particularly those tied to Downtown retail development and ex-Mayor Tom Murphy's doomed Fifth & Forbes master plan.

Still, said URA economic development director Robert Rubinstein, "We think every one of our TIF projects meets the intended purpose of not only state legislation, but the TIF concept in general."

TIFs allow local governments to borrow money for infrastructure improvements as a way to spur private development on a "blighted" property. Once a project is completed, the property is reassessed. A portion of this new property tax -- the "increment" -- is used to pay down the public debt while the rest goes to local taxing bodies. In Pittsburgh, between 60 and 90 percent of the increment pays off the TIF bond. The rest goes to the city, county, school district and, in some case, the Parking Authority.

If the increment falls short of the bond payment, the developer must pay the difference.

Development experts like TIFs because the loans are repaid with tax money they say otherwise would not exist. But some municipalities are restricting the use of TIFs, and several experts on land use, as well as the Cleveland-based Council of Development Finance Agencies, a professional association, are calling for greater detail in laying out what TIFs should achieve -- and whether they do so.

Skeptics worry that TIF decisions tend to be driven by developers, not community or elected leaders, and that the term "blight" is open to interpretation.

"In Knoxville, in Madison (Wis.), in Milwaukee, in several places in Texas, you're seeing more focus on accountability of what the developers are saying," said Toby Rittner, executive director of the Council of Development Finance Agencies. "Cities are starting to take a closer look at the incentive, and making sure they get returns on them."

Pittsburgh Councilman Bill Peduto said he is drafting legislation that would define "blight," and to direct tax-increment financing to be part of work force development plans for specific industries.

The city's first TIF, the Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland, often is cited as its most successful.

On the site of a former Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. plant, the URA issued a $4 million TIF bond in 1993 to pay for a parking garage for Union Switch and Signal, which moved its engineering and technology group there from the North Hills. Eventually Union Switch's headquarters moved to the center as well.

That location now is home to more than 1,800 jobs, nine times more than originally projected, according to the URA. They include skilled workers for such businesses as Sunoco Chemical Corp., the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Carnegie Mellon University centers for the study of entertainment technology and advanced fuel technology.

The bond was paid down 12 years early, in 2001. A second, $20 million TIF bond to build more parking lots and infrastructure such as roads and utility lines in support of 1 million square feet of planned development at the technology center was issued in 2006. That expansion is under way.

Across the Monongahela River on the site of another former J&L facility is one of Pittsburgh's most publicly visited TIFs. SouthSide Works is drawing on a $25 million TIF bond -- the city's largest. Approved in 1999, it has financed infrastructure and parking for a sprawling complex that includes upscale shopping, loft apartments, local FBI and Homeland Security offices and UPMC's Sports Performance Complex.

Construction giant Dick Corp. is moving its headquarters from Jefferson Hills to offices there, and a $48 million luxury hotel, condo and retail complex is planned along the riverfront.

At completion, SouthSide Works is expected to exceed its projected $6.9 million in annual tax-increment revenues. Last year it hit the $6 million mark, the URA says, creating 3,069 jobs. Officials anticipate 2,500 more.

Among the less-heralded TIFs are those tied to resurrecting Downtown as a retail destination. A $9.3 million TIF in 1995 paid for a 600-spot parking garage under what briefly was a Lazarus department store at Fifth and Wood streets. The building is being converted to luxury condos called Piatt Place.

Although the parking was needed and that TIF brought insurer Highmark -- and 2,000 jobs -- into the old Lazarus space at Stanwix Street and Penn Avenue, retail-heavy TIFs now are considered a bad idea, said Eric Montarti, an analyst with the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy.

"Using (TIFs) for retail is a pretty dangerous proposition because it's so faddish," Montarti said.

Half of the TIFs for the Mellon Client Services Center and PNC's First Side offices -- about $14 million in total -- went to purchase properties for Murphy's Fifth and Forbes project. The former mayor planned to raze several buildings in favor of a master-planned retail development. Historic preservationists and small business owners opposed the deal.

Others, such as the $10 million TIF for Bakery Square in Larimer, raise questions about developer control. That project at the old Nabisco factory, approved in December, is the latest Pittsburgh TIF.

At the request of developer Walnut Capital, City Council determined that only the first floor of a planned hotel -- as well as the parking garage, offices and shops -- would be in the TIF district. From the second floor up, the hotel is a TIF-free zone, council agreed.

That allows Walnut Capital to skirt a city ordinance requiring hospitality operations getting tax breaks to allow unions to organize. In exchange, the unions agree not to strike, picket or boycott.

"To us, that belied common sense," said Sam Williamson, Western Pennsylvania director of hospitality union Unite Here. He said such deals argue for greater scrutiny of how such tax breaks for development are doled out.

"Traditionally, development is something that happens to communities, rather than with them."

Bonnie Pfister can be reached at bpfister@tribweb.com or 412-320-7886.

...

TIF TABLE (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/images/video/2008_pdfs/GX-TIF-ch-05-18.pdf)


...

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-17/0518-tifalcoa-a.jpg
Alcoa's corporate center on the North Shore won kudos for its flowing design and open-office layout when it opened in 1998. A $7.2 million TIF helped defray the cost of locating the $67 million structure on a flood plain, as well as with the development of an adjacent office building and parking lot. While that TIF project has fallen short of projected tax revenues, it is home to 913 jobs -- double the number originally projected.


Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-17/0518-tifptc-a.jpg
The Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland was the object of the city's first use of tax-increment financing, or TIF. It is often cited as the city's most successful application of the development strategy. The location is home to more than 1,800 jobs.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-17/0518-tifuss-a.jpg
The Ansaldo/Union Switch & Signal building was the first building in the Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-17/0518-tif1-a.jpg
The former Heinz facility is now the Treehouse/Bay Valley Foods facility along River Road in the North Side.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-17/0518-tifptc2-a.jpg
Buildings line the Monongahela riverfront near the Hot Metal Bridge in the Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland.
Keith Hodan/Tribune-Review

[cdc]

I stumbled onto this set of pictures from the top of CMU's
Hamerschlag Hall, thought i'd share. looks like CMU's ham
radio club's shack is located up there (in the round part, on
top of the building). there are some interesting exterior shots
here (plus some inside shots of the radio stuff, if you are
interested).

http://flickr.com/photos/nothlit/sets/72157605054234118/

[Johnland]

I stumbled onto this set of pictures from the top of CMU's
Hamerschlag Hall, thought i'd share. looks like CMU's ham
radio club's shack is located up there (in the round part, on
top of the building). there are some interesting exterior shots
here (plus some inside shots of the radio stuff, if you are
interested).

http://flickr.com/photos/nothlit/sets/72157605054234118/

What great pictures of Oakland and CMU. Really brings back memories from when I lived there. I love that section of Oakland so much: the universities, the old apartment buildings, the new contemporary architecture, the late 19th century homes remaining all jostling in a dense urban fabric that is just so unique. In all of Tampa, there is not one neighborhood with that level of character.

[Tombstoner]

Nor in Atlanta. :(

[raynist]

From the PG

http://postgazette.com/pg/08141/883371-100.stm

City planners approve another North Shore hotel
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh's City Planning Commission approved the plans for a 178-room North Shore hotel today, despite concerns from an organization seeking a community benefits agreement related to the development of property between the stadiums.

[PA Pride]

^Another hotel? Wow. We're getting lots of hotels lately. Here is the rendering of the Residence at Marriott. Pretty sizable!

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20111/ResidenceInn_300.jpg
http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/resinn0521.aspx

$30M Residence Inn by Marriott under construction on Pittsburgh's North Shore

A new $30 million Residence Inn by Marriott is under construction on Pittsburgh’s North Shore at the corner of General Robinson St. and Mazeroski Way.

Located adjacent to PNC Park’s home plate entrance—the 147,655-square-foot hotel will feature 180 suites, an indoor pool and exercise facilities. The 10-story hotel will also include an outdoor patio with barbecue fire pit, billiard room and convenience store. All of the hotel’s apartment-style suites will feature full kitchens.

“The Residence Inn brand caters to the extended stay guest. The urban core of Pittsburgh doesn’t have an upscale extended stay hotel. It’s unique to the market,” says David Cocco, with Harmar-based Kratsa Properties, which hosted a groundbreaking on May 15. “We like the North Shore location with all of the development occurring there. There’s most certainly a need for this type of hotel.”

Designed by Architectural Alliance, the hotel will open during the fall of 2009. Contractor is Zambrano Corporation. The new hotel will share a surface parking with the adjacent 195-room SpringHill Suites that Kratsa opened in 2005. “We hope to contribute to the success of the Convention Center and help bring in more conventions,” adds Cocco, who says the closest extended stay hotel is in Oakland. “We’re doing all of this with private money, and no public subsidies.”

Kratsa is also building a 115-room SpringHill Suites near SouthSide Works, which is expected to open in one year. Next up for Kratsa is the development of a 156-room Hilton Garden Inn Downtown on Ross St. located next to the City-County Building.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: David Cocco, Kratsa Properties

Image Courtesy Kratsa Properties

[PA Pride]

By the way everybody, I was downtown today touring condos; I will be putting a nice size photo thread up tonight. Keep your eyes peeled!

[Smoker]

:previous: That will be great. I hope you add some commentary.

[PA Pride]

:previous: That will be great. I hope you add some commentary.

Thanks! And yes, it is up now and I added commentary. Although they are brief cause I am quite tired.

Here it is:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=151481

[EventHorizon]

Speaking about downtown living....

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
By Kevin Kirkland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Downtown condos selling fast to diverse clientele

http://postgazette.com/pg/images/200805/20080521bw_firstside_500.jpg
Bill Wade/Post-Gazette
The view of the Monongahela River and Mount Washington was one reason that Andrew Pueschel, holding his dog, Cozmo, bought his 151 First Side condo.


When Murugan and Roshni Subramanian decided to buy their first home together, Mr. Subramanian argued for Downtown and the urban lifestyle he's grown to love since moving here from India when he was 17. Mrs. Subramanian considered herself to be "more of a Wexford-type person," he said, and wanted a townhouse.

Their compromise? A two-level, three-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot condominium at 941 Penn, where only two of the building's 17 units are still available. She got her townhouse and garage; he got his Downtown address. "The location is fantastic," he said.

Young professionals such as the Subramanians -- he's 31, she's 28 -- are the sort of buyers developers expected for new Downtown residences that have been going up all over.

What developers didn't count on were buyers such as a 60-something French scientist who plans to retire in a condo at another new Downtown residence, The Carlyle, or Vince and Patty Quatrini, a Greensburg couple who bought a unit in 941 Penn as a second home, lured by its proximity to theaters, sports and his work as an attorney.

The answers to who is moving Downtown and why are as varied as the faces on a Port Authority bus or trolley. But what is clear is they are coming, with developers reporting brisk sales at condo projects featured on today's fifth annual Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Walk and Dine Downtown living tour, which includes 941 Penn, 151 First Side, The Carlyle and Piatt Place.

Only 16 of 82 units -- mainly two-bedroom units ranging in price from $493,000 to $980,000 -- remain for sale at 151 First Side, which opened last fall. And half of the 60 units already have sold in The Carlyle, the former Union National Bank building at Fourth Avenue and Wood Street, even though buyers can't start moving in until October, said Kay Barchetti of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Andrew Pueschel, a professional ballroom dancer, was among the early buyers at 151 First Side.

For the last three months, he has shared a three-bedroom, 1,700-square-foot condo on the eighth floor with his dog Cozmo and a panoramic view of Station Square with the Monongahela River as a backdrop. His home will be part of today's tour.

"Downtown is central for me and my work," said Mr. Pueschel, an education and event planning consultant who also is opening a dance studio in East Liberty.

The St. Louis native who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh lived in apartments in Shadyside and the South Side before moving Downtown -- a goal he seemed to forecast in 2000, when, inspired by a Post-Gazette story about Downtown living, he wrote in a letter to the editor:

"You can build all the theaters and shops you want [which will help] but until you give affordable housing and a night life [a city that does not roll up the carpets at 6 p.m. and closes the bars at 2 a.m.], you will never have a thriving Downtown."

As more developments went up, he decided to act. "I said to myself 'Why don't I live Downtown? I might as well practice what I preach.'"

Mr. Pueschel was attracted by the great views, an open floor plan and space that was perfect for entertaining. It also turned out to have four floors of deeded parking, which means condo owners own a space and can sell it with the unit. When he realized that he could get to his dance studio in 10 minutes (non-rush hour) and to the Parkway West and the airport quickly, he was sold.

