PITTSBURGH | Rundown [Archive] - Page 52

Evergrey

11-08-2008, 11:05 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_597437.html

BNY Mellon to replace sign on Downtown building

By Sam Spatter
FOR THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, November 8, 2008

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. wants to replace signs on 54-story One Mellon Center, Downtown, with BNY Mellon signs, said spokeswoman Lane M. Cigna.

Mellon Financial Corp., which merged last year with The Bank of New York, was one of the first large Downtown-based companies to place its name and logo on its building in 1994. The practice was controversial at the time, raising aesthetic objections among some who preferred a pristine skyline. Since then, about a dozen companies have placed their names atop the buildings they occupy.

The first step will be taken Nov. 20, when building owner 500 Grant Street Association seeks approval from the Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance on the size of the new signs.

The building has four signs -- two with the name Mellon and two logo signs -- that are 14 feet and 24 feet in height, respectively. The proposed new signs have the same letter size, but the height, at 24 feet, exceeds the present code, now at 20 feet.

The additional four feet in height for the signs is because of an arrow symbol that is part of the new BNY Mellon logo.

The new signs probably won't be installed until the third quarter of 2009, Cigna said. The delay, in part, is because they are custom-made and will take months to produce. BNY Mellon declined to disclose the estimated cost.

In addition, One Mellon Center will be renamed BNYMellon Center next year. Also, the Mellon Client Service Center at 500 Ross St. will be renamed BNYMellon Client Service Center.

The new signs are part of a signage-conversion program taking place at about 200 BNY Mellon locations around world. The program includes plans to provide new street-level exterior signs, Cigna said.

Other Downtown buildings that display company logos include UPMC on the U.S. Steel Tower; Fiserv on Fort Duquesne Boulevard; Duquesne Light Co. on its building on Sixth Avenue; Highmark Inc. on Fifth Avenue Place; and Ariba on One Oliver Plaza.

One Oliver Plaza will be renamed K&L Gates Center, and the Ariba sign will be replaced by a logo for K&L Gates. The changes might not take place until 2010, when the law firm is scheduled to move in. Ariba replaced a FreeMarkets Inc. logo on the building.

Sam Spatter can be reached at sspatter@tribweb.com or 412-320-7843.

http://www.bnymellon.com/img/nav/tbnymlogo.gif

Evergrey

11-08-2008, 11:09 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_597470.html

Pitt approves $14M sports complex

By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, November 8, 2008

Ranked in the top five nationally in basketball and the top 25 in football, the University of Pittsburgh is developing a sports complex that it hopes will improve its standings in other sports.

The Property and Facilities Committee of Pitt's Board of Trustees on Friday approved $43.2 million in construction and renovation projects, including $14.3 million for the Olympic Sports Complex.

"As we strive to be a national caliber athletic program, we must first provide the resources that give student-athletes and coaches a chance to compete at the highest levels," said Eli Shorak, Pitt's associate vice chancellor for business, in an e-mail.

The $14.3 million will be used to buy the former Robinson Court property next to Pitt's campus and prepare the land for construction. The complex will include baseball, softball, soccer and track facilities.

Shorak wrote that the facilities are needed for athletes to train safely and effectively and for the university to recruit, host competitions and events on a regional and national scale and for its teams to compete nationally.

The first phase involves relocating utility lines, stabilizing the site and preparing other infrastructure. The total cost of this project is not yet known.

Other projects approved include:

• about $9.1 million for renovating Amos Hall;

• $2.6 million for expanding the Chambers Hall fitness center on the Greensburg campus;

• $6.1 million for upgrading labs and infrastructure in nanoscience research in the Van de Graaff Building;

• nearly $4 million for installing an emergency generator for the mid-campus complex;

• $5.6 million for redesigning the steam condensate collection systems for the Carillo Street Steam Plant;

• about $1.5 million for renovating the fifth floor of the William Pitt Union.

The committee also approved four leases. The Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology will rent 19,346 square feet in Bakery Square in East Liberty for 10 years at an initial cost of $418,132 a year, starting in May.

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute will occupy 9,419 square feet in Forbes Tower, 3600 Forbes Ave., at an initial cost of $235,380 a year for five years, beginning in January.

The Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center will use 2,413 square feet in Birmingham Towers at $161,785 a year through Nov. 30, 2013.

And the Office of Institutional Advancement will rent 20,965 square feet at 128 N. Craig St. in Oakland at an initial annual cost of $492,678 for 10 years, starting in May.

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

Evergrey

11-08-2008, 02:51 PM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08312/926112-147.stm

Paris flights backed by $9M subsidies

Delta compensated if revenues fall short

Friday, November 07, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Business and political leaders are betting big that Delta Air Lines' nonstop Pittsburgh-to-Paris service, to start in June, will really take off with travelers.

If it doesn't, they could be on the hook for some big money.

The state and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development are pledging up to $9 million in potential subsidies to Delta over two years if the Paris service falls short of agreed-to revenue levels, officials said at a news conference yesterday.

Delta will start service June 3, offering nonstop flights every day except Tuesdays and Fridays from Pittsburgh International Airport to Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Return flights will be available the same five days.

To secure the coveted service, the state and conference agreed to provide up to $2.5 million each after the first year of flights and up to $2 million each after the second year if revenues don't meet an agreed-upon level not disclosed yesterday.

Likewise, the Allegheny County Airport Authority will waive landing fees for the flights for the first two years, an incentive County Executive Dan Onorato said is available to any airline interested in starting nonstop European service.

Allegheny Conference Chief Executive Officer Michael Langley viewed the potential for triggering the payments from his organization and the state as "low risk," given the expected demand for the service.

He said that on average, about 340 people a day fly from Pittsburgh to a transatlantic destination. That's 3.4 percent higher than in 2004, when US Airways dropped its nonstop flights to London and Frankfurt.

The conference also has gotten commitments from nearly 100 of the region's largest businesses that they will use the Pittsburgh-to-Paris service, Mr. Langley said. He added that regional firms generate more than a third of their revenues outside of the United States, making international travel more of a necessity.

"Our estimates of what we think this flight will produce, based on past, present and what we project for the future, we have a pretty good cushion before we would provide any guarantee at all," he said.

Mr. Langley said the potential subsidies being offered to Delta are far less than the incentives, including guaranteed ticket purchases, dangled in the past to airlines to try to get them to add nonstop transatlantic service from Pittsburgh.

At one time, he said, the region was offering upwards of $10 million in upfront payments to US Airways to restart the London and Frankfurt flights. He also said the possible payments are far less than the $130 million in economic impact the conference estimates the flights will generate for the region in jobs, wages and other spinoff.

"This is a much bigger investment for Delta than it is for the business community and the state," he said.

Michael Boyd, a Colorado-based aviation consultant, said such incentives and subsidies are a "common mechanism" used by airports and cities throughout the country to attract domestic and international service. "You go for what you can go for," he said. "Nine million dollars is chump change considering the economic impact that flight could have for southwestern Pennsylvania."

The agreement with Delta provides no upfront payments. If revenue goals are met or exceeded, Delta is owed no money by the state or the conference. On the other hand, the carrier has the right to drop the flights after two years if they do not meet revenue projections.

There also are safeguards that could trigger a review of the agreement if oil prices again skyrocket or economic conditions change dramatically, Mr. Langley said.

Daniel Booker, chair of the conference- and county-backed Regional Air Service Partnership, which was instrumental in recruiting Delta, said the deal is a good one for the region.

Without such service, the region was not only at risk of not being able to compete for international companies looking to relocate or expand, but was in danger of losing some of the firms it had, he said.

Delta, which recently merged with Northwest to form the world's largest airline, will use a Boeing 757-200 aircraft for its Pittsburgh-to-Paris route. The jet will hold up to 174 passengers, including 16 in business class.

Robert Cortelyou, Delta senior vice president of network planning, said the new service is an outgrowth of the carrier's joint venture with Air France that began with a new open skies agreement between the U.S. and Europe this year.

That not only gave Delta better access to European airports, it enabled the carrier to identify underserved markets like Pittsburgh where it thought there was "tremendous potential."

Mr. Cortelyou said Delta has received incentives in many of the other cities where it has started new service.

Delta will offer an introductory $599 one-way fare from Pittsburgh to Paris based on a round-trip purchase for travel through June 30. It must be purchased by Nov. 21. Flights can be booked at delta.com.

Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Evergrey

11-08-2008, 02:53 PM

this may be an even bigger deal than the Paris flight! :haha:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08313/926410-147.stm

New Harrisburg bus service a Capitol gain for Pittsburgh

Saturday, November 08, 2008
By Tom Barnes and Tracie Mauriello, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG

The best slogan for business people, lawyers, legislators and others who have to travel from Pittsburgh to the state Capitol might be "you can't get there from here."

OK, that's a bit of an overstatement. But there is no air travel, now that US Airways has ended its flights. There is one daily Amtrak train, which pokes along, making many stops, and takes about six hours to make the trip. Greyhound offers bus routes that take four to six hours each way.

The vast majority of travelers must take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, about a four-hour drive, depending on traffic and construction.

"There used to be a number of flights to Harrisburg every day, but then flights became fewer and more expensive," said Chuck Kolling, a lobbyist with Pittsburgh-based Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, who travels frequently between the two cities.

Contrast the Steel City situation with travel from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, where there are seven daily flights back and forth. Also, several daily Amtrak trains make a one-way trip in 90 minutes to two hours. And once you get to Philly, it's not hard to continue on the train to New York City.

Three entrepreneurs from Pittsburgh -- business partners Henry Posner III and Robert Pietrandrea and well-known bus company operator George DeBolt -- have come up with a new alternative for travel to and from Harrisburg.

The Steel City Flyer bus service, which kicks off Nov. 24, grew from their personal experiences trying to get to and from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, Philly and New York. A one-way trip will cost $69.

"We came up with the idea because trying to get out of Pittsburgh to go anywhere is almost impossible,'' Mr. Pietrandrea said yesterday. "And anymore, flying from Pittsburgh to New York City is a crapshoot.''

He said the new bus will stop at the Harrisburg transportation center, where passengers can transfer to an Amtrak train for the ride to Philadelphia or on to the Big Apple.

One time, because of canceled flights and long airport delays, "it took me 25 hours to get [by plane] from Pittsburgh to Princeton, N.J. -- a distance of under 350 miles," said Mr. Posner, a partner with Mr. Pietrandrea in Railroad Development Corp. of Pittsburgh.