Mr. Subramanian, meanwhile, is looking forward to moving into 941 Penn in August. He said it is accessible to everything -- by car or by foot.

"The theaters and four of the top 10 restaurants in Pittsburgh are within walking distance. Even the gym is walkable. All these little things we don't have to get in the car and drive to," he said, adding that he'll still have to drive to a grocery store -- though Downtown did get a smaller market recently.

Kathy Wallace, the Howard Hanna Real Estate Services agent who sold the Subramanians their condo and bought one herself, said living Downtown doesn't have to mean shopping in the suburbs. She and her husband often buy what they need in the Strip District, where she predicts the next condo-building boom will take place.

Empty-nesters whose children are ages 29 and 27, the Wallaces sold their big suburban house and moved to a Downtown apartment five years ago. They went from four cars to one and Mr. Wallace takes a bus and incline to work each day on Mount Washington.

"We're saving $10,000 a year on transportation costs compared to living in the suburbs," she said.

The Downtown-dwelling Realtor said she repeatedly hears the same request from prospective buyers: Can you describe your day?

"It's fear. They just can't picture themselves. We haven't had Downtown living like this before. ...

"I have to say our experiment in urban living has suited us well. You walk out your door and you're immediately engaged," she said.

PG Article Link (http://postgazette.com/pg/08142/883460-53.stm)

[tooluther]

Great photos Pride, I sent them around the PDP staff and everyone is very excited to have a first hand journal of the event.

Maybe a few more 5 Lofts photos next time! (J/k I know there isn't much to see there yet.)

[Evergrey]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_568559.html

Schenley High School worth fixing, architect says

By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

In recommending the closure of Schenley High School, city schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt stressed an architect's cost estimate of $76.2 million for renovations.

He left out one thing.

The Downtown firm, MacLachlan Cornelius & Filoni, said the 92-year-old building is worth fixing.

"Despite its high cost, it is our opinion that the building is worth the investment," Albert L. Filoni, president of the firm, wrote in a report Thursday to Paul Gill, chief of operations for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.

"The quality of the construction can provide the infrastructure needed for a modern high school for another hundred years," Filoni continued, "and the amenities the building offers are not replaceable. Additionally, Schenley's location in the heart of Oakland provides for a centralized facility for the school district in the heart of a vibrant and growing medical and educational city hub."

Roosevelt said Tuesday the report stopped short of urging the renovation of Schenley.

"They don't recommend the district renovate Schenley," he said. "They love the building, but they don't know anything about our finances."

Roosevelt told the school board Monday night that the district spent more than $58 million last year on its debt and that renovating Schenley would add another $7 million a year in debt payments for 20 years.

"Our recommendation was if there was any way they can do it, that building was a wonderful building, and it would serve the district well if they can renovate it," Filoni said.

"Their problem is not lack of desire," he added. "It's a problem of how to finance it."

And a problem of asbestos, which was used to strengthen and bind plaster on the walls and ceilings.

Filoni's firm, which designed Schenley, estimates it would cost $10.5 million to remove the asbestos. The firm suggests that the work not be done while students, faculty and staff are in the building.

The estimated cost to renovate the building, including upgrades of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, is $50.5 million, the report states. The firm added $15.2 million for "soft costs" such as fees, furnishings and equipment.

Filoni said the asbestos complicates the rest of the renovation.

"In order to deal with asbestos, you become involved with the entire electrical, mechanical and plumbing system because they come in contact with asbestos," he explained.

District spokeswoman Lisa Fischetti said Roosevelt acknowledged in Monday's presentation that "Mr. Filoni was a zealous Schenleyite."

"We want to be transparent about this report," she said. "There's no attempt to hide anything. This firm loves the Schenley building, and we certainly feel comfortable being transparent about that."

In his presentation, Roosevelt warned that fixing Schenley would hamper the district's ability to afford academic improvements for all students.

If the district cannot afford a total makeover, Filoni recommends renovating three of the four floors. That would save about $15 million.

The firm recommends against a "do-nothing" approach that lets the building sit idle.

In another year, Filoni said, that could add 10 percent to the cost of renovations.

Roosevelt wants to close Schenley at the end of this term, and the school board is scheduled to vote on his plan June 25.

Bill Zlatos can be reached at bzlatos@tribweb.com or 412-320-7828.

[PA Pride]

Great photos Pride, I sent them around the PDP staff and everyone is very excited to have a first hand journal of the event.

Maybe a few more 5 Lofts photos next time! (J/k I know there isn't much to see there yet.)

You showed it to PDP people?!? I forgot to even make mention that this was a PDP event in my thread.... Now I feel emberrassed.

Anyway, everybody should rush out and buy a loft at the '5 Lofts' development on Penn Ave!! Wonderful units in a historical sliver building!!!

More pics:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/IMG_6829.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/IMG_6831.jpg


How's that, tooluther?!? :tup:

[Evergrey]

what a beautiful view of Riverparc's many residential towers rising proudly towards the heavens!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/IMG_6829.jpg

[AaronPGH]

:(

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08143/884087-100.stm


Hill housing development gets tax credits

Thursday, May 22, 2008
By Ed Blazina, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency has approved tax credits of $1.3 million for the next phase of construction of the Oak Hill development in the Hill District.

The tax credits clear the way for construction to begin in the fall on 90 units in the community, according to an announcement from Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office. There will be 40 units for low-income families and 50 available at market rates.

This phase of the project also will include a new community center with a swimming pool, basketball courts and other activities. It is expected to cost about $90 million.

Oak Hill is a mixed community built to replace the former Allequippa Terrace public housing complex. The first phase was finished more than five years ago, but work was delayed after that while the city, developer Beacon/Corcoran Jennison of Boston and the University of Pittsburgh worked out how the remaining property would be used.

The second part, known as Oak Hill II, has been divided into smaller pieces and eventually will result in about 450 new units.

[fkohws]

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08144/884271-85.stm

Cultural Trust puts Downtown housing plan on hold
$460 million project called a victim of mortgage crisis
Friday, May 23, 2008
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Blaming the nation's credit and mortgage crisis, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is suspending its nearly half-billion-dollar housing plan, which was supposed to be the biggest in Downtown history.

The lead developer on the $460 million, 700-unit RiverParc project, Concord Eastridge of Phoenix and Washington, D.C., questioned the trust's move, saying the project could have been built despite the market woes and that the blame lies instead with poor oversight by trust officials.

"They were great people and I enjoyed them immensely," developer Susan Eastridge said yesterday. "However, the thing is, they don't know how to make something like this happen."

The Cultural Trust announced the project almost two years ago, saying it would provide a world-class link between its theaters along Penn Avenue and the Allegheny River. Already credited with saving Downtown by turning the seedy Penn-Liberty corridor into a vibrant Cultural District, the trust was going to use this project, planned to take 10 years to complete, to make its greatest imprint on the city.

Cultural Trust CEO Kevin McMahon said the ambitious plan -- which included environmentally friendly buildings, theaters, shops and a new link to the river -- is not dead, despite the announcement.

"We still clearly believe in this project. It's a fantastic location. When the credit markets rebound, that will allow us to move forward again. But we have to re-evaluate," he said last night.

The Cultural Trust's board approved revising the project at a meeting Wednesday, saying the group will refocus -- in the short term -- on smaller improvements to the housing site, including infrastructure improvements (perhaps parking) and a new riverside park.

A Washington, D.C., think tank started looking at the property, bounded by Seventh and Ninth streets, Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard, as far back as 2000. It announced an international design competition in 2005 that was won by lead developer Concord Eastridge, using designs by Stuttgart's Behnisch Architekten. The project was officially unveiled in July 2006 and Gov. Ed Rendell issued it a $12.3 million check in early 2007.

Initially, plans were to begin construction on the first phase of 200 housing units in 2007. As the credit and housing finance crisis gathered steam this January, Mr. McMahon said the trust was still moving forward with the project but construction would start in 2009.

This week, with the housing and credit markets still poor, trust leaders decided they could no longer go on with the original plans.

"In effect we never had the final economically feasible plan and the credit markets collapse only corroborated that," he said. "This is certainly not unique to Pittsburgh. You can't open up The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal without seeing this happening to another mega-project around the country. New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle ... They're all having these kind of delays."

In a phone interview yesterday, Ms. Eastridge utterly disagreed, saying the Downtown Pittsburgh market is relatively healthy -- just this week during a Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership housing tour, developers reported brisk sales across the business district. Ms. Eastridge said the project was in the enviable position of being able to complete its planning and be bullish in a weak market hungry for well-financed proposals.

"This is not a project that couldn't happen -- in Miami I might be saying that, but this project absolutely could happen," she said.

According to Ms. Eastridge, the Cultural Trust fumbled aspects crucial to the financing, including the sale of the development parcel and the state subsidies. The trust, a nonprofit, originally agreed to contribute the six acres to the private developer, but ran into tax problems, and instead asked Concord Eastridge to buy it. Appraisals of the parcels came in far lower than what the trust had paid for them, she said, worrying the trust that it would alienate its funders.

Government subsidies were planned to provide much of the overall financing, and the trust took responsibility for meeting with state, county and city leaders on their support, she said. It had the $12.3 million commitment from the state but told her in a meeting May 12 that the commitment had lapsed.

"The trust lost their courage upon that defeat. That's the last thing that should happen," Ms. Eastridge said.

Mr. McMahon acknowledged that land transfers were complicated for the tax-exempt trust and the group held itself to "high, exacting standards" during planning. "No question, there were very important issues dealing with the transfer of land involved," he said.

He said the trust made a commitment to the state that it would use the $12.3 million in a timely matter, so when delays occurred it decided to return the money to allow the state to use it for other projects.

"Obviously there are a lot of very important and good uses of state funding. It's inappropriate for the trust, if it's not moving as rapidly as it likes, to in effect hold up those funds," he said.

It took the Cultural Trust -- the brainchild of H.J. "Jack" Heinz II -- more than two decades to reinvigorate Downtown through the Benedum Center, O'Reilly Theater and other cultural spots, so a pause in a project like this is nothing new, Cultural Trust trustee and design committee chair Thomas Van Kirk said.

"The Cultural District riverfront development will happen. But we should remember that building the Cultural District has taken decades and has required overcoming many challenges and obstacles," he said in a statement.

It remains to be seen if such a huge, expensive, complicated development plan can be pulled off by what is essentially an arts organization.

"I had a growing fear that it was too ambitious for them to undertake. ... It's a really sad day for Pittsburgh to lose such a really nice, really great project," Ms. Eastridge said.

[Evergrey]

well, you can throw our beloved Riverparc in the dead proposals pile... you knew it was too good to be true... long live the downtown Goodyear and associated cultural district wasteland

...

great commentary by Susan Eastridge... and good info about the state grant lapsing

[EventHorizon]

well that certainly fucking sucks!

[Tombstoner]

Susan Eastridge certainly sounds like a pushy, obnoxious developer. I've very sorry to see this proposal put on ice, but it doesn't seem like the end of the world. I think PCT is wise to know when they are in over their heads rather than let some developer "pooh-pooh" their concerns. If the project hit a brick wall in the future Concord Eastridge would just move on to their next "client" whereas Pittsburgh only gets one chance to do it right.

[themaguffin]

I think PCT is wise to know when they are in over their heads rather than let some developer "pooh-pooh" their concerns.

I think the Trust is wise, but ultimately the money was not going to be there. We all knew that this was the reality given that not only is the economy a mess, but one of the main reasons was the collapse of the industry which would finance such a project.

[hyperion1110]

I think the Trust is wise, but ultimately the money was not going to be there. We all knew that this was the reality given that not only is the economy a mess, but one of the main reasons was the collapse of the industry which would finance such a project.

Precisely. Most development has rolled on in this city despite the down turn in the economy. But we had to be hit with it at some point. Given the rise in construction costs, I would bet that the final cost of the project would be in excess of $1 billion if they tried to go forward with it at this time. There's no way the Trust can take on such a financial burden.

I think they made a very wise, and difficult, decision.

[PA Pride]

This works out perfectly... Cause I need new tires for my car from Goodyear.

[Evergrey]

This works out perfectly... Cause I need new tires for my car from Goodyear.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_569184.html

Daunting future troubled Cultural Trust project

By Mike Wereschagin
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, May 24, 2008

They knew they could start it but didn't know if they could finish it, and so the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has, for the foreseeable future, scrapped the $460 million development that once promised to change the north face of Downtown.
Cultural Trust leaders early this month rejected a $12.3 million state grant that would have helped them start the ambitious development known as RiverParc.

Trust President J. Kevin McMahon said they put the project on hold because unstable credit markets and a sluggish economy cast doubt on whether they'd have cash to finish the decade-long construction. Trust directors are evaluating ways to develop the site, bordered by Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Penn Avenue, Seventh Street and Ninth Street.

"We're here for the long haul. We want to make sure that whatever we start, we can finish," McMahon said Friday. "The fact is, we did not have enough confidence in the financial plan to responsibly go forward at this time."

Asked whether the trust sought an independent evaluation about the project's viability, McMahon said: "If you look at the Cultural Trust board of trustees, you will see on that list a fair amount of financial expertise. I think that it's fair to say that the trust as an organization had a wonderful amount of true expertise advising it."
"I think it's just a bump in the road," Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. "They still want to make it happen. If you look around here, Downtown, with the exception of the Cultural Trust's decision, the majority of projects are moving forward."

The project's developer said Trust officials scared off investors and then simply lost their nerve. The Trust never told its Washington D.C.-based developer, Concord Eastridge Inc., that it was rejecting the state money, said CEO Susan Eastridge.

"They should have alerted us to do whatever the state wanted us to do to keep them (the state money) in place," Eastridge said. "That would have been in the best interest of the city of Pittsburgh. That would have been in the best interest of this project."

That failure, she said, caused the project's financial partner, Merrill Lynch, to walk away. The state money would have paid for parking, open public areas, sidewalks and the demolition of buildings.

Financial problems the Cultural Trust faced last year gave them second thoughts about donating six acres for the project to the developer, Eastman said. The Cultural Trust wanted to keep some of the parking money from an underground garage that was part of the project, she said.

A second lender, Penn Trust, left the project when the Cultural Trust took the land off the table, she said.

"This project was going to be a super thing for the community," she said, praising the city's rivers, stadiums and convention center. "I hope we can get it back on track."

So do businesses surrounding the site.

RiverParc was to be a mini-neighborhood of environmentally friendly buildings connecting to the Allegheny River via a public space built over the 10th Street Bypass. Gov. Ed Rendell, when announcing the state grant more than a year ago, called it "one of the linchpins of the revitalization of the city of Pittsburgh."

The design called for a set of steps and terraces similar to the North Shore Riverwalk to connect the river to the public space, which was named the "Three Sisters Gallery" for the bridges that would frame its view.

Seven hundred residential units were to be spread over seven buildings, and the development would have added 160,000 square feet of retail space, a performing-arts venue and a 225-room, four-star hotel to an area mostly occupied by a parking lot.

"To be standing in the area of a four-acre empty lot isn't exactly very good for business," said Janet Pellegrini who, along with husband Charles Pellegrini, owns the restaurant F. Tambellini's. "Losing that (state) funding was a big blow. To not act, to not move on that and do the developing that needed done, that could improve the city, is disgraceful."

The Trust, which transformed the Penn Avenue-Liberty Avenue corridor into the city's Cultural District, has purchased many of the buildings surrounding Tambellini's to make room for the development, Pellegrini said. Without that development, those buildings sit empty.

"We're very disappointed," Charles Pellegrini said. He praised Trust projects such as the O'Reilly Theater, saying, "I'm a fan of the economic stimulus down here, but sometimes it moves so slow. ... I think the worse thing they can do is nothing."

Construction initially was scheduled to start in mid-2007. The Heinz Endowments contributed $1.5 million for planning and development of the RiverParc project. Heinz spokesman Doug Root declined comment yesterday.

Citing Pittsburgh's steady Downtown housing sales, Eastridge laughed at McMahon's suggestion that the project was on hold partially because of the housing market.


Thirty-one of Piatt Place's 65 condominiums have been sold, and the building is still under construction. Half of the 60 units in the Carlyle, in the former Union Bank Building, have been sold.

There's a difference between those projects and RiverParc, McMahon said. RiverParc included 700 residential units.

"I don't see the financial markets changing overnight," McMahon said. "That doesn't mean we're just going to sit back and do nothing. We're going to think about ways we might restructure this project. We're going to continue to talk with the state and the city and the county about their suggestions.

"We know that it will be the case that that property will be developed into a residential neighborhood."



Mike Wereschagin can be reached at mwereschagin@tribweb.com or 412-320-7900.

[UrbaniDesDev]

I am convinced that there is more to this than we are being let in on. There should have been some activity going on there...
It's for sure that the housing demand Downtown has not slowed...
I have been suspicious for sometime now. Perhaps the relationship with the developers. I believe this is PCT's way of shifting gears.
This is a great loss. I hope it is quick and temporary.

[themaguffin]

am convinced that there is more to this than we are being let in on. There should have been some activity going on there...
It's for sure that the housing demand Downtown has not slowed...
I have been suspicious for sometime now. Perhaps the relationship with the developers. I believe this is PCT's way of shifting gears.
This is a great loss. I hope it is quick and temporary.

The housing market collapsed and many financial institutions took huge hits because of it. Lending has been much more restricted since the fall (only months, maybe weeks after last summer's announcement). The damage is absolutely huge, so really the only surprise to me is that we didn't see such news before the holidays.

[Grego43]

A few questions that someone may be able to answer:

Is the demand for downtown housing driven by end users or speculators? One large contributor to the housing mess here in South Florida has been the large numbers of speculators in the market the past few years, driving prices and the quantity of construction up, up, up.

What percentage of downtown purchases have been residents v. spec?

Are a lot of the condo buildings filling up with renters?

If the market is predominately end users, and demand remains strong, developers might be wise to keep product in the pipeline.

[UrbaniDesDev]

Im very curious as to what their next step will be. The demand for housing Downtown still exists. Maybe they will, instead of one big project, proceed as a piece-mill approach. I just hope they are not going to let it sit there as is for 10 years

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08149/885315-85.stm

10 years ago, another Cultural Trust development stalled

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In the midst of a recession, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced an ambitious building project with a $400 million-plus price tag, only to scale it back several years later.

That was 10 years ago, when the trust gave up plans it announced in 1990 to build a 17-story office tower on Penn Avenue. History repeated itself last week, when it suspended its plans for Downtown's biggest housing development, a 700-unit behemoth on Fort Duquesne Boulevard, which it announced to much fanfare in 2006.

The trust said the nation's ongoing credit crisis was to blame for scuttling the $460 million "RiverParc" plan, but the lead developer, Susan Eastridge of Washington, D.C.'s Concord Eastridge, said it was instead doomed by poor oversight by trust officials. Yesterday, another developer who worked with the trust on a nearby project said he experienced the same kind of delays and second-guessing Ms. Eastridge described.

"I was there. I lived it. I went through it with my one project," said Kevin Keane, executive vice president of Lincoln Property Co., owners of The Encore on 7th apartment building.

Lincoln signed on with the trust to build the 18-story building at Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Seventh Street in 1999 but did not break ground for five years, finally opening in 2006. The building is now doing well -- with all but one apartment rented on a site directly adjacent to the RiverParc plot -- but getting it built was not easy, he said.

Echoing Ms. Eastridge, Mr. Keane said the trust's design officials, while an "extremely talented group of people," kept putting roadblocks in front of his 151-unit project, which was much smaller than the RiverParc plan.

"When you get six or seven or eight architects in a room together, forget it. It's just a function of the degree of difficulty and pain to get something like that done. I know what I went through with my one building," Mr. Keane said.

Cultural Trust CEO Kevin McMahon acknowledged that the trust can be challenging to work with, but chalked that up to its high expectations. For instance RiverParc, with designs by the internationally known Stuttgart, Germany, architects Behnisch Architekten, was supposed to be one of the biggest environmentally friendly housing developments in the world.

"Look at the board of trustees and you'll see experts in finance, real estate and design. Without question, we have very high standards. When you make sure you finish what you start, you put additional pressure on yourself and those around you, including your developer," Mr. McMahon said.

In announcing the delay in the project Thursday, the trust said it will refocus on two shorter-term projects at the development site: securing government funding for a riverfront park and building new infrastructure to woo future housing development, including a parking garage. The trust's board approved the delay, Mr. McMahon said, not only because of the nation's credit crisis but the failure by the developers to deliver workable financing.

"It was up to Concord Eastridge to come up with an economically viable project and they were not able to do that. That's something the trust felt it had spent enough time on and it was time to move on," he said.

Concord Eastridge -- said attorney and trust board member Thomas L. Van Kirk -- wanted the trust to give it the six-acre site and borrow against its value to raise their funding for the project. The firm "always refused to be an at-risk developer ... Anybody who looked at this -- and we had various outside consultants look -- said this is not common in the development industry."

The developer's counsel, Pittsburgh's Leo A. Keevican Jr., said the financing was not unusual at all and the trust anticipated contributing the land from the beginning, before Concord Eastridge was brought on. The developers would rather "walk in, buy the land and build whatever you want," he said, but the trust required a level of control over the project that blocked that.

Ms. Eastridge claimed last week that the trust mishandled two aspects of the project's financing.

The first was $12.3 million in state subsidies, which she said the trust allowed to lapse after Gov. Ed Rendell promised them in early 2007.

A spokesman for the state's Department of Community and Economic Development, Kevin Ortiz, questioned that, saying the subsidies did not lapse and the trust gave them back after the project was clearly delayed.

The governor "wants projects completed in a timely fashion," he said. Strict deadlines were not included in the official state "offer letter" to the trust, however.

Ms. Eastridge, whose firm was chosen after a worldwide design competition in 2006, also said the trust was spooked by appraisals of properties on the development site. The appraised values were lower than what the trust had paid for the properties, largely using money from private foundations.

That also rang true to Mr. Keane, who said dropping the RiverParc project meant the trust did not have to account for those possible losses on its books, or to its funders.

"The Cultural Trust is a conduit. They don't have their own dough. They get money from local foundations ... How do they go back to the Mellon Foundation, the Heinz Endowments and say, 'This is how much we lost'?"

Mr. McMahon denied that the delay was budget-related, but did say foundations and others had a say in last week's decision. Local foundations largely paid the roughly $15 million the trust spent acquiring the properties

The R.K. Mellon Foundation has given the trust several million dollars since the early 1990s to acquire Downtown properties. Its director, Scott Izzo, could not be reached for comment.

A spokesman for the Heinz Endowments, Doug Root, would not comment on RiverParc other than to say it has granted $1.5 million to the project since 2006, for design and planning. Through a spokesman, Grant Oliphant, former associate director of the Heinz Endowments and current Pittsburgh Foundation head and trust board member, also would not comment.

Trust board members reached yesterday forwarded all questions to Mr. McMahon and Mr. Van Kirk.

The trust's new plans for a riverfront link and new parking may show promise, given the trust's past history.

While it eventually punted on the office building it announced in 1990, it followed through on accompanying plans to build the O'Reilly Theater, Katz Plaza, an adjacent parking garage and the Wood Street Gallery. Focusing now on riverfront improvements and a new park connection between Downtown and the rivers plays to the trust's longtime strengths of building through art and culture, said Rob Stephany, acting director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

"The most important thing is, do what they're great at. They brought vision to a stretch of Downtown where it was hard to see that vision 25 years ago," he said. "They need to be the stewards of that vision and they need to take the right next step. That's what the trust does so well."
Tim McNulty can be reached at tmcnulty@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1581.


...


so instead of Riverparc... we're getting... another parking garage on that site! Maybe it can become the cultural parking district... the world's most environmentally friendly and cultural parking facility! What a disaster

[Evergrey]

here's another development disaster

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08149/885251-52.stm

Columbus developer says N. Shore agreement still valid

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Columbus developer argued yesterday that its agreement to develop land between PNC Park and Heinz Field remains in effect, even as the city's Stadium Authority board prepares to take up the issue next month.

Frank Kass, chairman of Continental Real Estate Cos., said yesterday there's no question in his mind that the 5-year-old agreement is still valid, particularly since city Stadium Authority officials continue to work with the firm on proposed hotel and entertainment projects on the North Shore.

The option agreement became an issue last week, when both city Councilman William Peduto and Pittsburgh United, a consortium of labor, environmental and community groups, questioned its validity.

Mr. Peduto claimed the agreement expired last May, when Continental failed to close on land needed for the Hyatt Place hotel project, as he believes was required under the agreement's takedown schedule, and no extension was granted by the Stadium Authority.

But Mr. Kass believes otherwise.

"If it had expired, why have people been working with us on the two parcels for the last year?" he asked. "I don't believe it has expired since everyone is working toward a conclusion that should be a very good conclusion for Pittsburgh."