"In another case, I was in New York City when my flight home was proactively canceled eight hours in advance because the airline thought that the weather might be bad," he said. "My experience has suggested that there has to be a better way."

Working with Mr. DeBolt, they will lease two Daimler Mercedes-Benz luxury coaches for twice-daily, nonstop round trips from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg and back. The buses will be used until two custom-built luxury coaches are ready.

"This is a great idea -- it's the private sector at its best," said Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, who drives to the Capitol.

Currently, train passengers who want to make a day trip from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg have one option. Boarding time is 7:20 a.m., and the train arrives in the capital at 12:45 p.m. The only train back departs less than two hours later, arriving in Pittsburgh at 8:05 p.m. The cost is $36 each way.

Philadelphia train travelers have more choices. They can choose from 10 weekday trains into Harrisburg and 10 back home. The cost is $23 each way.

Pittsburghers who prefer to travel by bus have several schedule options, but most are more costly than train service, and some routes take more than seven hours each way. Greyhound offers seven trips from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg and six return trips each day at costs ranging from $70 to $79 round-trip.

Jim Parks, executive director of the Pittsburgh-based Eckert Seamans law firm, is eager for the new bus service to start.

"We have an office in Harrisburg and travel has become a lot tougher without the flights,'' he said. "We have a number of people who work in both offices, attorneys, government relations people, marketing people, and it's a tedious drive. We think this bus service will be a good alternative to driving.''

Also interested is Barbara McNees, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, who travels frequently between the two cities when the Legislature is in session.

"There are a lot of days I drive to Harrisburg and back to Pittsburgh in the same day, and it makes for a long day when you do that,'' she said. "And I could get some work done when I'm riding on the bus."

Legislators often travel back and forth, almost exclusively by car.

"Even with the moderating price of gasoline, this bus should be an attractive alternative,'' said Rep. Don Walko, D-North Side.

US Airways (and its predecessors) have offered air service between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg for 70 years, until September.

An online reservation system for the new bus should be in operation in about a month. More information is available at www.steelcityflyer.com.

Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 1-717-787-4254.

Minivan Werner

11-08-2008, 03:52 PM

Nice to see Pitt doing something with those Robinson court properties even if it's just athletic fields. Hopefully there's residential/condos/apts in store for the Waring court properties to the west.

PA Pride

11-08-2008, 06:50 PM

See, Cleveland can take solice in the fact that we lost one of our biggest names, Mellon, to Bank of NY. Now all we have is PNC just like all they have is Key as far as big banks.

That's the business world: You win some and you lose some.

Evergrey

11-08-2008, 07:15 PM

while Mellon did merge with Bank of New York... with the merged entity HQed in NYC... BONY Mellon has actually increased employment and added office space in Pittsburgh... maintaining many of the merged entity's critical operations here... it's essentially been the best possible outcome for Pittsburgh...

Cleveland losing National City will not be equivalent to the Mellon example

PA Pride

11-08-2008, 11:39 PM

themaguffin

11-09-2008, 03:53 PM

it appeared to me BNY was adding to Pgh because it's a lot chearper than having the positions in Manhattan or the NYC area in general.

tooluther

11-10-2008, 02:10 PM

it appeared to me BNY was adding to Pgh because it's a lot chearper than having the positions in Manhattan or the NYC area in general.

:iagree:

P!tt$bur&h

11-11-2008, 08:27 PM

Carnegie Science Center expansion plans unveiled

The Associated Press
The Carnegie Science Center is planning to expand by 80,000 square feet, build a new sports science exhibition building and create an outdoor "eco park" in the next 10 years.

The Pittsburgh museum's SportsWorks facility closed last month to make way for a $435 million light rail project. A new SportsWorks is expected to open next August.

The science center also is planning a new reception center that would eventually link the main building to SportsWorks. The planned "eco park" will be next to the museum's main entrance.

Museum officials told city planners that a new parking lot with a semi-permeable surface could serve as an educational tool, teaching visitors about storm water management.

(Detailed plans from the City of Pittsburgh's development planning website)
http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/assets/carnegie_science_center/08_csc_master_dev_plan.pdf
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/dreed4/CSCExpansion-1.jpg

Evergrey

11-11-2008, 08:40 PM

that's a fine lookin' parking lot rendering... and a fine way to replace SportsWorks... it's really exciting that the new North Shore Connector terminus will lead to an expanded parking lot... very "eco"... 90% of the prime North Shore is parking... we have the tallest parking garage in the world going up next door... maybe the casino (opening up during a depression!) and science center could work a deal to share that facility and spare the old SportsWorks parcel for a dignified rebirth... we have an LRT stop right there... wouldn't it make sense to have some high-density TOD development to exploit the potential of this new rail line (which currently ends up in a no-mans land of parking)?

but then... the stated plan of the Port Authority is for the North Shore Connector to serve as a park-n-ride link... that's been their rationalization in recent statements... how very backward and anti-urban... let's reserve our prime urban real estate for vast seas of parking lots

PA Pride

11-11-2008, 08:55 PM

ugh.... a parking lot. right next to Pittsburgh's newest skyscraper, the casino parking garage. Awesome.

This is disappointing that the half a billion dollar light rail leads to a parking lot.

PA Pride

11-11-2008, 08:57 PM

it appeared to me BNY was adding to Pgh because it's a lot chearper than having the positions in Manhattan or the NYC area in general.

Great. Pittsburgh is becoming the new 'back office' location for NYC. We are the new Buffalo.

Evergrey

11-11-2008, 09:05 PM

Great. Pittsburgh is becoming the new 'back office' location for NYC. We are the new Buffalo.

it's not back office... the merged entity BONY Mellon is one of the world's largest securities serving and asset management firms... its asset and wealth management divisions are headquartered here... Pittsburgh is like BONY Mellon's HQ 1-A

and there is no comparison with Buffalo... while Pittsburgh is famous for losing a ton of Fortune 500s during the 70s and 80s... "corporate headquarters" has been one of our major employment growth sectors over the past decade

PA Pride

11-11-2008, 09:21 PM

^Ahh, interesting. Thanks evergrey.

cdc

11-11-2008, 09:44 PM

Evergrey

11-11-2008, 09:49 PM

seems like the parking lots associated with the stadiums are more
obtrusive than the science center lots?

hence why I lamented that 90% of the North Shore is parking lots in the very post you quoted... I've railed against the North Shore parking district a million times here...

this new expanded Science Center parking lot has a footprint almost the size of Heinz Field

guyFROMtheBURGH

11-12-2008, 12:03 AM

so since it was mentioned, what are the corporate HQ that are based in pittsburgh?

and also, not to be a downer here, but what were the HQ's that we lost in the 70's and 80's?

Grego43

11-12-2008, 02:00 AM

Current Fortune 1000:
US STEEL
PPG
HJ HEINZ
PNC
WESCO
CONSOL
ALLEGHENY TECHNOLOGIES
ALLEGHENY ENERGY
DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS
KENNAMETAL

Lost (off the top of my head)
GULF OIL
ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
WESTINGHOUSE
NATIONAL STEEL
MELLON BANK
ALCOA
WHEELING-PITTSBURGH STEEL
DRAVO

Evergrey

11-12-2008, 07:57 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_597962.html

Reed Smith snaps up space

By Ron DaParma
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

It didn't take long to fill three floors of vacant space at the National City Center tower Downtown.

Reed Smith LP, one of the city's largest law firms, said Tuesday it signed a 10-year lease to move about 300 employees into 55,000-square-feet of space formerly occupied by National City Corp. at the 20-story building at 11 Stanwix St.

"It's a testiment to the strength of the Downtown office market that it took just over three weeks to find a new tenant to fill National City's space," said Jeremy Kronman of CB Richard Ellis/Pittsburgh, leasing agent for the 327,000-square-foot building.

The Reed Smith move is separate from its previously announced plan to relocate its main Pittsburgh headquarters. About 325 employees will move from the James H. Reed Building at 435 Sixth Ave. to 183,690 square feet of space on seven floors of the $179 million Three PNC Plaza under construction at Fifth Avenue and Market Street in June 2009.

A majority of the employees moving to the National City Center will be coming from the Gulf Tower on Grant Street, said Jamie Moss, a spokeswoman for the law firm. About 75 employees will be coming from the 435 Sixth Ave. site.

Cleveland-based National City still occupies five floors in the National City Center. It hired Dan Adamski, commercial broker with Jones Lang LaSalle, to market its excess space, plus an additional 100,000-square feet at Allegheny Center on the North Side.

It's not yet clear what impact PNC Financial Services Group Inc.'s $5.6 billion deal to acquire National City will have on its use of local office space.

PNC has said it does not expect the merger will cost any jobs in Pittsburgh. Real estate experts say the local market could benefit if PNC consolidates in Pittsburgh any of National City's operations from its base in Cleveland.

Counting National City's space, the National City Center is 94 percent occupied, he said.

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

hyperion1110

11-12-2008, 02:52 PM

hence why I lamented that 90% of the North Shore is parking lots in the very post you quoted... I've railed against the North Shore parking district a million times here...

this new expanded Science Center parking lot has a footprint almost the size of Heinz Field

Yeah parking lots suck...but one thing should be noted. There is something wrong with that rendering. To begin with, those parking lots are not to scale; they're made to look much larger than they are, which is strange, I know. But you know there is something fishy with the picture, because they have the whole area that was the Miller building (aka SportsWorks) as parking lot. We know this isn't true, since Miller was torn down to make way for the train station.

So, in the end, I think that parking lot is only going to be about half the size it appears in that poorly rendered image. In that case, there would be no more parking in the future than there is now, and there's going to be a heck of a lot more green. In short, it's an improvement...not perfect, but an improvement nonetheless.

Minivan Werner

11-12-2008, 03:06 PM

I thought I remembered reading that the original plans called for a decrease in parking spaces for the Science Center, but that they would in fact have a deal with the Casino garage as well as some space east of Heinz Field if necessary.

Looks like they ditched that Jean Nouvel expansion plan for something a little more contemporary, though there aren't any good angles of the actual expansion that I can find in that .pdf.