The agreement's fate could be decided by Stadium Authority board members at their meeting in June, when they are expected to address the issue, Executive Director Mary Conturo said.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Ms. Conturo and three authority board members met privately last week to discuss the agreement and "legal responsibilities and options," as Ms. Conturo put it.

"We're just working through the issue," she said. "Part of it is understanding the whole legal structure and where we stand."

Ms. Conturo said the meeting wasn't a violation of the state's open meetings law -- a quorum of board members was present -- because it involved legal matters.

Jake Wheatley, one of the board members who attended the meeting, said there is disagreement as to whether the agreement has expired, based on deadlines for Continental to develop certain parcels.

"As with everything in legal jargon, there's two sides to the coin. There's one opinion that we have a terminated agreement," he said. "There's another opinion that we have an agreement in place through our actions and how we've engaged the parties."

Mr. Wheatley said he sees no reason Continental shouldn't continue as the developer. The firm has developed two office buildings, with restaurants, on the North Shore, and now is hoping to start a third project, the $25 million Hyatt Place hotel.

"Personally speaking, I think so far they certainly have done a good job in trying to spur development on that site. I really don't have any reason to get rid of them," he said.

But at the same time, Mr. Wheatley, a state representative from the Hill District, hinted that the agreement must change in some ways, saying there must be "an earnest dialogue about how we can improve the partnership on both sides."

"There is a way for the partnership to be strengthened on both sides and this is a great opportunity to do that," he said. "I think there's a chance for us to have a win-win in the process."

Mr. Kass said he has no problem with possible modifications to the agreement. However, he said he would like to see the Stadium Authority board act next month to sell the hotel parcel and another reserved for the Steelers for a proposed $10 million entertainment project, which was the subject of a private Stadium Authority briefing yesterday.

The board delayed the $1.3 million sale of the land for the hotel project to Continental two months ago after Pittsburgh United pressed for a meeting with the developer over a community benefits agreement.

The sale of Lot 6 to the Steelers for the entertainment project also has been a source of controversy. Mr. Peduto claimed the city had agreed to sell the land to the Steelers for $1 million without the consent of the Stadium Authority board.

He said the evidence was in a court settlement last fall that states the "purchase price [approximately $1 million] paid by the Steelers for Lot 6" would be applied toward highway improvements on the North Shore.

However, Ms. Conturo and the city have denied that, saying no price had been set. Mr. Wheatley said the parcel was discussed at last week's meeting, but no price was mentioned.

"What was discussed was that it was not part of any agreement to sell parcel 6 for $1 million," he said.
Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

[PA Pride]

I know this isn't development related, but I thought it would be an interesting story to tell; This last Sunday night, I went to the nightclub Privilege in the strip district to hear Aaron Clark & UK DJ Lee Burridge play music. It was a great night and everyone had lots of fun. Well, when me and about 4 of my friends left to go get into his car, there was chaos on the streets. We walked over to my friends car and it was totaled along with about 11 other cars. About two blocks long of carnage. Apparently 2 armed robbers had just robbed 4 people and tried to make a get away in front of a cop. They flew right through Smallman street slamming everything in their path.

From what I understand no bystanders were hurt luckily.

Anyway, I ended up on the news the next day on wpxi footage walking around my friends car. But I can't find the video clip on their site. I saw it on tv though.

[Evergrey]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_569282.html

Demand for commuter service to Pittsburgh grows

By Rich Cholodofsky
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, May 25, 2008

With its buses full and demand for more commuter service skyrocketing, Westmoreland County transit officials say building commuter rail service between Greensburg and Arnold and downtown Pittsburgh is a priority for the public agency.

"I think the authority is ready to move forward with it. We have to have the funding in place," said state Rep. Tom Tangretti, D-Greensburg, a member of the transit authority board.

Commuter rail service has been on the authority's radar for more than a year. Late last year, it hired a Pittsburgh consulting company to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed trains.

That $500,000 study is expected to be completed late this year by HDR Engineer Inc.



The authority met last month with Norfolk Southern, the freight train operator that owns the tracks on which the passenger rail line would run. The railroad indicated it would be receptive to allowing the passenger service on its tracks as long as it did not interfere with existing freight service, authority Executive Director Larry Morris said.

The proposed commuter train system would have two rail corridors, one that would originate in either Latrobe or Greensburg and run through Jeannette, Irwin and Trafford, and eventually into downtown Pittsburgh.

Initial cost estimates ranged from $190 million for a limited-service system to a more ambitious $300 million line that would operate every 30 minutes during peak commuting times.

The second corridor could cost about $140 million to build and would start in Arnold and travel through the Allegheny River Valley and into Pittsburgh's Strip District.

"It's becoming a more realistic goal than it has been in the past. Every time gas goes up 20 cents it becomes more realistic," said authority Chairman Frank Tosto Jr.

Funding for the proposed trains is still an unanswered question. A transportation financing bill approved last summer by state lawmakers authorized up to $50 million a year for commuter rail projects. Officials said federal funding might be tapped.

Just how the trains will be paid for is another facet of the feasibility study.

Both train lines are considered crucial to handle overflow demand for the authority's daily commuter bus service into Pittsburgh.

Since 2003, the monthly number of commuters riding authority buses into Pittsburgh has jumped more than 163 percent.

In April 2003, there were 7,422 passengers on the Pittsburgh buses. The ridership numbers for April were 19,531.

The commuter service has become standing room only on some routes. Additional buses were put into service, and four new vehicles are expected to be added to its fleet later this summer.

Morris said that still might not ease the future demand as gasoline prices continue to spike.

That fact has authority members convinced that train service is the best answer to the meet the commuter demand.

"It's exactly where we need to be in order to catch the wave for ever expanding demand for public transit," Tangretti said.

Rich Cholodofsky can be reached at rcholodofsky@tribweb.com or 724-830-6293.

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08151/885957-35.stm

Cloudy vision: The Cultural Trust pulls back on a prime project

Friday, May 30, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A spectacular plan for a vast glass complex of 700 housing units, shops, restaurants and art galleries along the Allegheny River on Fort Duquesne Boulevard has been suspended. We hope that doesn't mean scrapped.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which announced the $460 million RiverParc project two years ago, put it on hold last week, blaming the nation's credit and mortgage crisis. CEO Kevin McMahon said lead developer Concord Eastridge of Washington, D.C., never came up with an economically feasible plan and the collapse of the credit market compounded the problem.

The developer, in turn, blamed the trust, saying poor oversight and too much second-guessing had been the problem. That opinion was echoed by another developer who worked with the trust on a different project.

The claims and counterclaims go back and forth, but what stays the same is what a shame it would be if the city misses out on this beautiful, forward-looking development.

If constructed, RiverParc would have been Downtown's largest housing plan and one of the biggest in the world that's environmentally friendly. But it would have done more than increase the Golden Triangle's number of housing units. A grand boulevard would have bridged the riverfront and Penn Avenue with space for art venues, public parks and a valuable mix of housing options. Upmarket, for-sale condos and townhouses were contemplated along with the possibility of lower-priced rentals.

Even a model and architectural drawings for the project, which had been on display as part of an exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Art's Heinz Architectural Center until Monday, seemed to be buzzing with activity. It was easy to imagine how this project would have enlivened Downtown.

The Cultural Trust, founded in 1984 to spur Pittsburgh's economic development through the arts, is responsible for the transformation of the Penn-Liberty corridor from seedy to vibrant. The organization has had clear long-term vision for the area. Although the trust was not successful the last time it attempted a large-scale project, a proposed-but-not-built 17-story office tower, it bounced back from that by completing accompanying plans for the O'Reilly Theater, Katz Plaza, an adjacent parking garage and the Wood Street Gallery.

Perhaps some or most of the RiverParc plan can be handed off to other players. Its promise was -- is -- that exciting. The trust, and the foundations that support its work, must find a way to recover from this setback, too.

[Evergrey]

the fallout over Riverparc's demise continues...

the Pittsburgh Biz Times reports developer Concord Eastridge is considering a lawsuit against the Cultural Trust because it lost $5 million on the project when the Trust pulled the plug on Riverparc and terminated its relationship with Concord Eastridge.

in the "Parting Shots" section of the opinion/editorial page, the Biz Times demands answers from the Cultural Trust over this dramatic and depressing turn of events. They lament that this vision of Riverparc is most likely doomed.

...

It appears the Cultural Trust removed all mention of Riverparc from their "Riverfront Development" page http://www.pgharts.org/cdrd/

Cultural Trust Affirms Long-Term Commitment to Cultural District Riverfront Development Despite Current Credit Market Challenges


Pittsburgh, PA (May 23, 2008)—The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust citing on-going turmoil in residential mortgage and national credit markets announced a revised phasing sequence for the ambitious Cultural District Riverfront Development.

Originally unveiled in July 2006 as a $500 million phased development over ten years to include residential, commercial, and public improvements, the Trust's revised riverfront development strategy focuses on examining alternative approaches including possibly moving forward with public infrastructure (i.e. PARKING).

"We still believe this location is a superb residential development site. Eventually credit markets will rebound to permit the residential and commercial elements to go forward," Trust President J. Kevin McMahon said. As credit markets recover to bolster investors' confidence, the Trust will explore ways to complete selective demolition and infrastructure (i.e. PARKING) components of the Cultural District riverfront development.

Thomas VanKirk, a trustee for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, added, "The revised approach is consistent with moving forward deliberately, cautiously and conservatively as a catalyst for private developers to invest as economically feasible development opportunities arise (i.e. PARKING)."

The Cultural Trust has a pending request for federal funding to pay costs of planning the riverfront park improvements (i.e. PARKING).

Mr. VanKirk added, "The Cultural District riverfront development will happen. But we should remember that building the Cultural District has taken decades and has required overcoming many challenges and obstacles. The Cultural Trust and its stakeholders remain committed to doing the extraordinary work required to see things through to completion with prudence, superior design and accountability to the community."

Contact: Veronica Corpuz, Director of Public Relations, 412-471-6082

...

so... two years have been wasted since that "too-good-to-be-true" announcement of Riverparc (plus the wasted international design competition before that)... with eye-popping renderings galore and impressive statistics... the state kicked in a $12 million grant which was promptly not used... Riverparc was even featured in an exhibition at the Carnegie Museum just one month ago.... but that's all it is now... a theoretical "work of art"... in case anyone forgot... here's what Downtown Pittsburgh is not getting (yes, I'm bitter):

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20060820cultural_district.gif

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20060710_CDRD_Day_Perspective_450.jpg

http://www.post-gazette.com/images4/20060710_CDRD_Nigh_Overview_450.jpg

"The $460 million project, bounded by Fort Duquesne Boulevard overlooking the Allegheny River, Penn Avenue, and Seventh and Ninth streets, will be the country's first master-planned “green,” mixed-use, arts/residential neighborhood, providing approximately 700 new residential units and 9,200 jobs for the region.

...


Susan Eastridge, CEO of Concord Eastridge, noted, “After months of careful planning and creative development sessions, we are very pleased to join the Trust on this critical piece of downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District. Our breadth of experience in developing innovative mixed-use facilities combined with the Trust's vision for the Cultural District Riverfront Development will produce a vibrant mixed-use urban arts community based on an excellent master plan from the inception.”

...

The vision for the Cultural District Riverfront Development provides an essential component to Pittsburgh's 14-square-block Cultural District. The plan includes seven new residential buildings, a street of townhouses, a four-star hotel and a performing arts venue. Retail will be located on the ground floors and will occur throughout the development, and new parking structures will provide an additional amenity for the area.

A key component of the Concord Eastridge plan calls for LEED-certified and environmentally sensitive buildings, numerous parks and green spaces both inside the buildings and in the public realm, vertical winter gardens and roof terraces, and the addition of Three Sisters Gallery. The new park proposes an innovative capping of the highway between the Three Sisters Bridges, which would establish a park to cover the 10th Street By-pass facing the riverfront. It will provide an important connection to the river and offer multiple athletic, recreational and vending opportunities to service river-goers. The Three Sisters Gallery could also include a multi-use floating stage for special events."

[Evergrey]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_570355.html

City's Point of view returns

By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, May 31, 2008

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-05-30/0531-point-a.jpg

While more than 100 people gathered below a tent to listen to Gov. Ed Rendell describe his joy in officially reopening the city side of Point State Park, Bennett Repice, 4, illustrated that sentiment by chasing a baseball across the city's front lawn.

"We're here for my brother-in-law's wedding and we just saw the grass and decided to come over to play," said Bennett's mother, Stefanie Repice, of Green Brook, N.J. "It's very nice, it's beautiful."

City and state officials joined business leaders Friday morning to cut a ceremonial ribbon opening 23 acres of the park, including trails along the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, the pedestrian walk along the Fort Duquesne Bridge and access to the fountain. The water side of the park will be closed until late fall.

"This park is our 250th anniversary gift to the city of Pittsburgh," Rendell said of the $32 million the state has committed to renovating the 36-acre park. "And it is well worth it."

The renovation encountered problems after the first shovel hit the dirt in late 2006. Local union members were arrested while protesting the state's use of nonunion workers, a gas line rupture caused by construction crews forced the evacuation of several Downtown buildings and the discovery of three old skeletons buried at the park prompted an investigation by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office.

Local preservationists created SaveFortPitt.org and collected more than 3,000 signatures protesting the project's burial of the remnants of Fort Pitt, built by the British in 1759. A portion of the fort known as the Music Bastion created a trench that bisected the park.

To create a continuous flat lawn, the state had the trench filled in, burying original bricks from the fort. A granite outline traces the location of the Music Bastion.

"It's underwhelming at best," Michael Nixon, a historic preservation lawyer with SaveFortPitt.org, said of the outline. "It's dull. It in no way compares to the real thing that they buried, which children and everyone could actually touch with their own hands."

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said the burial protected the fort for future archeological digs. SaveFortPitt.org stopped construction workers from filling the trench with torn up sidewalks and asphalt, demanding they use clean fill.

"I think it's beautiful," DiBerardinis said of the outline. "I think we've done two things here: We've improved public access and protected history."

Lisa Schroeder, executive director of Riverlife Task Force, a nonprofit that is managing the renovation, said the historical importance of the park will be highlighted in signs and interactive displays, such as a blacksmithing demonstration.

"Please know that this is the beginning," she said. "For the next several years, there will be something new every time you come to the park."

Allison M. Heinrichs can be reached at aheinrichs@tribweb.com or 412-380-5607.

[PA Pride]

It's exciting to have such an extensive renovation on point state park. That will certainly compliment all the other great projects going on downtown.

[Johnland]

The whole Cultural Trust plan abandonment is really a new low in the city's development history. If it was originally layed out as a 10 year plan to be built in phases, why can't a phased development still occur? So a credit crunch happened. Does that mean they planned to sell units only in a highly charged mortgage market to a large number of sub-prime borrowers? The fundamentals of Pittsburgh haven't really changed that drastically, have they? I mean the site is riverfront, center of the urban core, adjacent to the region's highest cultural venues and near other, exciting successful urban residential activity. This is not like some plot of empty suburban acreage. This site couldn't be more unique and loaded with potential.

[Evergrey]

agreed, Johnland

...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08154/886685-85.stm

Birmingham Bridge pier must be replaced

$5 million cost; shifted in February

Monday, June 02, 2008
By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The 60-foot-tall Birmingham Bridge pier that shifted slightly in early February when part of the deck dropped on it will have to be replaced.

The repair is estimated to cost up to $5 million and will be done this fall, enabling the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to reopen all six lanes of the Monongahela River span between the South Side and Forbes and Fifth avenues by the end of the year.

Single-lane traffic now being maintained on the southbound half of the bridge, which has been temporarily shored up at the trouble spot, will be switched to the northbound half when work gets under way on Pier 10 South, a land pier supporting two spans leading to the bridge's main span and tied-arch superstructure.

PennDOT District 11 officials also said:

• Preliminary findings from a forensic engineering investigation said signs of rust and corrosion showed up on rocker bearings as early as 1988 as a result of leaking expansion dams on the deck. The bearings began leaning in 1992 by degrees considered tolerable at the time. The "frozen" bearings finally tipped over Feb. 8, causing 2.1 million tons of concrete and steel deck to drop 8 inches and jar Pier 10.

• Of 241 bridges with the same or similar rocker bearings in District 11, encompassing Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties, 120 could have what PennDOT called "issues" that warrant monitoring and closer attention during federally mandated biennial inspections.

• PennDOT is resetting or replacing rocker bearings or taking other corrective action on four bridges to prevent a Birmingham Bridge-type occurrence: a Parkway West/Interstate 279 mainline bridge at Carnegie; the approach spans of the Highland Park Bridge; a Route 28 bridge over Squaw Run, about 600 feet north of Fox Chapel Road; and the Route 422 Bridge over the Shenango River in Lawrence County.

"We're being forthright," PennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessna said. "Until several years ago, bridge maintenance was not a priority and things weren't fixed as they should have been, like bridge dams leaking water and road salt. If they had been, what we're seeing today could have been avoided."

It's not that PennDOT engineers didn't want to do preventive maintenance.

"They didn't get the money," Mr. Cessna said. "The priorities were elsewhere."

Also, the Federal Highway Administration would fund only new bridges and bridge repair and replacement until 2004, when it began allowing money to be spent for "bridge preservation" projects, like the work being done on 19 Parkway East/Interstate 376 bridges and overpasses this construction season.

Mr. Cessna said PennDOT has changed its philosophy and is allocating special funds enabling engineers to be proactive about bridge maintenance.

"There's no reason why bridges shouldn't last 100 years with proper maintenance at proper intervals" rather than having to undergo extensive, expensive rehabilitation, he said.

The 21 frozen rocker bearings on Pier 10 of the Birmingham Bridge bore the load of the north end of span 13 and south end of span 14, which come together at an expansion dam at deck level.

When the bearings were inspected only three months before the failure, their deteriorated condition and the fact they were leaning severely were not perceived as requiring immediate attention.

"Lesson learned," Mr. Cessna said. "Because of it, we've revised our bridge inspection standards and are sharing them as far-reaching as possible" with other bridge agencies and transportation departments.

The northbound half of the Birmingham Bridge, with the same type of rocker bearings, has been closed as a precaution. PennDOT is to start replacing those bearings today with a new type, laminated neoprene bearing pads that "slide" with weight and temperature changes as opposed to the old type that rock.

The retrofit is scheduled to be finished by the end of August, when traffic will be switched to the northbound half and work will begin on Pier 10 South, starting with removing it from the 72-foot-wide pier cap down to ground level -- an estimated 1,050 tons of steel and concrete. The foundation is being salvaged. It will reinforced before the new pier is built.

To make access and reconstruction simpler, the contractor will remove the first 10 feet of each of the two approach spans, including the deck and steel beams.

So far, PennDOT has spent about half of the $4.1 million that had to be shifted to the Birmingham Bridge from other projects. The temporary support system, a lattice of steel towers and scaffolding, is costing $135,438 a month for rental, monitoring and maintenance.

PennDOT has estimated the cost of replacing Pier 10 South at $2 million to $5 million, depending on the design, which is currently in progress.
Joe Grata can be reached at jgrata@post-gazette.com.

[cdc]

msg from the President and CEO of The Cultural Trust ... see first
letter to the editor here:

"The Cultural Trust has a clear vision for project"
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08154/886663-110.stm


I'm ambivalent on this, since I neither work nor frequent Downtown...

[cdc]

update on Pitt's improvement plans...


City wants more time to study Pitt plan
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_570884.html


The city Planning Commission has postponed until June 17 a
recommendation on the University of Pittsburgh's master plan calling
for the expansion of athletic fields, residence halls and research
facilities on the Oakland campus.

...

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08156/887176-53.stm

County pitches Smithfield Street site for housing

Wednesday, June 04, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

More housing could be headed Downtown.

Allegheny County is entertaining proposals from two developers interested in erecting apartments or condominiums -- or perhaps both -- on Fort Pitt Boulevard in what is now a parking lot for the One Smithfield Street building.

County officials plan to meet with both developers next week to discuss their plans and then make a selection within a month, said Dennis Davin, economic development director.

The county's Industrial Development Authority had solicited proposals earlier this year from developers interested in redeveloping the building and the adjacent parking lot.

One of the developers, Ralph Falbo, said yesterday he is proposing two new buildings, one for 60 condos and one for 70 apartments, at the site. A 100-room boutique hotel also is part of the proposal, although Mr. Falbo said he is "rethinking" that aspect of the project.

Rounding out the plan would be a 130-space parking structure, part of which would be underground, as well as a street-level restaurant and other amenities.

"These are very preliminary. Depending on the market and everything else going forward, they could change," he said.

Mr. Falbo, who developed the 151 First Side condo tower on Fort Pitt Boulevard a couple of blocks from the One Smithfield Street building, said the site "just fits right into our plan with what we would like to do."

"I really do think it has a commanding view of the river and it has good views all around it, just like 151," he said.

Both the condos and the apartments would be priced in the "more affordable range," Mr. Falbo said. For condos, that would range from $250,000 to the high $400,000s. He said the quickest-selling condos at 151 First Side ranged from $250,000 to $300,000. Apartments would rent from $1.75 to $1.80 a square foot.

The county has not identified the other developer. But Mr. Davin said that proposal also involves a new residential building in the parking lot as well as the potential for some additional floors atop the One Smithfield Street building at Smithfield Street and Fort Pitt Boulevard.

Both developers plan to continue to use the building itself for office space, he said. Neither plans student housing, and Mr. Davin said the county is encouraging condos or apartments.

"We also want [the property] on the tax rolls to maximize the amount of taxable property Downtown," he said.

Of particular concern to the county, he said, in the current credit environment is that the developer have the wherewithal to pull off the project, particularly in light of the decision by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to suspend its ambitious $460 million RiverParc project, in part because of the credit and mortgage crisis.

"We don't want to get into a situation where we have a developer and nothing happens. So we really want to do our due diligence," Mr. Davin said.

"This one is not as aggressive as the Trust project but it's a substantial project. We want to make sure the right thing is built there and that it's the highest and best use of the site."

Mr. Davin said efforts will be made to coordinate the redevelopment with Point Park University's $210 million plan to expand its campus and create an "academic village" Downtown, much of it involving Wood Street, the Boulevard of the Allies and First Avenue.
Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

[Evergrey]

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/lofts0604.aspx

Glass Making Groundbreaking signals start of $6.4M green condo project

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20113/glass_300.jpg

An artistically auspicious groundbreaking will signal the start of the much-anticipated Glass Lofts project planned for the Penn Avenue Arts District. On June 4 at 2 p.m., project developer Friendship Development Associates, Inc. (FDA) will host a "Glass Making Groundbreaking" on the corner of Penn Ave. and Fairmount St.

Located across the street from Pittsburgh Glass Center, the $6.4 million green mixed-use development will feature 18 for-sale lofts, a 3,200-square-foot restaurant, artist studios, and 1,200-square-feet of office space.

Infusing the event with a creative touch, Glass Center artists will run across Penn brandishing ladles of fresh-from-a-2,000-degree-furnace molten glass, and will pour it into a mold at the construction site, “ladling” the groundwork for lofts. Guest speakers will add a further creative stamp by tossing frit, crushed colored glass, into a mold that will become the building’s first tile.

The second phase of 3.2-acre project that houses 60 low-income senior units, The Glass Lofts will include one- and two-story lofts ranging in size from 845 to 1,873 square feet. Designed by Arthur Lubetz, the project will include high-efficiency heating and cooling and environmentally low-impact materials. Contractor is green building specialist Sota Construction Services. Amenities include retractable glass garage doors, balconies, skylights, and garages.

"We're thrilled to develop a key corner in our district and produce a mixed-use and mixed-income project that creates jobs and truly represents the diversity of our neighborhoods," says Jeffrey Dorsey, with FDA. "We’re empowering neighborhood constituents who are currently renting to actually buy and own.” Market rate and affordable units will sell for between $180,000 and $330,000.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Jeffrey Dorsey and Sarah Collins, Friendship Development Associates

Image courtesy Arthur Lubetz Associates Architects

...

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/ylofts0604.aspx

$7M Y Lofts project debuts model unit, pre-sales info in Pittsburgh's East Liberty

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20113/yloftsmossarchitects_300.jpg

A new loft project planned for a historic YMCA building in East Liberty will be featured during Art Cubed, a cross-community arts and culture celebration on June 6-7. At an open house, the property will feature a model unit, pre-sales information, DJs and refreshments, and exhibitions by local artists.

The $7 million Y Lofts will feature 40 units ranging in size from 700 to 1,500 square feet. First-floor retail space is expected to house a restaurant, coffee bar and fitness center. Amenities will include a roof deck, underground parking, dog washing station, and bike storage.