Evergrey

11-12-2008, 07:55 PM

David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame) was in Pittsburgh a few days ago... here are his thoughts on our city:

http://www.cluas.com/images/music/gigs/david_byrne.jpg
http://journal.davidbyrne.com/

Pittsburgh comes back

About 4 years ago when I was here I was given a short tour of the area by my friend John Chernoff. He told me how the Heinz family was intent on bringing life (and eventually living) back into the downtown of this former industrial giant. We passed through neighborhoods of former steelworker housing – areas on the verge of coming back after years of being abandoned. Like Detroit, Cleveland and many others, this town got dealt a series of body blows in previous decades and some of those towns have managed to remain standing while others are definitely on the mat.

On this visit it seems that Pittsburgh is more than just standing — the cultural district downtown was jumping on the weekend, the little neighborhoods were thriving with their corner bars and grocery stores, the strip district still has its booming markers and, I was told, folks are moving back into the city. This latter is essential, as it will provide the tax base, and the humanity, that will allow this kick-start that the Heinz family and others have initiated to keep running on its own steam.

Evergrey

11-12-2008, 08:13 PM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08317/927326-100.stm

Pittsburgh tax break for new housing is working, mayor says

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The city of Pittsburgh's 17-month-old tax break for new Downtown housing is starting to bear fruit, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said at a press event today.

Mr. Ravenstahl visited 941 Penn Ave., a 17-unit condominium where people are just starting to move in.

"Things are not good in the economy, and we all know that," he said. But the success of the Downtown property, where 16 units are already sold, suggests that the city continues to experience good news, he said. "These are families that are moving here, staying here, and investing here."

People who buy new homes Downtown and in 26 eligible distressed neighborhoods can get waivers of as much as $6,200 a year in city and school property taxes for 10 years. Owners still pay taxes on the value the property had before the new housing was built.

At 941 Penn, where the condos range from $350,000 to $1.3 million, the full break applies.

"Being aware of the tax abatement is what brought us in to take a look" at living Downtown, said John Jordan, who, along with his wife Nasrin, bought a second-floor condo at the site. They are moving from Upper Burrell.

"Without that carrot, we would not have thought to come down and express an interest," he said.

In the other 26 eligible neighborhoods, 33 homes are either receiving the benefit or have been approved pending the completion of construction.

In East Allegheny. Al DePasquale, owner of October Development, has used it to sell five new homes, and is now building four more and planning another 30.

"We're getting a lot of out-of-towners" who like the proximity to Downtown and the fact that they'll pay taxes on lots valued at $1,000 while living in houses that go for around $229,000, said Mr. DePasquale. Sales would be slower without the break, he said.

The other approved homes include one other in East Allegheny, a dozen in the Hill District, five in Hazelwood, three in Upper Lawrenceville, two in the West End, and one each in Allentown, Bluff, Elliott, Perry South and Sheraden.

The nonprofit Pittsburgh Housing Development Corp., an arm of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, is involved with most of those homes, working with neighborhood development groups to get them built and sold. Most still are under construction, and none have sold yet, according to David Howe, manager of the Pittsburgh Housing Development Corp.

The homes are geared toward low-to-moderate income buyers, he said, and on a home worth $130,000, the tax break will shave around $200 a month from the eventual homeowner's mortgage payment.

"It provides an opportunity to a lot of these buyers ... that otherwise wouldn't be able to afford these."

Jessica Smith Perry, the URA's manager of housing development, said it's not surprising that a tax break approved by council in June 2007 hasn't generated more homes. Developers can only apply after they get building permits, and the break starts when construction ends -- events that are typically 18 months apart.

She made presentations to developers outlining the city's various tax breaks in May, and did the same for Strip District interests last week.

"This is definitely an incentive to developers, and they like it very much," she said, adding that she gets around five calls a week on the tax break.

PA Pride

11-12-2008, 09:34 PM

This is forumer Tooluther's condo project:

From Pop City

$1.4M 5 Lofts project unveils new designs, brings eco-living to Downtown Pittsburgh

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/fivelofts1105.aspx

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20134/pfaffman_300.jpg

Eco-friendly Downtown living is taking center stage at new condo development 5 Lofts on Penn.

Located at 806 Penn Ave., the $1.4 million project features five 1,600-square-foot units dedicated to healthy products and practices. “We thought the market would be interested in healthy living space,” says Patty Burk, with 9th and Liberty Partners. “They're condos for people who get it—it’s really an urban lifestyle. Every floor is different.”

Designed by Pfaffmann + Associates, the project features cork and bamboo flooring, no-VOC paints, recycled aluminum studs, and Energy Star appliances. The turn-of-the-century building includes a roof deck, private elevator entry and award-winning Lightolier fixtures. Contractor is North Hills-based LLI/CMI. An exhibition of archival photographs is planned for the building’s lobby.

“It’s in the middle of everything along the Benedum block,” adds Burk, who is working with ARTEMIS Environmental Building Materials. "The grocery market is one block away." Burk, vice president of housing and economic development with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, says 5 Lofts has the market's lowest per square foot pricing. A Downtown resident, Burk purchased the 12,000-square-foot property in May 2007 along with Tom Jackson of recycling-led waste management company Greenstar, and Sean Luther.

Units, priced between $345,900 and $419,900, are marketed by Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. The project offers a 10-year tax abatement and $4,000 buyer credit for contracts signed before Nov. 30. With one condo sold and one under agreement, occupancy is expected during March 2009.

An open house at 5 Lofts is set for Nov. 5, from 6-8p.m. The event will feature building tours, goat cheese cheesecake from Palate and beverages from Crazy Mocha.

To receive Pop City free every week, click here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Patty Burk, 9th and Liberty Partners

Image courtesy Patty Burk/Pfaffman + Associates

At a recent re-unveiling tour I snapped these photos.

Eco friendly options like cork and bamboo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0527.jpg

Lighting options as presented by my friend Terri:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0528.jpg

Living Room space, currently the showroom of sorts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0530.jpg

Tooluther & Terri:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0532.jpg

Kitchen and living areas, taped off on the floor to signify where walls will go:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0531.jpg

Looking towards the rear of the unit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v284/austindaniel/100_0533.jpg

Good job Tooluther! Thanks for helping convert an old building downtown into something good for Pittsburgh.

AaronPGH

11-12-2008, 10:49 PM

Nice one! I didn't realize he was involved in that. Maybe I've been living under a rock. Good job everyone. Hit the showers.

JackStraw

11-12-2008, 11:46 PM

Cool shots and article PaPride. I use to catch the HP flyer when I still lived in the burbs next to that building. I always thought it was going to make awesome lofts.

Good deal tooluther!

JackStraw

11-12-2008, 11:53 PM

cdc

11-13-2008, 12:16 AM

hitting the target!

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08317/927444-100.stm

Target to build garage, store in East Liberty
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

It's official: Target is coming to East Liberty.

The retailer plans to build a 156,000-square-foot store at Penn Avenue and Penn Circle South as part of proposed 4.75-acre Eastside V development. Officials hope to have the store open by fall 2010.

...

Evergrey

11-13-2008, 04:30 AM

KDKA's Dave Crawley takes a look at development in the Lower Hill District

http://kdka.com/video/?id=48834@kdka.dayport.com

Evergrey

11-13-2008, 06:28 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08318/927520-455.stm

New arena's cost rises $31 million

Penguins, state, sports authority to chip in

Thursday, November 13, 2008
By Mark Belkos, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The cost of the replacement for Mellon Arena has soared to $321 million, forcing the Penguins, the state and the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority to pony up more money to complete the project.

At $321 million, the new project cost is $31 million more than the $290 million budget originally set for the arena, which is scheduled to open before the 2010-11 hockey season.

Under an agreement to be considered by the sports authority board today, the Penguins will kick in $15.5 million to help cover the increase, the state will contribute $10 million and the sports authority $5.5 million from sources that could include an existing Mellon Arena ticket surcharge and interest income from new arena bond proceeds.

Project officials were not surprised that the arena cost surpassed $290 million. The original budget was set in 2005 when Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., then bidding for the Pittsburgh casino license, offered to put up $290 million to fund the project.

Penguins Chief Executive Officer Ken Sawyer said yesterday the team considered the $321 million project cost an "excellent result" given inflation, the dramatic spike in gasoline prices earlier this year and the rising cost of construction materials, including steel.

"We're very pleased that it's not more than this," he said. "We have been spending wisely on this project. At the same time, we're going to have a building we're all very proud of."

As part of the deal reached to build the new arena and keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh, the team and the state agreed to split the cost of any increases between $290 million and $310 million. If the total cost rose above $310 million, the Penguins had the right to walk away from the deal, but that won't happen.

"We made a commitment to stay in Pittsburgh a long time ago," Penguins President David Morehouse said.

To cover the additional costs above $310 million, the team agreed to contribute another $5.5 million and the sports authority will kick in the rest.

Sports authority Executive Director Mary Conturo said the agency's share potentially could come from three sources -- the ticket surcharge, interest earnings from the arena bond issue and savings if the garage being built next to the new facility comes in under budget.

Ms. Conturo said the Mellon Arena surcharge generated more than $900,000 in extra revenue last season because of the Penguins' playoff run. She said that if the team gets into the second round of the playoffs in each of the next few years, the surcharge would produce an extra $700,000 annually, money that could be used to help cover cost increases.

The sports authority projects that interest income from the arena bond issue would generate about $3.8 million. Ms. Conturo said the total project cost also includes about $16 million in contingencies. If they are not spent, that would reduce the overall cost of the project, she said.

However, if the sports authority is unable to come up with all or part of its $5.5 million share, which isn't needed until 2010, the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority and the county Redevelopment Authority have agreed to lend the sports authority whatever money is needed.

It would be repaid from proceeds of the sale of Mellon Arena real estate to the Penguins as part of their plan to redevelop the land.

Now that the final project cost has been set at $321 million, the Penguins will be responsible for any overruns above that amount.

The arena deal itself is funded through a $7.5 million annual payment for 30 years from the Pittsburgh casino, $7.5 million a year from a state economic development fund backed by slot machine revenues, and about $4 million a year from the Penguins.

Chuck Ardo, spokesman for Gov. Ed Rendell, said no final decision has been made on the source of funding for the extra $10 million needed from the state because of the cost increase.

Penguins officials said they always thought the arena cost would end up between $290 million and $310 million. At $321 million, the total project cost is only about 3 percent more, they noted.

The new arena will be an environmentally friendly, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building. Ms. Conturo said it will be the first LEED certified National Hockey League arena in the country.

The arena isn't the only new project going up in price. The cost of the casino being built on the North Shore has jumped from $450 million to $800 million. The cost of improvements to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia have jumped from $700 million to $790 million this year.

Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Evergrey

11-13-2008, 06:39 AM

Moto's gone already? such is the ephemeral nature of Strip District nightlife

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08318/927319-42.stm

Former Steeler ready to Crush the Strip

Thursday, November 13, 2008
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh native Chukki Okobi used to be a center for the Steelers. Now, he wants to be at the center of a revitalization of Strip District nightlife.

This weekend, Okobi's company, 412 Entertainment Group, is opening a new club called Crush in the spot vacated by Moto and Pure, at 108 19th St.

He's calling this weekend's opening Take Back the Strip, to be hosted by current Steeler Max Starks and Brianna Evigan from the movie "Step Up 2 The Streets." Rapper Pittsburgh Slim ("Girls Kiss Girls") is scheduled to be there Friday and Saturday nights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., but, says Okobi, "he's only performing on one, so you have to come both nights to see which one it is."

Okobi says Crush is only the beginning of 412's ventures in the Strip, to be followed by more clubs within the next two years. He's hoping to turn the tide of a nightlife area that he says "started going downhill about six months ago," in part because of a few violent incidents on Smallman Street.

"My personal belief," he says, "is the Strip is a reflection of the establishments within it. The Strip will be the epicenter of nightlife here, but it's going to take all of our efforts to make it happen. It's not about black and white -- it's about the standards of the owners."

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

PA Pride

11-13-2008, 06:04 PM

I never did see too big of crowds at moto. Which is a shame, I was there a couple times and it was a cool place. Oh well, that's the nightclub business for you.

tooluther

11-13-2008, 06:04 PM

A. IMPO The Strip is damaged goods for nightlife. Its exactly like what happened to Buckhead in ATL. They need to shut the clubs and fill it with lofts and then start over with nightlife based on a residential base.

B. They are announcing who the grocer will be at the URA board meeting today. I know who it is, but I'm not allowed to tell ;)

Evergrey

11-13-2008, 06:56 PM

am I nuts... or did Sante cheese, wine and dessert bar in Market Square close before it ever opened?

Minivan Werner

11-13-2008, 08:30 PM

Kuhn's will be the new Hill grocer.. Glad they went with the local company.

http://postgazette.com/pg/08318/927688-100.stm

I don't know if there's many finer examples of urban decay than the Hill. I think this is another step towards revitalization, and hopefully it'll trigger more Crawford Square-style developments pushing east into the blight.

Evergrey

11-13-2008, 09:03 PM

is this the modified suburban-esque Kuhn's plan?

tooluther

11-13-2008, 09:23 PM

am I nuts... or did Sante cheese, wine and dessert bar in Market Square close before it ever opened?

The owner passed away a few weeks before it was going to open.

cdc

11-14-2008, 01:48 AM

more target... with special heads up to you parking lot haters (and for
folks who like cart escalators)...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08318/927533-53.stm

...
The East Liberty store will be different than many of its suburban counterparts in that it will be two levels. The first level will provide parking for about 475 vehicles and feature a glass entry with escalators or elevators. There also will be an escalator for carts.
...

PA Pride

11-14-2008, 04:02 AM

escalator for carts

Yeah!

AaronPGH

11-14-2008, 04:10 AM

DBR96A

11-14-2008, 05:04 AM

hyperion1110

11-14-2008, 02:06 PM

Here's something I've been wondering about lately. There's a lot of talk about Obama dumping money into infrastructure – transportation, roads, highways, etc... If this is his plan and it moves forwards, how is this going to affect Pittsburgh? Is this our chance to finally get an extensive light-rail expansion going, or is it too early in the planning stages to really benefit from the new administration?

Also, I could see this pushing the Mon Fayette forwards. :(

I hope they dump more money into infrastructure. Unfortunately, at this point, I don't think there is much money. That said, though, light rail expansion would be awesome. But, I think in the long run, the project to fund would be maglev. Yeah, I know, connecting Pittsburgh's neighborhood with light rail is of paramount importance. But, if we look in the long run for new industries, maglev trains are really the way to go. The price of high temperature superconductors have come down. And the decline of domestic air service means people are really going to need a viable alternative. It's got a lot going for it, right here in Pittsburgh. For example:

1) Maglev, Inc., a Pittsburgh company pushing for maglev, has been busy developing the advanced manufacturing techniques needed to build the train system;

2) Pittburgh is within 500 miles of the the following cities: Milwaukee, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Toronto, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Buffalo, DC, Baltimore, Philly, NYC, Ottawa, and Montreal...any of those cities can be reached in under two hours by a maglev train;

3) Pittsburgh has the installed manufacturing base needed to build a new, maglev infrastructure;

4) And last, while Pittsburgh will never again be a one-industry city, I think we still have something up our sleeves to contribute, in a grand way, to the future of this country. Pittsburgh steal and mettle (spelled correctly) made this country what it was in the 19th and 20th centuries; let's remake it in the 21st!

If Obama is anything near the transformational figure he portrayed himself to be during the campaign, then look for him to do something truly different. I mean, light rail is the status quo, and it's questionable whether a light rail system is truly "better" than a bus system.

Obama spoke of change we can believe in. All right, I believe. Now, like Thomas, I want to see.

Rant concluded.

(P.S. I'd settle for more extensive light rail :) )

themaguffin

11-14-2008, 03:52 PM

It’s too early yet for specifics, but he will likely push for infrastructure projects. One, our infrastructure is in bad shape and two it makes sense to spur the economy in such an investment.
No, we don’t have the money, but unlike other bailouts, this is an investment and if this is what it takes to get our very old infrastructure updated, then so be it.

I’m not sure how much would be for new roads, as opposed to getting existing things updated, particularly bridges. It would be great for rail to be an investment. The word is that Joe the Amtrak rider will advocate it.

themaguffin

11-14-2008, 03:57 PM

There is a two level Target in Buckhead Atlanta with the cart escalator.

I like the complex, which include a Publix, Dick's Sporting Goods and one or two other stores because the parking garage is all but hidden in the middle of the complex. The front on Peachtree has no parking. There's a small parking entrance.

It's not ideal as because it's still auto focused and most people enter the stores from inside a garage, but it's still better looking from the outside.

tooluther

11-14-2008, 03:59 PM

This is why the CE had all those transit plans drawn up even though there was no way to fund them. If something suddenly becomes available we'll be at the front of the line.

AaronPGH

11-14-2008, 06:27 PM

This is why the CE had all those transit plans drawn up even though there was no way to fund them. If something suddenly becomes available we'll be at the front of the line.

This is good to know. So they're ready to move on this if money is available suddenly?

chucka

11-16-2008, 01:52 AM

PA Pride

11-16-2008, 02:25 AM

:previous: I'm suprised they even included that little Dick's flotilla in the river on the right side.

Evergrey

11-17-2008, 05:17 AM

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20081117_Digging_deep_in_Pittsburgh_for_rail_line.html

Digging deep in Pittsburgh for rail line

The city is tunneling below the Allegheny River for a $435 million commuter-system spur.

By Dan Nephin

http://media.philly.com/images/20081117_inq_srail17-a.JPG
A welder joins a section of rebar as other workers knot together the net of steel for the tunnel floor before concrete is poured for the 1.2-mile light-rail extension.

http://media.philly.com/images/20081117_inq_srail17-b.JPG
Workers walk through the lowest part of the tunnel being built under the Allegheny River to reach the city sports complex.

http://media.philly.com/images/20081117_inq_srail17-d.JPG

(KEITH SRAKOCIC / Associated Press)
Looking up at Pittsburgh skyscrapers through a wide-angle lens from the bottom of the pit where the new North Shore Connector meets the light-rail system.

Associated Press
PITTSBURGH - Many sports-crazed fans who don't want to deal with traffic must walk or take the bus over the bridges of the Allegheny River to watch their Steelers or Pirates.

The city's 25-mile light rail system won't get them to the neighborhood that is home to Heinz Field, PNC Park, museums, and soon, a huge slots casino. It stops short of the river, in downtown Pittsburgh.

But now the commuter line is being extended 1.2 miles through a tunnel under the river in a $435 million project that will take rail users onto the North Shore.

While a certain convenience for sports fans, the project has drawn criticism for its high cost - and where it doesn't go.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County says the North Shore Connector, expected to be completed in 2011, is a sound investment in mass transit that will spur development.

But the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy, a conservative think tank based in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, believes the project will pay off only if it is extended 15 miles to Pittsburgh International Airport.

"We look at things on the basis of their cost and benefits and on a cost-benefit basis, this doesn't come anywhere close," said Jake Haulk, the institute's president.

Port Authority officials say it's possible that one day the rail line, called the "T" by locals, would be extended.

But Haulk said that wouldn't happen in the next 20 years. "That's a pipe dream," he said.

About three-quarters of the extension, or just under a mile, will be underground. The project also includes revamping the current final stop downtown to link it to the extension.

The cost was originally put at $395 million. Eighty percent of the project is being funded with a federal grant, with 16.66 percent coming from the state, and the rest from local government.

That additional money could come from the authority's capital budget, which could mean delays on other authority projects, said Winston Simmonds, the port authority's rail operations and engineering officer.

He said the Federal Transit Administration approved the project before energy costs began to rise and a global demand for steel, concrete and other construction materials drove prices up beyond the 3.3 percent anticipated annual increase. The project was also to have included a link to the downtown David L. Lawrence Convention Center, but that was dropped because of budget constraints.

Costs are expected to increase even more, though the authority can't say by how much.

In Pittsburgh, about 676,000 people rode light rail in October, up more than 4 percent from about 675,000 passengers in October 2007. Ridership was also up in September and August.

About 27,000 people use light rail each day, and officials estimate that 14,300 people will use the North Shore Connector daily when it's completed.

The port authority estimates its per rider cost at $6, of which most riders pay $2.50, with the balance coming from state and local subsidies. But the Allegheny Institute believes the cost to the agency is even higher.

Kathleen Connolly, of Ben Avon, a suburb just west of Pittsburgh, questioned how many commuters would park on the North Shore and take light rail downtown.