“This is a landmark limestone building. We’re saving an old building and providing a contemporary product,” say developer Mark Meiser of Denver-based MEIZ Development, who is working with mossArchitects and East Liberty Development, Inc. “With the walkability and location, people who buy into this will have a great asset and love the building.”

Green design features include low VOC materials, high-efficiency HVAC systems, low flow plumbing fixtures, and Energy Star appliances. Demolition material will be recycled for structural fill and salvable building materials will be recycled by Construction Junction.

Idea Mill is creating the project’s website, design materials and branding. “We’ve got a core team located in the neighborhood,” adds Meiser, who expects the Y Lofts to be completed in one year. “People will get a sneak preview of the model unit.”

Coldwell Banker is marketing the units, which will sell for between $150,000 and $300,000. Pre-construction pricing incentives will be available. In January, the project received support from the Landmarks Community Capital Corporation and URA.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Mark Meiser, MEIZ Development Company

Image courtesy Moss Architects

[CAPATeach]

Both of these projects are walking distance from the Lofts on Baum project that never took off. I'm wondering why (if) the Glass Lofts and YMCA project are happening when a couple other projects nearby never materialized. Do you think this has to do with the market or the individual developers?

[Evergrey]

we might be in for more of this type of tomfoolery with the Penguins' "development rights" adjacent to the new Uptown arena.... ughhhhhhhhhhh

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_571100.html

Steelers land feud may end up in court

By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 5, 2008

An impasse over a few acres in Heinz Field's shadow could stall development on the North Shore and start a court battle between the Steelers and Pittsburgh's Stadium Authority.

At issue is whether the Steelers can buy 3.82 acres of prime, riverside real estate so its developer, Continental Real Estate, can build a long-delayed, $10 million, 2,000-seat entertainment complex.

Stadium Authority Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian said the Steelers have lost the exclusive right to develop the property known as Lot 6 because Continental hasn't built fast enough on the North Shore.

What's more, Lestitian contends the Steelers failed to comply with terms of an extension the authority granted in 2005 to buy or lease Lot 6.

"None of the four conditions in the board's 2005 written extension for the purchase of Lot 6 were met by the Steelers," said Lestitian, an attorney and accountant with the Downtown firm Rothman Gordon. "Therefore, despite any reports to the contrary, there is no deal in place with respect to Lot 6."

Mark Hart, the Steelers' director of business, said in a written statement that the team is working with the authority to buy Lot 6 and complete a separate deal with the authority to pay $1.3 million for 3.53 acres near PNC Park. The team wants to build a $27.5 million Hyatt Place hotel on that site.

"Our option agreement to purchase this land remains in effect," Hart said. "At this time, we are continuing to work with the Stadium Authority to approve both projects."

Hart would not address Lestitian's contention the team failed to meet conditions outlined in the 2005 extension.

The Sports & Exhibition Authority owns PNC Park and Heinz Field. The Stadium Authority, created to oversee Three Rivers Stadium, remains in control of several North Shore parcels even though the stadium was demolished in 2001.

The Steelers have submitted an "informal proposal" for an entertainment complex on Lot 6, which the Stadium Authority is examining despite Lestitian's concerns about the extension, said Mary Conturo, a former city solicitor who serves as executive director of the city-controlled Stadium Authority and the SEA, which is a joint city-county agency.

Conturo wouldn't disclose the proposal's details. Nor would she say whether the Steelers have lost their exclusive right to develop land between the stadiums as outlined in a 2003 agreement.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who reappointed Lestitian to the five-member board this year, has said he wants a fast resolution.

"My preference is to have development happen there as quickly as we possibly can," Ravenstahl said last month, moments before a closed-door meeting with Lestitian and two other board members, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District, and lobbyist Robert Ewanco.

The mayor said he doesn't believe the price the Steelers would pay for Lot 6 is set. Lestitian has expressed concerns that a previous legal settlement between the city and the team sets the price at $1 million, far below its value.

The Stadium Authority dispute has drawn attention from Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

Onorato or his representatives have met privately twice in two weeks with Stadium Authority officials, including Lestitian, Ewanco and authority solicitor Diane Wolfarth, an attorney with Downtown firm Papernick & Gefsky.

"His goal is to see development happen there," said Kevin Evanto, Onorato's spokesman.

Evanto said Ravenstahl invited Onorato to meet with the Stadium Authority because Onorato "is the leader of the region," and not to exert political influence over board members.

Wheatley said the authority is prepared to defend Lestitian's position in court, but he hopes it doesn't come to that.

"It would take a couple years in court to see if the city and the Stadium Authority would have the right to give the development to another developer," Wheatley said. "We want to make sure these parcels don't sit vacant in a protracted legal battle over who has the authority to do what."

Wheatley said another agreement with the Steelers and Continental is needed -- one that includes financial penalties for not meeting development deadlines.

The stakes are high, said Mark Fatla, executive director of the Northside Leadership Conference.

North Side residents and business owners don't want to see the city repeat the development failures of Three Rivers Stadium, which was surrounded by surface parking lots that generated little property and business tax money for the city.

"I have no idea who's right or wrong, but we want development that generates vitality, employment and the amenities that make people want to be here," Fatla said.

Jeremy Boren can be reached at jboren@tribweb.com or 412-765-2312.

The 4 requirements
Pittsburgh's Stadium Authority agreed in 2005 to give the Steelers an extension, until Dec. 31, 2008, to buy 3.82 acres near Heinz Field for an entertainment complex if developer Continental Real Estate met four requirements:

1. Submit an architect's contract for amphitheater design by May 1, 2005;

2. Provide a site plan and evidence of required city zoning and land use permits by March 2007;

3. Complete a signed "development agreement" for Lot 6 with the Stadium Authority by May 2007;

4. Purchase or lease Lot 6 by July 2007

None of the requirements was met, authority Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian said.

[Evergrey]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_571262.html

Rugby Realty acquires 16th city property

By Ron DaParma
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, June 6, 2008

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-06-05/0606brugby-a.jpg

The 23-story building is located at 11 Stanwix St.
James M. Kubus/Tribune-Review

Rugby Realty Co. Inc. has added the former Westinghouse Electric Corp. headquarters building, known as 11 Stanwix St., Downtown, to its more than 2 million square feet of holdings in the city.

The addition of the 23-story building brings to 16 the number of properties the New Rochelle, N.Y.-based company has acquired over the last decade Downtown, in the Strip District and the North Side.

"We're very excited about this. The building is a perfect complement to our portfolio," said Aaron Stauber, president of Rugby, whose Downtown holdings include the historic Gulf Tower, the Frick Building and the Ewart Building.

Documents filed Thursday in Allegheny County show the acquisition did not involve an actual sale of the building, with an assessed value of $36 million and fair market value of some $41.4 million.

That's because Rugby, through an affiliated partnership, purchased a note that was in default from a lender, Stauber said. Instead of going through a foreclosure process, the building was acquired through a "deed in lieu of foreclosure," he said.

The building had been owned by a partnership affiliated with Behringer Harvard, a Dallas-based company. It announced last year it acquired the building as part of a $1.4 billion portfolio of 35 properties from Toronto-based IPC US REIT, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. IPC US REIT acquired the building on Dec. 31, 1998, for $19.05 million, according to the Allegheny County data.

Behringer Harvard could not be reached for comment.

The way the transaction was structured, it appears it will not include payment of real estate transfer taxes to the county, city and state, said Jim Uziel, deputy county recorder of deeds.

Stauber said Rugby plans upgrades to the building to attract tenants.

It is about 75 percent occupied, but two tenants, the Cohen & Grigsby law firm, which occupies about 58,000 square feet, and CBS Corp/Viacom, with about 19,000 square feet, have made plans to relocate Downtown.

Another tenant, the Blattner Brunner Inc. advertising firm, has been weighing its options Downtown, but has not ruled out staying and expanding its space there.

"We are negotiating with other tenants who will return the building to near its current occupancy level," said Stauber, who is optimistic he can duplicate success at the company's other holdings, which have solid occupancy.

Built in 1970 as the corporate headquarters for Westinghouse, the building sits on a 3.2-acre site at Stanwix and Fort Pitt Boulevard, with views of Downtown and the Monongahela River.

"This is a beautiful building that will complement and not compete with our other properties," Stauber said. "It has excellent views from floors two to 23 and also has a component some of our other buildings don't have -- a large underground parking garage with 500 spaces."

Ron DaParma can be reached at rdaparma@tribweb.com or 412-320-7907.

[Johnland]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_571262.html

Rugby Realty acquires 16th city property

By Ron DaParma
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, June 6, 2008

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/photos/2008-06-05/0606brugby-a.jpg

The 23-story building is located at 11 Stanwix St.
James M. Kubus/Tribune-Review

Rugby Realty Co. Inc. has added the former Westinghouse Electric Corp. headquarters building, known as 11 Stanwix St., Downtown, to its more than 2 million square feet of holdings in the city.

The addition of the 23-story building brings to 16 the number of properties the New Rochelle, N.Y.-based company has acquired over the last decade Downtown, in the Strip District and the North Side.

"We're very excited about this. The building is a perfect complement to our portfolio," said Aaron Stauber, president of Rugby, whose Downtown holdings include the historic Gulf Tower, the Frick Building and the Ewart Building.

Documents filed Thursday in Allegheny County show the acquisition did not involve an actual sale of the building, with an assessed value of $36 million and fair market value of some $41.4 million.

That's because Rugby, through an affiliated partnership, purchased a note that was in default from a lender, Stauber said. Instead of going through a foreclosure process, the building was acquired through a "deed in lieu of foreclosure," he said.

The building had been owned by a partnership affiliated with Behringer Harvard, a Dallas-based company. It announced last year it acquired the building as part of a $1.4 billion portfolio of 35 properties from Toronto-based IPC US REIT, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. IPC US REIT acquired the building on Dec. 31, 1998, for $19.05 million, according to the Allegheny County data.

Behringer Harvard could not be reached for comment.

The way the transaction was structured, it appears it will not include payment of real estate transfer taxes to the county, city and state, said Jim Uziel, deputy county recorder of deeds.

Stauber said Rugby plans upgrades to the building to attract tenants.

It is about 75 percent occupied, but two tenants, the Cohen & Grigsby law firm, which occupies about 58,000 square feet, and CBS Corp/Viacom, with about 19,000 square feet, have made plans to relocate Downtown.

Another tenant, the Blattner Brunner Inc. advertising firm, has been weighing its options Downtown, but has not ruled out staying and expanding its space there.

"We are negotiating with other tenants who will return the building to near its current occupancy level," said Stauber, who is optimistic he can duplicate success at the company's other holdings, which have solid occupancy.

Built in 1970 as the corporate headquarters for Westinghouse, the building sits on a 3.2-acre site at Stanwix and Fort Pitt Boulevard, with views of Downtown and the Monongahela River.

"This is a beautiful building that will complement and not compete with our other properties," Stauber said. "It has excellent views from floors two to 23 and also has a component some of our other buildings don't have -- a large underground parking garage with 500 spaces."

Ron DaParma can be reached at rdaparma@tribweb.com or 412-320-7907.

My hat goes off to Rugby Realty for their astute puchase of a great building. Personally, when I invest in mutual funds, I have a decent portion in value funds. I liken Pittsburgh to a value fund that is perhaps somewhat underpriced compared to the whole market but will reward investors handsomely over time. Naturally I would love to realize my own personal dream and purchase my own piece of Pittsburgh, such as one of those amazing Friendship Park victorians close to Baum. Until then, I am working and saving here in the Sunbelt while planning my escape back to Pittsburgh.

BTW, the picture EverGrey provided makes me realize just how Seagramesque the Westinghouse Building is. When you think about it, Pittsburgh is blessed with not one, but two International Style iconic style buildings of that genre. The other being the Internationally-correct One Oliver Plaza (1968).

[CAPATeach]

There's a bit of news with the huge potential development at the car dealership site at the corner of liberty and baum. The plans apparently are changing according to some market research that they've done. (They were at the latest Friendship Preservation Group meeting... I wasn't there so all info is second hand). According to their research, the neighborhood can support 350,000 additional square feet of retail. The only thing not needed in the area is more restaurants... so they're adding a lot of two story retail, similar to a lot of the southside works or pottery barn in shadyside, to all sites of the development. I think they're planning on scaling down the residential component and trying to get a variance for a very large hotel at the site of the old goodwill. Thought I'd post it, even though it's second hand info and likely to change again before ground is actually broken.