"The T is nice, beautiful, easy and clean, but it serves the South Hills and Station Square," a shopping and entertainment complex to the west, just across the Monongahela River from downtown.

A better project, she said, would be extending light rail west to the airport or to the city's eastern suburbs.

"They're not hiding the fact that it's for entertainment," she said. "It's not for commuter ease."

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato has said he would have preferred to expand the transportation system elsewhere, but supports the project because he did not want to lose federal funding.

NorthernLights

11-17-2008, 09:47 AM

JackStraw

11-17-2008, 07:55 PM

qwho

11-17-2008, 07:57 PM

Google Earth has much of the City of Pittsburgh in 3D. Included is Downtown, the Hill District, South Side, North Side, Mt. Washington, Oakland, the Strip District and some of Polish Hill.

Check it out!

Looks like some of my models were good enough for them to use without modifying...

Looks like oliver building, oxford, and 1 mellon are all my originals... The rest were not good enough I guess, and they completely replaced them.

PA Pride

11-17-2008, 11:05 PM

^That's awesome news for Pittsburgh.

Wohoo! Thanks for the google earth update. I'll have to check that out.
As someone from Cincinnati, I was really impressed by the narrow streets and big-city feel of downtown. I also liked the fact that downtown has such a neighborhood feel. The people appear to be really comfortable and relaxed, hanging out outside, and as a result, they're really friendly.

Pittsburgh seems really progressive compared to cities in Ohio. We're excited about the prospect of a small streetcar line. You guys are expanding your friggin light rail service.

Cincinnati has a very dense and historic downtown as well. It just needs more signature towers, which it currently is catching up on. Some people say Pittsburgh is the opposite of progressive however I tend to agree with you... I think it is headed in the right direction. I wouldn't discount ohio's big cities though. The big three all have a lot of pros going for them as well as some cons like every place. The thing that would scare me would be places still reliant on the auto industry. Toledo specifically and Cleveland somewhat. Columbus should be safe with university and government jobs as well as a healthy private sector, and Cincinnati seems pretty well diversified to me however the DHL hub closing is going to hurt the northern suburb region I would think.

Pittsburgh has already taken the two hardest hits possible: The steel industry which collapsed. And then the loss of our airline hub which lost us some 9,000 jobs since 2002. We've got nowhere to go but up! We are quite diversified at this point.

NorthernLights

11-18-2008, 12:51 AM

Cincinnati has a very dense and historic downtown as well. It just needs more signature towers, which it currently is catching up on. Some people say Pittsburgh is the opposite of progressive however I tend to agree with you... I think it is headed in the right direction. I wouldn't discount ohio's big cities though. The big three all have a lot of pros going for them as well as some cons like every place. The thing that would scare me would be places still reliant on the auto industry. Toledo specifically and Cleveland somewhat. Columbus should be safe with university and government jobs as well as a healthy private sector, and Cincinnati seems pretty well diversified to me however the DHL hub closing is going to hurt the northern suburb region I would think.

Pittsburgh has already taken the two hardest hits possible: The steel industry which collapsed. And then the loss of our airline hub which lost us some 9,000 jobs since 2002. We've got nowhere to go but up! We are quite diversified at this point.

Good analysis. I agree in terms of Cincinnati's great historic downtown and columbus' stable economy, it just furiates me how behind they are in terms of transit.

So the current (expensive version) of the expansion was due to the clout of the sports teams?

PA Pride

11-18-2008, 12:59 AM

Hey if anyone is interested, there is a multimedia presentation and discussion at the Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley (420 Beaver St) for the book:
Pittsburgh Born, Pittsburgh Bred on December 4th at 7pm.

The book is about Pittsburghers who have shaped our city and beyond.

Coffee/tea available for 1.50.

If anyone is interested in going let me know because I am most likely going to be there.

PA Pride

11-18-2008, 01:02 AM

So the current (expensive version) of the expansion was due to the clout of the sports teams?

Not entirely. But the sports stadiums are like the only things on the northshore right now which would make it seem that way. But we have a casino being built (bleh) and a science center expanding as well as an entertainment complex to be built and corporate headquarters on the northshore. So all these things will benefit from the new lightrail service. Also, the dense, historic northside neighborhoods are right nearby which are supposedly to be expanded into at some point.

dugdogmaster

11-18-2008, 03:16 AM

^I like that we are expanding our lightrail, it is just how we are expanding it that frustrates me and other people I know. They are spending a extreme amount of money to make the light rail cross under a river so people can get to the north shore for sports venues. They could have used an existing bridge and had the light rail expansion to the north shore for less than half they are spending on these tunnels. They should have spent the money on expanding it through the hill and into Oakland. Even that expansion would have been less than building these tunnels. But in Pittsburgh everything has to be done for the Sports teams.

I'm with ya on this, frustrated to all Hell:hell: They could have gone to the North Shore in a much cheaper manner. They need to expand into Oakland(maybe even as far as the East Liberty/Bloomfield areas), use existing abandoned lines to extend even further north, as you've stated in the past, and west out to PIA. Damn it Jim! Damn it to Hell!

And I like the fact that Siemens has set up a permanent base in Pittsburgh.

Black-n-Gold

11-18-2008, 02:28 PM

Cincinnati has a very dense and historic downtown as well. It just needs more signature towers, which it currently is catching up on.

Doesn't the second part of that usually kill the first part of that?

tooluther

11-18-2008, 05:11 PM

I'm with ya on this, frustrated to all Hell:hell: They could have gone to the North Shore in a much cheaper manner. They need to expand into Oakland(maybe even as far as the East Liberty/Bloomfield areas), use existing abandoned lines to extend even further north, as you've stated in the past, and west out to PIA. Damn it Jim! Damn it to Hell!

Ok, for the last time:
1. The North Shore connector's alignment is the easiest way to the Airport from Downtown.
2. The only other way to the North Shore from Downtown is the Ft. Wayne bridge. If they used the alignment it would have been as expensive (the lower deck of the bridge is barely there) and would have required switchbacks to get up to that elevation...making expansion east from that spur (strip district or busway) impossible. PLUS the current Gateway Center and Woods Street Stations would have been a spur rather than the main line.
3. A spine line to Oakland would cost Billions and Billions of dollars. It wasn't an either/or decision. The spine line was killed in the early ‘90’s by county government (granted a big mistake by the Republican County Commissioners) and the Port Authority was luckily able to use the set aside federal dollars for the current project. If they hadn’t the $348 million would have gone to some other city.
4. North Hills busses will short turn at the new intermodal Station. That way you won't have empty "T's" running back into town from the North Shore and you remove some bus traffic from crowded downtown streets (there by improving productivity of the bus system).
5. The receiving pit on the North Shore was built twice as big as needed. In this pit is where the current alignment turns west towards the intermodal center. The extra space will allow an additional cut and cover tunnel to follow Mazoroski way up to the north side and/or a HOV alignment…I know because I’ve been in it.
6. The north shore connector helps solidify the "expanded" downtown in the same way as the original LRT project made Station Square more a part of downtown than the South Side.
7. Yes, the North Shore connector will also allow one seat rides from the South Hills to the stadiums, continental’s mixed use development and the parking garage where you can also gamble.

Evergrey

11-18-2008, 06:20 PM

excellent points... it's a shame these points are never presented in the media... as much as I am frustrated about elements of this project and wish PAT/county would've pursued the spine line (good point about the Republican county commissioners pre-Roddy)... the project has been misrepresented in the popular discourse... and I'm very disappointed the the Associated Press built this latest article primarily around the protestations of the extremist right-wing Allegheny Institute think tank :haha:

The tunnel is the best way to cross the Allegheny (due to the difficulties of Ft. Wayne bridge adaptation). The project is largely funded by the federal government... money that has to be used on this project lest it to go somewhere like Charlotte *shudder*... it may be terminating in the one spot in the city where nobody lives... but it may be able to turbocharge high-density urban development in that prime sliver of land (unless current North Shore mega-organizations keep expanding parking lots).

Without concrete expansion plans... it remains a questionable project... but one we need to make the best of. There was an opportunity cost... but the opportunity cost of dropping the project and losing the $300M+ in federal funding was much greater. And the Pittsburgh region has pursued all sorts of questionable highway projects without the mass protestations this investment in mass transit infrastructure has incurred.

Ok, for the last time:
1. The North Shore connector's alignment is the easiest way to the Airport from Downtown.
2. The only other way to the North Shore from Downtown is the Ft. Wayne bridge. If they used the alignment it would have been as expensive (the lower deck of the bridge is barely there) and would have required switchbacks to get up to that elevation...making expansion east from that spur (strip district or busway) impossible. PLUS the current Gateway Center and Woods Street Stations would have been a spur rather than the main line.
3. A spine line to Oakland would cost Billions and Billions of dollars. It wasn't an either/or decision. The spine line was killed in the early ‘90’s by county government (granted a big mistake by the Republican County Commissioners) and the Port Authority was luckily able to use the set aside federal dollars for the current project. If they hadn’t the $348 million would have gone to some other city.
4. North Hills busses will short turn at the new intermodal Station. That way you won't have empty "T's" running back into town from the North Shore and you remove some bus traffic from crowded downtown streets (there by improving productivity of the bus system).
5. The receiving pit on the North Shore was built twice as big as needed. In this pit is where the current alignment turns west towards the intermodal center. The extra space will allow an additional cut and cover tunnel to follow Mazoroski way up to the north side and/or a HOV alignment…I know because I’ve been in it.
6. The north shore connector helps solidify the "expanded" downtown in the same way as the original LRT project made Station Square more a part of downtown than the South Side.
7. Yes, the North Shore connector will also allow one seat rides from the South Hills to the stadiums, continental’s mixed use development and the parking garage where you can also gamble.

qwho

11-18-2008, 06:26 PM

I hope that the North Shore Connector creates huge growth on the north side... maybe creating a new 'downtown' over there. Perhaps it could be used as the precedent in the future that will allow further rail projects around the area to get off the ground... If people see how much it helped the north side to be connected to the city and the south hills (and hopefully the airport) maybe they will say, well, what are we waiting for? let's connect Oakland, Shadyside, East Liberty, Wilkinsburg....

:tup:

Evergrey

11-18-2008, 08:15 PM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08323/928735-28.stm

Natural foods grocery opens Thursday in Strip District

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200811/20081118sm_seen01_500.jpg
Market, in the Strip District.