[Evergrey]

thanks for the info, CapaTeach!

[qwho]

Went to arts fest today. Take a look at this:

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/4536/1000065yh5.jpg

All three sides too, I checked.


Also, 3 PNC update will be appearing in that thread.

[PA Pride]

^Wow. I don't think it looks too bad. Seems to match the style of the building.

I guess I am in the minority of opinion when it comes to signage. I'm for them.
I love seeing pictures of Tokyo & Hong Kong with the millions of signs ligning the streets. I think it gives a feeling of action, activity and excitement.

[PA Pride]

God, this picture from the Post-Gazette today is AWESOME!!

Tunnel drilling under the river passes halfway mark

http://post-gazette.com/pg/images/200806/20080608ds_tunnel_ritenour_500.jpg

Article & Source: http://post-gazette.com/pg/08160/887959-147.stm

[qwho]

^Wow. I don't think it looks too bad. Seems to match the style of the building.

I guess I am in the minority of opinion when it comes to signage. I'm for them.
I love seeing pictures of Tokyo & Hong Kong with the millions of signs ligning the streets. I think it gives a feeling of action, activity and excitement.

I'm in agreement with you, with the signs. In fact, I thought it was funny you mentioned Hong Kong, as that's the city I associate with signs like that. I remember seeing one of the james bond movies that takes place in china, and seeing those signs from their boat and thinking how cool it was.

The signs in Pittsburgh are a statement that these companies are doing good business here, and that they want to make their mark. I'm all for them.

Back on topic, I am impressed with what UPMC has done there, I had doubts about it being off to the left like that on each side, but now seeing the finished product, I think that was the best way to do it.

[PittPenn 03]

^Wow. I don't think it looks too bad. Seems to match the style of the building.

I guess I am in the minority of opinion when it comes to signage. I'm for them.
I love seeing pictures of Tokyo & Hong Kong with the millions of signs ligning the streets. I think it gives a feeling of action, activity and excitement.

I totally agree.

[Evergrey]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08160/888095-155.stm

North Shore Connector, you're looking good

Sunday, June 08, 2008
By Brian O'Neill, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The North Shore Connector has to be the most reviled tunnel-boring project since that North Side prison escape of 1997.

Check that. That's not fair to the prison escapees. Plenty of people found them entertaining. (Where have you gone, Nuno Pontes?) But the $435 million North Shore Connector has been lambasted in ways the multibillion-dollar Mon-Fayette Expressway-To-Nowhere never has been.

Yet with gas at $4 a gallon, the North Shore Connector looks better each day. Any extension of light rail looks better.

It's possible the subway under the Allegheny River might wind up a bit like Mayor Sophie Masloff's idea for a new ballpark on the North Shore back in 1991: At first the object of ridicule, packing in crowds once it's in place.

The shame of this extension is, of course, that it doesn't go farther and that it should be going in a different direction. But Allegheny County killed plans for the "Spine Line'' to Oakland back when Larry Dunn ran the county in the mid-1990s as if he were a double agent for another region.

Pittsburgh's consolation prize was this 1.2-mile light-rail line that manages to go from Downtown to the one big slice of land in the city where nobody lives. The PG transportation writer, Joe Grata, has estimated it would take well more than $1 billion and 15 years to plan, design and build a line to Oakland "even if it were to get on the federal list of projects competing for limited funds.''

The North Shore Connector would attract more riders if it continued to the Community College of Allegheny County or Allegheny General Hospital. But if this is as far as federal dollars will take it, take it.

It likely will get more riders than most people think.

The average weekday ridership for light rail in April was up almost 12 percent from the year before, going from roughly 23,400 to 26,100. Gasoline was only about $2.75 a gallon in April 2007 and only about $3.30 this spring, so ridership likely has risen even further since, as anyone riding the crowded cars would guess.

A friend driving up from Morgantown, W.Va., for the Pirates' season opener last April parked in South Hills Village and took the T, shaving about 22 miles from his round trip. He was in a party of three, so parking and fares each way totaled $17.60, yet that was still cheaper than extra miles and parking around PNC Park would have been. Those savings would be greater at $4 a gallon.

With restaurants, hotels and office buildings filling in between the stadiums, more people are going to make such choices, in both directions, every day. There just aren't enough choices.

Bus ridership actually dropped from about 212,000 to 200,000 in the same period that T ridership went up, largely because so many suburban routes were eliminated when Port Authority made budget cuts last year.

"Those were the routes that really served the marginal transit riders [who] are most likely to switch to riding a bus as gas prices go up,'' Chris Briem, a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Social Urban Research, noted in his blog, "Null Space."

"Maybe the Port Authority should be thinking about putting back some of those routes?"

Maybe. Most commuters prefer to drive, but costs are compelling them to choose mass transit. As a colleague who has begun taking the bus two or three times a week from the North Hills put it, "in the trade-off between inconvenience and expense, the inconvenience is worth it.''

Why are we building the North Shore Connector? That's the wrong question. The right questions are: Where should light-rail go next? Is there any way to speed construction?

More than 800,000 people in this seven-county metro area drive alone to work each day, sending hundreds of millions of dollars out their tailpipes to places such as Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

It would be better to keep that money circulating here, but America needs to undergo a massive transportation restructuring first. The North Shore Connector is only the beginning.
Brian O'Neill can be reached at boneill@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1947.

[PA Pride]

Pittsburgh's consolation prize was this 1.2-mile light-rail line that manages to go from Downtown to the one big slice of land in the city where nobody lives.

Hahahaha!! So true.

I like the project cause it's sexy, but of course it is bittersweet since there is no lightrail to any neighborhoods besides south.
Let's just hope they finish this tunnel project before they run out of money and 50 years from now they give walking tours in the vacant tunnels like Cincinnati. Ouch!

On another note, I would like to endorse the Glass Lofts development. I think it looks great is a good example of the progressive type of development that we could use more of in Pittsburgh. I hope it is successful and inspires similar projects elsewhere in the city.

Lastly, thank you to qwho & Pittpenn for backing my thoughts on city signage. It's nice to hear there are others who feel like I do on that issue.

[Smoker]

Funny article Evergrey.
---
If we had signs we probably couldn't see them very well because of all the soot and smoke. Vegas and Times Square look cool with all the lights and advertising going on. The lights make a place look alive which downtown isn't after 5 or on weekends. The city should make money off any new animated or LED signs like charging a special privelege tax, or better, take a percentage of the income the ad agency(s) makes off them.

[Grego43]

Funny article Evergrey.
---
If we had signs we probably couldn't see them very well because of all the soot and smoke. Vegas and Times Square look cool with all the lights and advertising going on. The lights make a place look alive which downtown isn't after 5 or on weekends. The city should make money off any new animated or LED signs like charging a special privelege tax, or better, take a percentage of the income the ad agency(s) makes off them.


The jury (in my own head) is still out on the building signage issue, but I would like to caution against comparing Pittsburgh to Las Vegas, Times Square, and even Hong Kong. The LV Strip and Times Square are tourist destinations, and animated signage is largely limited to those areas. Hong Kong has a special affinity for the gaudy, I've witnessed it first hand many times...you don't want what HK has. One can't compare the vastness of Hong Kong harbour which dampens the impact of the signs of Kowloon & the Island to the relative tight confines of the three rivers. I know you can find building signage in NYC, MetLife & Travelers come to mind, and many other cities which is fine as long as it is within reason. But I would venture to guess that the Golden Triangle is just about at the tipping point for building signage given the tight land area.

Animated signs aren't needed to make downtown look alive after 5 or on weekends...people are.

[diesel21]

Couldn't have said it better myself Grego!

[Smoker]

The jury (in my own head) is still out on the building signage issue, but I would like to caution against comparing Pittsburgh to Las Vegas, Times Square, and even Hong Kong. The LV Strip and Times Square are tourist destinations, and animated signage is largely limited to those areas. Hong Kong has a special affinity for the gaudy, I've witnessed it first hand many times...you don't want what HK has. One can't compare the vastness of Hong Kong harbour which dampens the impact of the signs of Kowloon & the Island to the relative tight confines of the three rivers. I know you can find building signage in NYC, MetLife & Travelers come to mind, and many other cities which is fine as long as it is within reason. But I would venture to guess that the Golden Triangle is just about at the tipping point for building signage given the tight land area.

Animated signs aren't needed to make downtown look alive after 5 or on weekends...people are.

Why do you assume I was comparing when all I did was make statements or suggestions? I wouldn't compare Pittsburgh to any other city in my wildest dreams. We're unique and prefer it that way.

I've been to Tokyo and didn't particularly like it. I prefer nature to a crowded city and I don't speak nor understand Japanese. I would like Hong Kong only to view the skyline in person. It has vantage points. Like Pittsburgh. I didn't mention these two cities in my post because they're on the opposite side of the earth. I can like Japanese lanterns but I wouldn't decorate my home with them.

> Animated signs aren't needed to make downtown look alive after 5 or on weekends...people are. <

The animated signs and the LED billboard, that may never go through, might get people into town during nonpeak hours. They'd be something to look at besides the stone cold buildings which will always look the same, signs can change. How would you get people downtown during these hours?

[cdc]

How would you get people downtown during these hours?

I don't see getting people Downtown after 5pm and on weekend as being
a high priority. There are other areas of the City that have plenty
of activity during those times...

[tooluther]

Well, I would argue pretty strongly that areas of downtown such as Penn ave/6th/7th are past the "closed after 5" plague. Other areas the PDP is working on such as Market Square and Point Park U on Wood st. are WELL on their way to accomplishing the same.

Downtown has evolved dramatically over the past three years since I've been back. Obviously there is a long way to go. There are going to be some new initiatives launched in the next few months that will help it along further.

[Evergrey]

Well, I would argue pretty strongly that areas of downtown such as Penn ave/6th/7th are past the "closed after 5" plague. Other areas the PDP is working on such as Market Square and Point Park U on Wood st. are WELL on their way to accomplishing the same.

Downtown has evolved dramatically over the past three years since I've been back. Obviously there is a long way to go. There are going to be some new initiatives launched in the next few months that will help it along further.

http://www.trecommunications.com/stayplay/images/BODY_IMAGE.jpg

[Burgh15]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08163/888934-53.stm

Developer claims hotel deal still valid despite questions
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
By Karamagi Rujumba, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200806/north_shore_entertainment_c_500.jpg


The Columbus developer contracted to build a hotel and amphitheater between PNC Park and Heinz Field says construction on the more than $115 million project will start this fall, despite objections from a City Council member and others who contend the company's five-year agreement expired last year.

Frank Kass, chairman of Continental Real Estate Cos., said yesterday he plans to break ground on Hyatt Place, a 178-room hotel, and PromoWest Entertainment Complex, a 35,000-square-foot indoor amphitheater, late this year, even as City Council planned a public hearing today to discuss whether the developer should continue with the project.

The North Shore development option agreement between Continental, the Steelers, the Pirates and the city's Stadium Authority, which started in 2003, became an issue last month, when both city Councilman William Peduto and Pittsburgh United, a consortium of labor, environmental and community groups, questioned its validity.

Mr. Peduto claimed the agreement expired last May, when Continental failed to close on land needed for the Hyatt Place hotel project, as he believes was required under the agreement's schedule, and no extension was granted by the Stadium Authority.

But Mr. Kass and Barry Ford, Continental's president of development in Pittsburgh, say the agreement is still valid because the Stadium Authority, the city or Allegheny County never told them they were in jeopardy of losing their contract because of time constraints and deadlines.

City Council's 1:30 p.m. public hearing, they said, is "meaningless," as far as they are concerned. They expect to start work on the project once they complete their purchase of the land parcels they need to buy from the Stadium Authority for about $3 million.

That may prove difficult. Stadium Authority Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian said the board's position is that once the deadline passed, the option for the land expired.

"We cannot convey land without an agreement in place," Ms. Lestitian said. "We can't amend a terminated option agreement, which terminated on its face. We need a new agreement."

Rich Lord contributed to this report. Karamagi Rujumba can be reached at krujumba@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1719.

[cdc]

bad break for PDP.


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08163/889024-100.stm
'Coffeehouse' to share Market Square with homeless



A local group that distributes food to the homeless Sunday afternoons
in Market Square should be allowed to keep doing so, despite a
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership series at the same time.

...

[AaronPGH]

Here's a question about the snails pace of expansion for rail in Pittsburgh. We keep coming up with all these "20 year vision" plans for hugely expanded rail networks, but nothing ever moves. It seems like they release one, and then do nothing about it. Then start it over 5 years down the road. Repeat. Seems like they should be moving into funding the project.