Bob Stone got his first taste of the Strip District when he was a young teen who loaded produce into pickup trucks or flatbeds that trolled city neighborhoods looking to sell it. Mr. Stone often doubled as a delivery boy on those trips.

Nearly four decades later, Mr. Stone is back in the Strip, again hawking produce, this time as president and director of operations for Right by Nature natural foods market, a 22,500-square-foot grocery set to open Thursday at Smallman and 23rd streets.

"It's kind of strange how everything's gone full circle," he said yesterday as he prepared for the grand opening.

Mr. Stone is billing the new store as a full-service natural foods grocery. There will be organic fruits and vegetables, natural meats -- in fact, virtually every product in the store will be organic or natural, he said.

At the same time, he is promising that the organic and natural selections, often pricey compared to their counterparts, will be "affordable" to all shoppers and cheaper than the competition's. The goal, he said, is "to make fresh, healthy food available to everyone, not just the affluent."

"It's going to open a lot of eyes," he said. "People are going to be very surprised about how affordable the food can be."

Mr. Stone said he can do so by buying directly from farmers and producers he has come to know over two decades as a buyer for grocery chains and organic food distributors.

Among its amenities, Right by Nature will have a cafe offering prepared foods, a salad bar and soup bar for eat-in or takeout, and fresh baked goods. There also will be curbside parking for those ordering takeout.

The store, next to the Cork Factory apartment complex, will be on the ground floor of a three-story structure that will have two levels of parking, about 300 spaces in all, with about half covered. Shoppers can take elevators directly into the store.

With so much emphasis on organic and natural, shoppers might not find as many national brands as they would in more traditional groceries. However, Mr. Stone said the brands that will be offered are well-known throughout the country and are not low-priced knockoffs.

"There will be brands people will recognize. You're not going to see Oreos. You're not going to see Pepsi. You're not going to see Coke. [But] you haven't lived until you've tasted China Cola."

The store will be located within walking distance of the Strip's bustling Penn Avenue commercial corridor and its produce terminal.

While Right by Nature might create some competition with those vendors, Becky Rodgers, executive director of Neighbors in the Strip, sees the store contributing to the neighborhood's uniqueness.

"It's a good thing. I don't know if everyone in the Strip feels that way, but I think there are a lot of positives and I think it will complement what we have here," she said.

The total project cost more than $3 million, the majority of it financed privately, although there were some state grants and loans involved. Mr. Stone is partners in the venture with five other local businessmen.

During its first week of operation, the store will donate a portion of its daily sales to seven area charities. The store will employ 110 people, about 70 percent of them full-time.

Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Minivan Werner

11-18-2008, 09:17 PM

Majestic Star renamed Rivers Casino

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_599045.html

A 486 square ft. sign on a parking garage? Ugh.

I keep hoping this Bluhm guy will announce the addition of another 4 stories onto the casino but it doesn't look promising.

dugdogmaster

11-18-2008, 11:40 PM

Thanks. See, I don't have the inside information you do. And as Evergrey has stated, all I know about these projects are what is presented by the media.

Ok, for the last time:
1. The North Shore connector's alignment is the easiest way to the Airport from Downtown.
2. The only other way to the North Shore from Downtown is the Ft. Wayne bridge. If they used the alignment it would have been as expensive (the lower deck of the bridge is barely there) and would have required switchbacks to get up to that elevation...making expansion east from that spur (strip district or busway) impossible. PLUS the current Gateway Center and Woods Street Stations would have been a spur rather than the main line.
3. A spine line to Oakland would cost Billions and Billions of dollars. It wasn't an either/or decision. The spine line was killed in the early ‘90’s by county government (granted a big mistake by the Republican County Commissioners) and the Port Authority was luckily able to use the set aside federal dollars for the current project. If they hadn’t the $348 million would have gone to some other city.
4. North Hills busses will short turn at the new intermodal Station. That way you won't have empty "T's" running back into town from the North Shore and you remove some bus traffic from crowded downtown streets (there by improving productivity of the bus system).
5. The receiving pit on the North Shore was built twice as big as needed. In this pit is where the current alignment turns west towards the intermodal center. The extra space will allow an additional cut and cover tunnel to follow Mazoroski way up to the north side and/or a HOV alignment…I know because I’ve been in it.
6. The north shore connector helps solidify the "expanded" downtown in the same way as the original LRT project made Station Square more a part of downtown than the South Side.
7. Yes, the North Shore connector will also allow one seat rides from the South Hills to the stadiums, continental’s mixed use development and the parking garage where you can also gamble.

P!tt$bur&h

11-19-2008, 12:28 AM

New construction projects are (still) changing the face of Pittsburgh

It's been over 19 months since the Post-Gazette first reported on the major developments in Pittsburgh.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07091/773880-85.stm

Most projects are on target pace or completed. However, there are 3 significant developments that stand out which have little to no forward motion away from the drawing boards and financial constraints.

http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp174/dreed4/unfinished.jpg

1. North Shore Live!
• Location: North Shore, North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Boulevard
• Function: Amphitheater, entertainment venues
• Opening: delayed (Originally planned for Late 2008)
• Cost: unknown (Originally $48 million)

2. Market Square Place
• Location: Downtown, Fifth Avenue
• Function: Retail and apartments
• Opening: in progress (Originally planned for Early 2009)
• Cost: $32 million

3. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Development
• Location: Downtown, Seventh and Ninth streets
• Function: Housing
• Opening: construction delayed (Originally planned for Early 2009)
• Cost: $90 million, first phase

North Shore Live! has been delayed for reasons sprouting from the Steelers ownership deliberation. The site as recently been bought, the entertainment complex and many other projects will be decided at a later date.

Market Square Place has been slowly progressing with the final completion possibly expected in 2010. Tenants and businesses continue to pour in to the Market Square given the planned vision of what the site will look like. Crime has been on the decline in the neighborhood from an increased police presence.

Finally, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Development has pushed back the date to begin construction sometime in 2009 when the slumping housing and financial markets are expected to improve.

***Admittedly, the information was hard for me to compile so if anyone has any news on the 3 projects be sure to post them!

themaguffin

11-19-2008, 01:13 AM

The Cultural Trust project is basically dead. I'm sure we'll see something for on the North Shore, but the other downtown project seems to be the only one on track.

Of course we have to take the historically bad economic situation into consideration.

Grego43

11-19-2008, 02:02 AM

Ok, for the last time:
1. The North Shore connector's alignment is the easiest way to the Airport from Downtown.
2. The only other way to the North Shore from Downtown is the Ft. Wayne bridge. If they used the alignment it would have been as expensive (the lower deck of the bridge is barely there) and would have required switchbacks to get up to that elevation...making expansion east from that spur (strip district or busway) impossible. PLUS the current Gateway Center and Woods Street Stations would have been a spur rather than the main line.
3. A spine line to Oakland would cost Billions and Billions of dollars. It wasn't an either/or decision. The spine line was killed in the early ‘90’s by county government (granted a big mistake by the Republican County Commissioners) and the Port Authority was luckily able to use the set aside federal dollars for the current project. If they hadn’t the $348 million would have gone to some other city.

5. The receiving pit on the North Shore was built twice as big as needed. In this pit is where the current alignment turns west towards the intermodal center. The extra space will allow an additional cut and cover tunnel to follow Mazoroski way up to the north side and/or a HOV alignment…I know because I’ve been in it.

Hi Tooluther. As you seem to know what you're talking about, I have a couple of questions regarding the NS Connector:

1. Wouldn't a spur from Station Square down the Ohio River then up to the airport be more direct? From the North Shore, a new river crossing must be made downriver.

2. What disqualified the Clemente, Warhol, or Carson bridges from being used as a crossing? The line from Penn Park could have been extended around the convention center and down the median of Ft Duquesne Blvd.

3. Billions and Billions for a line to Oakland? I assume that it was to be subway all the way...why would that be necessary? In Oakland, sure.

Anyway, I'm all for expansion, particularly when the Feds are paying the lion's share. I'm not trying to be a smart ass, I'm just wondering. By the way, would have loved to go into the receiving pit like you did...in the early 80s I walked the under-construction subway from Gateway Center to Steel Plaza (called Midtown Plaza back then) as a university sophomore on an Engineering fieldtrip. That was wild.

Minivan Werner

11-19-2008, 03:36 AM

1. North Shore Live!
• Location: North Shore, North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Boulevard
• Function: Amphitheater, entertainment venues
• Opening: delayed (Originally planned for Late 2008)
• Cost: unknown (Originally $48 million)

Ths one I don't see getting completed. I really don't think it's viable or even that necessary. There's plenty of entertainment venues on the North Shore with the science center, casino, Heinz Field, PNC, etc. For the "sea of parking" between Heinz and PNC I'd rather just see some dense commercial go up instead. Maybe some street level retail/restaurants.

PA Pride

11-19-2008, 01:34 PM

The north shore parcel just completed its sale like last week so we should be hearing news about that development soon. The cultural trust is probably going to be downsized to a smaller size to fit market demand and delayed till the market improves.

themaguffin

11-19-2008, 02:11 PM

What disqualified the Clemente, Warhol, or Carson bridges from being used as a crossing?

I would think logistically that would be a nightmare.

tooluther

11-19-2008, 06:08 PM

New construction projects are (still) changing the face of Pittsburgh

2. Market Square Place
• Location: Downtown, Fifth Avenue
• Function: Retail and apartments
• Opening: in progress (Originally planned for Early 2009)
• Cost: $32 million

Market Square Place has been slowly progressing with the final completion possibly expected in 2010. Tenants and businesses continue to pour in to the Market Square given the planned vision of what the site will look like. Crime has been on the decline in the neighborhood from an increased police presence.

Not sure where you got that date. Market Square Place will be open in July 2009 with the Y opening in August.

EventHorizon

11-19-2008, 08:50 PM

Not sure where you got that date. Market Square Place will be open in July 20009 with the Y opening in August.

ye gods! ;)

JackStraw

11-19-2008, 09:04 PM

This better be one kick ass building if it takes 18,000 years to complete.

What a cheap joke for somebody mistakingly adding one to many zero's, I know I am lame.

I haven't been to Market Square in probably two months. I should get my lazy ass down there and check out the progress. Especially the old gutted out buildings in the alleyways that lead to fifth ave.

Evergrey

11-20-2008, 07:59 AM

oh... thank god... this parking lot just shatters the western end of Oakland's Fifth/Forbes business district

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_599297.html

County may sell prime Oakland land

By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, November 20, 2008

Allegheny County is shopping for buyers for more than three acres of prime real estate in Oakland, officials confirmed Wednesday.

The four-story building at 3333 Forbes Ave. that houses the county Health Department's executive offices and an 80-space parking lot are the subject of a recently issued request-for-proposals. If the county gets a tempting offer from a responsible developer, it would be willing to move the 49 employees to Lawrenceville, where the air quality program is housed.

The 2007 market value of the land and building is almost $5.2 million, according to Allegheny County assessment records.

"That's an incredibly valuable piece of property," said county spokesman Kevin Evanto. "It sits in the middle of Oakland, which ... has very little developable property left. The county is putting this out basically to see what the private sector might come up with. That could be reuse, demolition, construction. Everything is on the table."

The property between Forbes and Fifth avenues and close to the Interstate 376 entrance is near property owned by UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh and Carlow University.

Nobody has an option to buy it yet, Evanto said. The county Department of Economic Development wants proposals by Dec. 12.

The building was constructed in the 1930s as a Depression-era public works project and served as a juvenile detention center. The shrinking Health Department staff occupies two upper floors. Bottom floors are vacant.

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

Evergrey

11-20-2008, 08:02 AM

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_599285.html

Group backs aid for young home buyers in city

By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, November 20, 2008

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's handpicked panel of 20- and 30-somethings urged him Wednesday to offer tax breaks to first-time home buyers and to market Pittsburgh as an affordable place for immigrants to live.

After more than a year of work, the 30-member Propel Pittsburgh Commission made its first recommendations to Ravenstahl, who personally tapped many of the young professionals to brainstorm ways to reverse Pittsburgh's population decline.

"We want to open the door to new homeowners," said Craig Laurenson, 30, of Observatory Hill.

The commission's Policy, Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee chair, Laurenson proposed reducing Pittsburgh's 3 percent real estate-transfer tax for first-time home buyers to compete with the 1- to 1.5-percent rates common in suburbs, such as Ross, Shaler and Mt. Lebanon. Pennsylvania imposes a 1 percent transfer tax in municipalities statewide.

A $100,000 house in Pittsburgh carries a $4,000 transfer tax, twice as much as a comparable home in neighboring West View, the group told Ravenstahl.

"That's a lot of money to a first-time home buyer," said George Hackett, president of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Pittsburgh and West Penn Multi-List, a home-listing service.

Ravenstahl said he plans to consider the commission's recommendations, and some eventually could become legislation. He chose 21 of the commission's members; the remainder were chosen by City Council members.

Rich Gasperini Jr., 28, of the South Side and chair of Propel's Diversity, Outreach and Civic Engagement subcommittee, stressed the need to promote Pittsburgh as an immigrant-friendly place. He pointed to Boston, where the Mayor's Office of New Bostonians helps immigrants settle in the city.

"A lot of the growth is driven by immigration," said Gasperini, an industrial real estate broker with CB Richard Ellis. Boston's population has increased by 25,000 since 1990, while Pittsburgh's has fallen by more than 58,000.

Pittsburgh's tiny Hispanic population -- about 1.8 percent compared to 15 percent nationwide -- illustrates the need to attract immigrants, said Victor Diaz, chief executive officer of the Hispanic Metropolitan Area Chamber of Commerce.

He said Hispanics want to live in cities with quality mass-transit systems and low-cost housing. Diaz said the Propel Commission's ideas are on target, but they needlessly duplicate the efforts of the Allegheny County's Global Competitiveness Initiative.

"We are the largest minority in this country. We are the only growing demographic in the region, but we are under 2 percent in Allegheny County," Diaz said. "We don't do enough to lure the (easiest) immigrants ... legal Hispanics."

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

Evergrey

11-20-2008, 08:07 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08325/929362-147.stm

Transit 'smart' cards wait on county

Port Authority picks automated fare system, but needs $1.1M more

Thursday, November 20, 2008
By Joe Grata, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Port Authority has selected a company to replace its old fare boxes with a new automated fare collection system using "smart cards" with embedded electronic chips.

Administrators yesterday recommended awarding a contract for a maximum of $33 million to Scheidt & Bachmann USA Inc., which has been involved internationally with cutting-edge transportation technology for 25 years.

But there's one big hitch.

While federal and state money are lined up, the authority needs a $1.1 million commitment from Allegheny County as its 3.33 percent share of matching funds, and so far the county isn't willing to commit.

The Port Authority last month asked Allegheny County for $9.9 million to leverage more state and federal funds for capital improvements, but County Executive Dan Onorato said the agency will get $6.3 million "and not one penny more" next year.

"It's not that the county opposes the new fare collection system," authority Chief Executive Officer Steve Bland said, but it has numerous obligations of its own and only so much to dole out.

If the county gives only $6.3 million to the authority for its capital budget, the money quickly will be gobbled up by previous debt obligations and projects already under way, including the $435 million Light Rail Transit system extension to the North Shore and new buses.

"A lot can happen between now and January," when Scheidt & Bachmann can withdraw its offer, Mr. Bland said. "We'll have to sort things out."

If the authority can somehow provide the $1.1 million local share over a two-year period, officials said, installation of 1,100 fare boxes could begin on buses and trolleys by August and the system could be operational by January 2010.

"It's an important project to us," said Claudia Allen, the authority's longtime finance director, ticking off a list of improvements to be compared with today's fare collection system that is antiquated by industry standards.

Benefits include increasing revenue resulting from reduced evasion and fraud and better fare accuracy while lowering expenses through simplifying operator duties, improving passenger flow, requiring fewer "money room" personnel and eliminating abuses with student ID cards.

The contract has been structured with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission input so that nine regional carriers including the Beaver, Butler and Westmoreland county transit authorities could "buy in" and offer their riders the same system.

Scheidt & Bachmann would provide 30 ticket vending machines, 4 million limited-use smart cards, 400,000 permanent smart cards, data transfer, and related equipment, employee training and a two-year warranty.

Authority officials and staff have spent more than two years planning, developing and deciding upon a vendor for a changeover to the automated fare collection system.

Scheidt & Bachmann finished first among three companies evaluated by a special panel that included the SPC and representatives of the regional carriers.

Joe Grata can be reached at jgrata@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1985.

...

Groups urge Port Authority, union to settle labor dispute

Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Dozens of business and community groups yesterday urged the Port Authority and the leaders of its drivers union to work for "a responsible settlement" in the current labor dispute that threatens to disrupt service Dec. 1.

Specifically, they suggested that a fact finder's report issued in August become the basis for a new contract with Local 85, Amalgamated Transit Union, because it represents "a workable compromise."

The request to settle the impasse and avoid a transit crisis came from 43 sources, including the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Sustainable Pittsburgh; the African American Chamber of Commerce; and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.

The authority's board accepted the fact finder's report, but the 20-member executive board of the Amalgamated Transit Union's Local 85 rejected it.

Because the fact finder's report was rejected by the union and further negotiations proved fruitless, the authority board has voted to impose its "last and final" contract as of Dec. 1. That could lead to a work stoppage that management has said would constitute a strike but the union has said would be a lockout and illegal.

In case of a service shutdown that would affect people accounting for 240,000 bus and trolley rides a day, the groups yesterday introduced a Web site, keeppittsburghmoving.com, that will provide information and resources to help people get around.

Evergrey

11-20-2008, 08:17 AM

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08325/929364-53.stm

The missing link: Officials unveil plans for $8.5 million riverfront trail connecting Point to Strip

Thursday, November 20, 2008
By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200811/ccrp___aerial_sketch_330.jpg
LaQuatra Bonci Associates
An artist's rendering of the proposed riverfront park in front of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Visitors who traverse the fancy water feature at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center now run into a dead end when they reach a large concrete pad at the edge of the Allegheny River.

But a plan to transform that bleak patch of concrete into a riverfront oasis finally may be ready to move forward.

City-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority officials are hoping to start construction this summer of an $8.5 million riverfront park at the convention center, the last piece needed to provide a continuous trail along the Allegheny from the Strip District to Point State Park, Downtown.

"It is the missing tooth between the full renovation of Point State Park and the Allegheny Riverfront Park in the Strip," said Lisa Schroeder, executive director of the Riverlife Task Force.

The new park would feature a platform that would extend about 25 feet into the water and provide docking for the Gateway Clipper Fleet, water taxis and other boats.

To the east, a suspended sidewalk would gently rise about 15 feet from the platform to Fort Duquesne Boulevard and connect with the Strip trail. To the west, the park would link up with a existing riverfront trail that runs to Point State Park.

There also will be steps to take visitors from 10th Street near the convention center's east lobby to the platform. The only way visitors can get from the center to the river now is to use the water feature, which runs downhill along 10th from the Penn Avenue area.

Architect LaQuatra Bonci Associates also plans to build hillsides with lots of greenery and replace the concrete that now slopes down to the river with trees. The park itself would stretch from the Rachel Carson Bridge to the Fort Wayne railroad bridge.

The area at water's edge is "pretty dead right now," said Joe Hackett, principal at LaQuatra Bonci Associates. "There's no reason to be there. There's no way to get to it."

A series of pipes will provide the support for the platform. Mr. Hackett said the design not only is very cost-effective but allows water to run underneath the platform and protects the river habitat.

Authority Executive Director Mary Conturo said the goal in designing the park was to create a green area, offer docking and walking space, and provide a gathering point.

"We're pleased with the design. We think it accomplished all of those things in a very nice way," she said.

The authority is hoping to bid the project this spring in preparation for the summer construction. The park should be completed in a year.

Before the agency can begin, however, it still must secure about $2.3 million in funding to supplement the $6.2 million it currently has available.

With the project so close to starting, Ms. Conturo is optimistic about getting the additional money.

"As you get closer to having a real project, sometimes it's easier to get the funding," she said.

Ms. Schroeder said completion of the park is "absolutely critical." It is one of several projects close to starting that will greatly enhance the city's existing trail network, she said. The others are at the Mon Wharf and the SouthSide Works complex.