So why haven't we launched a voter approved initiative like Denver's Fast tracks? Why not release the plan, give voters a price and a completion date, and let us decide? Are there obstacles to putting something like this on the ballot countywide or something? It seems so clear to me. Give Allegheny County the option for real transit, and we will approve. EVERYONE gripes about how much they want a system like that, so let them put their money where their mouth is and get this thing started. Is this even feasible?

[Evergrey]

learn about the new Gates Center for Computer Science under construction at Carnegie Mellon University

43X1eJGlLqI

[edncc1701d]

Here's a question about the snails pace of expansion for rail in Pittsburgh. We keep coming up with all these "20 year vision" plans for hugely expanded rail networks, but nothing ever moves. It seems like they release one, and then do nothing about it. Then start it over 5 years down the road. Repeat. Seems like they should be moving into funding the project.

So why haven't we launched a voter approved initiative like Denver's Fast tracks? Why not release the plan, give voters a price and a completion date, and let us decide? Are there obstacles to putting something like this on the ballot countywide or something? It seems so clear to me. Give Allegheny County the option for real transit, and we will approve. EVERYONE gripes about how much they want a system like that, so let them put their money where their mouth is and get this thing started. Is this even feasible?

I don't think Pennsylvania's Constitution or laws allows for (true) popular initiatives and referendums. I believe, initiatives and referendums as you are suggesting are more common in the Western states than the Eastern States. Local governments can place issues on the ballot to test the waters; however, they are not bound by the results (remember the "referendum" on the new stadiums). Besides, what is the likelihood that an initiative or referendum to increase mass transit funding (with likely increase in taxes or decrease in road funding) would pass in Allegheny County or Western Pennsylvania in general? Remember, the city/urban core towns only account for maybe roughly a 1/3 of Allegheny County's total population.

Only if gas continues to consistently increase in price as it has been will funding mass transit become more popular at the state and federal levels where such things are ultimately determined for Pittsburgh/Allegheny County.

[Evergrey]

I hope Roosevelt hears Peduto out on this... I think it's absolutely embarrassing and tragic for Pittsburgh to lose Schenley High School... I like the idea of redeveloping the Reizenstein site... which is in an area that should command a fair deal of interest with Bakery Square and Trader Joe's across the street... and "bursting at the seems" Shadyside and Point Breeze directly adjacent

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08164/889474-100.stm

Peduto unveils plan for saving Schenley High

Thursday, June 12, 2008
By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

City Councilman William Peduto today unveiled a plan to save the Pittsburgh Schenley High School building by selling and redeveloping the Reizenstein property in Shadyside.

Mr. Peduto said the 13-acre Reizenstein site -- a former middle school -- could sell for as much as $15 million.

He proposed selling it to a developer who would build houses, townhomes or apartments -- development that would generate an estimated $37.9 million in new school district taxes over 20 years.

He said the property sale and new taxes would provide much of the money needed to renovate Schenley. The school district has said Schenley needs $76.2 million in work, but Mr. Peduto today put the figure at about $40 million.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt has proposed closing Schenley this month because of extensive maintenance problems. Mr. Peduto said he e-mailed Mr. Roosevelt a copy of his plan to save Schenley.

[CAPATeach]

I agree about Schenley.... not so much that it's embarrassing, but that it would be a real shame to lose it if a viable option for saving the school exists. Reizenstein is so architecturally insignificant, and (like you mentioned) in the perfect location for development.
That park by Reizenstein is so underused, and high-quality housing in that area would surely sell.

Plus, overall I think Roosevelt's reform efforts are right on target. Saving Schenley would appease many people and, I think, make them much more likely to go along with future PPS reforms.

[qwho]

It really is a beautiful building. It would be such a great loss to the community, and to the architecture of Oakland. That area is seeing somewhat of a resurgence lately. There is a catholic school being renovated with a new facade, and a low rise office building being built within a couple blocks.

Google Streetview delivers some views....
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/2743/shenfrontmp0.jpg
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2161/shensidemr0.jpg
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/4646/shenbackzb1.jpg
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/1628/shentopgh1.jpg

[AaronPGH]

I don't think Pennsylvania's Constitution or laws allows for (true) popular initiatives and referendums. I believe, initiatives and referendums as you are suggesting are more common in the Western states than the Eastern States. Local governments can place issues on the ballot to test the waters; however, they are not bound by the results (remember the "referendum" on the new stadiums). Besides, what is the likelihood that an initiative or referendum to increase mass transit funding (with likely increase in taxes or decrease in road funding) would pass in Allegheny County or Western Pennsylvania in general? Remember, the city/urban core towns only account for maybe roughly a 1/3 of Allegheny County's total population.

Only if gas continues to consistently increase in price as it has been will funding mass transit become more popular at the state and federal levels where such things are ultimately determined for Pittsburgh/Allegheny County.

Interesting. I figured there must be some reason why it hadn't been tried yet. It's a shame that something like that couldn't happen. I know it would be an uphill battle, but you never know.

[cdc]

I hope Roosevelt hears Peduto out on this... I think it's absolutely embarrassing and tragic for Pittsburgh to lose Schenley High School... I like the idea of redeveloping the Reizenstein site... which is in an area that should command a fair deal of interest with Bakery Square and Trader Joe's across the street... and "bursting at the seems" Shadyside and Point Breeze directly adjacent


A couple of points:

First, the credibility of the CMU "study" Peduto is using looks
suspect. Notice how there are no actual CMU faculty quoted as leading
or supervising this work. Instead we get vague statements like:

"... according to a 23-page Carnegie Mellon University study Peduto asked
students to prepare."

quote from:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_572564.html

Who are these students? What are their quallifications? This whole
thing seems more like a Peduto PR stunt to get in the papers than a
serious attempt to address the issues. Looks like BS to me, but I
guess it makes a good press release...


Second, if you want to get a better idea of the kind of financial data
and challenges the School District is looking at, check out the 30
page powerpoint PDF linked off this page:

http://www.pghboe.net/pps/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=284224&C=53644

This is from the April 7th, 2008 Business/Finance Committee Meeting on
the District's Long-term Financial Planning. (consider the costs per
pupil on pages 6 and 7; also the page on Underutilized Facilities on
page 12 will be of interest here).

There is also a 10 slide review of Debt management at this link:

http://www.pghboe.net/pps/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=284616&C=53644
(May 14, 2008: Snapshot of District's Progress in Fiscal Restraint)

Note the chart on page 5 (Rate of Increase in Debt Obligation
Dramatically Reduced). Factor in the estimates on Schenley
renovations. I don't believe the $40M the students quoted.
If you look at page 6 of this:
http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/pps/lib/pps/FINAL_Schenley_Recommendation_05.19.08.pdf

the latest estimate is $76.2M, and frankly, given the way construction
costs are rising these days (look at what is happening to PAT with the
T extension) I bet the real number would be even larger (closer to
$100M).


Third, I don't think anyone really wants to close Schenley (looking at
the charts, there are better targets ... e.g. Westinghouse). The
timing is bad --- the physical issues with the building became an
issue before the District really got its High School reorg plan put
together and that makes it more difficult for Roosevelt to make
forward progress on reshaping the district. But note that there is a
difference between closing it and tearing it down. The building
itself might have a brighter future if it wasn't owned by the
District.


Finally, I've been to my kid's school enough to realize the great
challenge it is to teach students in this district. Resources are
short. Classes are diverse with kids at all different levels of
readyness to learn. Often there is not enough staff to provide extra
help for kids who are struggling. These issues are the important
issues that need to be addressed, and pouring $76.2M into a building
isn't going to do anything to address them.

[tooluther]

I just found out I get to tour the North Shore Connector tunnel next week. Don't be too jealous...man, I'm such a nerd!

[Evergrey]

more Pittsburghers biking to work
http://kdka.com/video/?id=42552@kdka.dayport.com

[Smoker]

I just found out I get to tour the North Shore Connector tunnel next week. Don't be too jealous...man, I'm such a nerd!

We'll be looking forward to your observations.

[Grego43]

I just found out I get to tour the North Shore Connector tunnel next week. Don't be too jealous...man, I'm such a nerd!

Have fun! I toured the downtown subway while it was under construction...very, very cool.

[Johnland]

The whole Schenley High issue is a tough one. When I wear my urban historical preservation hat, I say keep Schenley because it is an urban gem worth keeping in the city for its architectural contribution to the city's fabric and also providing city students a monumental structure within which to obtain their education. However, when I wear my city economics 101 hat, I look at the estimated price tag for renovation and relaize how much forgone educational opportunity it equates to.

So what to do? Well, if Pittsburgh was booming and prosperous, there would probably be funds available somewhere to pull off a renovation, which I feel is the best overall answer in a perfect world. However, given the facts of reality, economics in Pittsburgh may not justify, in the short term, the renovation. But short term time passes very quickly. Eventually, we are stuck in the long term with results of actions taken at any point. Sould Rome have torn down the Coliseum in the name of budget constraints? Should Athens have torn down the Parthenon? Should Pittsburgh have torn down the Post Office of 1880 on Smithfield St in 1966 to build a parking garage? I say no, no and no!

I guess after getting it all out, I've decided I want Schenley High to stand.

[CAPATeach]

I agree with all of CDC's points on Schenley.

I highly doubt Schenley will be torn down... most likely it will be owned and revamped by Pitt. It's a shame that it won't be used by high school students. But it's not a huge letdown to think that instead it will probably be used by college students and professors.

The PPS budget and educational crisis is very real and haven't been addressed for years and years. Roosevelt's plans are going to do an incredible amount to steer the district in the right direction...to take away from, or short change, the reform process to keep the school district's name on one building, doesn't make sense to me.

In an ideal world I'd love to see the IB program at Schenley. Instead it will be at Reizenstein and should function successfully there as a smaller, better-managed program... and hopefully the 75 million can go towards a successful Science and Tech school (probably at Frick in 1-year), a Health Careers school formed (in 3 years), a high-tech vocational school formed (2 years), etc, etc,...

[CAPATeach]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08165/889627-52.stm

An interesting article in the PG. Of course this would be Roosevelt's response, but it's interesting that Patrick Dowd, former head of the school board and current councilman, also agrees. (I always thought they were friends... publicly calling the proposal "silly" may change that)

Personally, I've gone back and forth on this issue all year, and even in the past few days have changed my mind a few times. But the more I read about this, the more I think it's a sad truth... 75 million is too much money and looking at the big picture and the overall future of PPS, the school should be sold and the schools should keep moving forward in the reform process.

[Johnland]

The Schenley High issue is a dilema on many fronts. However, I agree with CAPATeach that it probably makes the most sense for the building to be sold. The question is then would Schenley bring in more money than selling Reizenstein. Both properties are in top notch locations, which is the golden rule in real estate. While Shadyside/East Liberty is in a building boom, that site could be very profitable. However, Schenley is on the edge of Pitt campus, which puts it range for a logical purchase by the University. Pitt keeps expanding and has allocated enormous sums for development, so that should theoretically be a great choice as well. Pitt would have the money to renovate the building and keep it going for some type of educational function.

[AaronPGH]

more Pittsburghers biking to work
http://kdka.com/video/?id=42552@kdka.dayport.com

I am one of them now too.

[PA Pride]

I am one of them now too.

I'm gonna get you a pair of spandex shorts for your birthday.

[Evergrey]

some construction photos

site of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture
http://www.pbase.com/image/98665379.jpg

65 condos u/c atop Piatt Place
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665384.jpg

Three PNC Plaza
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665389.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665398.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665403.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665405.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665408.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665413.jpg

G.C. Murphy in Market Square undergoing residential conversion to Marketsquare Place
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665417.jpg

Moe's Southwest Grille in Market Sq.
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665421.jpg

Dunkin Donuts opening soon in Market Sq... yum!
http://www.pbase.com/deadwing/image/98665424.jpg

[PA Pride]

Great photos evergrey!

[Wheelingman04]

Love those photos.

[Tombstoner]

Great photos--the PPG rising behind Saks was particularly gorgeous.

I have to say I regret the garish paint choices of Moe's, however. Looks cheap.

[Smoker]

:previous: I agree with you. Moe's is hideous and will stick out like a sore thumb. Market Square deserves much better than something like this cheap color scheme dragging it down. I hope they go out of business quickly.

[AaronPGH]

I hope they go out of business quickly.

:( I don't dig the color, but as a downtown worker, I'm really happy to have this choice for lunch.