When they and the Point State Park renovations have been completed, the proposed 3 Rivers Park, stretching a little more than 12 miles from the West End Bridge on the Ohio River to the Hot Metal Bridge on the Monongahela to the 31st Street Bridge on the Allegheny, will be about 80 percent complete, Ms. Schroeder said.

Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Evergrey

11-20-2008, 08:26 AM

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/mews1119.aspx

Upscale green town home projects debut new model, start next phase on South Side

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20136/prudentialpreferred_300.jpg

Riverside Mews and Windom Hill Place—two of Pittsburgh’s innovative green living developments—have debuted a new model unit and kicked-off second phases of construction. The 2,300-square-foot Energy Star-compliant model, now available for $480,331, features a contemporary design, espresso finishes and quartz countertops.

At Riverside Mews—the South Side’s largest green residential community—work has started on six new town homes. Ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet, the three-story units will be priced between $415,000 and $530,000. Designed by Perkins Eastman and Strada, the 48-unit project is located at 18th St. and Riverfront Park.

Since its grand opening in Nov. 2007, seven of Riverside’s first eight units have sold. Built according to Energy Star standards, Riverside features FSC-certified wood, Greenguard flooring materials and significant energy saving systems. “They all have small yards, which is great for the city,” says Kathryn Barry, with Prudential Preferred Realty, who expects occupancy to start in March 2009. “Things are looking good for Pittsburgh.” One new unit, which features a fourth floor, has pre-sold for $580,000.

Construction on Windom’s four new units, priced at $745,000 and located above McArdle Roadway, will begin after the first unit is sold. Windom’s award-winning Craftsman-style town homes were designed by John Martine of Strada. The 3,000-square-foot units feature three bedrooms, four levels of outdoor space, and earth friendly bamboo, cork and cast stone interiors.

“We have people relocating to Pittsburgh from other states,” adds Barry, who’s been featured on HGTV's My House is Worth What? “There’s still mortgage money out there.” Contractor for both projects is Sota Construction Services.

To receive Pop City free every week, click here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Kathryn Barry, Prudential Preferred Realty

Image courtesy Prudential Preferred Realty

...

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/941penn1119.aspx

$9M 941 Penn welcomes first residents, $8M Otto Milk Condos 25% sold

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20136/otto_solaraventuresI_300.jpg

941 Penn Avenue Residences is welcoming its first occupants, while pre-sales at Otto Milk Condos have reached 25%.

941 Penn—Downtown’s first condominium to receive the city’s Enhanced LERTA 10-year post-assessment tax abatement—welcomed its first residents on Nov. 12. Condo owners like Todd and Dorna Palcic, expected to save $60,000 in 10 years, were greeted by Mayor Ravenstahl. With 17 condos ranging in size from 1,350 to 3,000 square-feet, the $9 million project features a glass exterior, nine-story atrium, terraces, and historic masonry.

“Our demographic spans four decades age-wise. We have people from Seattle, Kuwait—all over the world” says project spokesperson Kathy Wallace. “They’re the first buyers Downtown to have this benefit applied to their property.” Enhancing existing LERTA and Act 42 tax abatement programs, the legislation is spurring development Downtown and in 26 neighborhood growth zones.

Jack Benoff of Solara Ventures, developer of 941 Penn, is also redeveloping the Strip District’s Otto Milk building as a 56-unit condominium. Located at 2501 Smallman St., the 120,000-square-foot project will feature a pet washing facility, gym, courtyard, and business center. With site clean-up and demolition underway, the $20 million project is expected to be completed in late 2009.

Ranging in size from 800 to 3,600 square feet, condos are priced between $183,000 and $1.3 million. “We want a first-time buyer price range. Within 500 feet, you can go to a neighborhood pub, deli, club or high-end restaurant,” adds Benoff, who is working with Indovina Associates Architects on both projects. “We’re restoring the tower back to its original look. We’re keeping the majority of the existing structure and adding a contemporary connecting building.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Jack Benoff and Kathy Wallace, Solara Ventures, IV, LLC

...

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/oaklnd1119.aspx

$15M Schenley Place office development gets greenlight in Oakland

http://www.popcitymedia.com/galleries/Default/Dev%20News/Issue%20136/schenleyplaceelmhurst_300.jpg

Plans to bring a new seven-story office development to the comer of Bigelow Blvd. and Bayard St. are moving forward in Oakland.

After undergoing a redesign process, the $15 million Schenley Place project received approval from Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission on Nov. 4. Planned for one of the last developable parcels in Oakland, the 100,000-square-foot office property will be constructed on a parking lot owned by the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh.

“We’ve redesigned the entire exterior using materials that have broken down the building’s mass, to provide an image that blends in much better architecturally, particularly with that part of Oakland,” says Bill Hunt, with Bigelow Square-based project developer, The Elmhurst Group. “The design is set back and is a good portal point as you come down Bigelow into Oakland. The neighbors agree that this makes sense.”

Architect Burt Hill is currently completing final drawings for the project, which Hunt says is now one floor lower and 15,000 square feet smaller than originally planned. Designed to feature masonry that matches nearby buildings including the University of Pittsburgh’s Ruskin Hall and First Baptist Church, the project will also include a small public park and an integral 60-car garage.

“Our goal is pursue green design and be LEED certified,” adds Hunt,” who expects to select a contractor and break ground on the 18-month project during spring 2009. “We’re looking at a traditional office building. It could have a medical component.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Bill Hunt, president, The Elmhurst Group

Image courtesy The Elmhurst Group

...

http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/kuhns1119.aspx

Kuhn's selected for Pittsburgh's Hill District, East Liberty planning for Target

Kuhn’s Market is headed to Pittsburgh’s Hill District, while plans are progressing to bring a Target to East Liberty.

After soliciting and reviewing proposals from Kuhn’s and Save-A-Lot, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), has selected Pittsburgh-based and family owned Kuhn’s Market as operator for a 40,000-square-foot full-service store planned for the corner of Centre Ave. and Heldman St. The property is jointly owned by the URA and Allegheny Union Baptist Association.

The URA and Pittsburgh Penguins have each committed $1 million to the project, which is under development by Hill House Economic Development Corporation. “This is really the beginning. We’re excited and optimistic,” says Robert Rubinstein, with the URA. “There’s still work to be done on the financing, but we’re confident that the team in place can achieve that.”

In East Liberty, plans under development by The Mosites Company are progressing to bring a 156,000-square-foot Target to 6231 Penn Ave., the site of the neighborhood’s remaining high-rise tower. “We’re pursuing an East Liberty Gateway TIFF to support a $7 million public infrastructure project along Penn and to reconfigure the bus way,” adds Rubinstein, who says the URA is assisting with infrastructure and acquisition financing.

On Dec. 2, the project will be presented during a public Planning Commission hearing. “They’ve met with the Contextual Design Advisory Panel and made significant changes. They’ve improved the entrance and facade and are adding clerestory windows,” says Corey Layman, with the Department of City Planning. “It’ll be the first Target store in the U.S. with windows.”

Construction on the city's first Target is slated to start in June 2009, with occupancy expected in October 2010.

To receive Pop City free every week, click here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Robert Rubinstein, Director, Economic Development, Urban Redevelopment Authority; Corey Layman, Design Review Specialist, Department of City Planning

PA Pride

11-20-2008, 04:57 PM

A flurry of articles! Nice work Evergrey.

We NEED that riverfront park in front of the convention center. Can't wait to see that completed.

JackStraw

11-20-2008, 05:47 PM

I have mixed feelings on big box stores entering East Liberty. Yay! the first target with windows! What a great achievment for big box architects. I can't believe they expanded the design budget to stray from the prototype and design a building with windows. Maybe every township, town, suburb, etc should have a "Contextual Design Advisory Panel" to help stop these homogenous stores slapping their prototypical shit in everytown. People don't realize that when stores or restaurants want to put this crap in their town they can force them to make a design to fit in their town or else. Many small Rocky Mountian ski towns will only let McDonalds build unless it fits in with the local lodge style architecture. Than you don't get shit like the Burger king on the South side.

That was an impressive list of articles. The riverfront Trail from the point to the strip is going to be nice, and is what the convention center needs. We need to utilize our river front here more in Pittsburgh.

dugdogmaster

11-20-2008, 10:09 PM

So, a horribly run money pit of a port authority is asking for even more money:tup: When will PAT, the City and County ever learn?

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08325/929362-147.stm

Transit 'smart' cards wait on county

Port Authority picks automated fare system, but needs $1.1M more

Brandon716

11-20-2008, 10:25 PM

So, a horribly run money pit of a port authority is asking for even more money:tup: When will PAT, the City and County ever learn?

Isn't that something funded out of the capital budget? PAT's problems are entirely related to labor benefit costs and oversized salaries and high gas prices, not capital budget programs. At least gasoline is down substantially.

Brandon716

11-20-2008, 10:27 PM

Oh, and as much as I dislike the big box only feeling of many areas, I think for East Liberty its better to get an urban looking Target than to be without. Its not like anything else will easily come in and give the area as much of a lift.

AaronPGH

11-20-2008, 10:55 PM

So, a horribly run money pit of a port authority is asking for even more money:tup: When will PAT, the City and County ever learn?

It's ironic though that they're stalled out needing money for something that will save them more money.

Johnland

11-21-2008, 01:18 AM

OK. as an outsider located in Tampa looking in, I have to offer my observations on Pittsburgh. After seeing the flurry of recent posts about green condo's in the South Side to the recycled industrial Otto Milk building into residential units , I have to speak out.

Pittsburgh, you are fortunate to have such a rich menu of urban development going on. Compared to Tampa, the city landscape is far, far, far more interesting there. Forget about abou the weather. Some things transcend weather.

Michigan Ave. in Chicago is packed with people at 11 pm at night in February on a Tuesday night because it transcends weather. Soho in NYC is hopping in winter because it transcends weather. South Street in Philly on a weeknight in winter is packed because it transcends weather. Pittsburgh has enough architectural, urban and diversity interests to transcend weather.

dugdogmaster

11-21-2008, 04:59 AM

Pittsburgh has enough architectural, urban and diversity interests to transcend weather.

And it does in a couple neighborhoods.

dugdogmaster

11-21-2008, 05:03 AM

Isn't that something funded out of the capital budget? PAT's problems are entirely related to labor benefit costs and oversized salaries and high gas prices, not capital budget programs. At least gasoline is down substantially.

Their union dooms them to failure. It's the same with what is currently going on in the U.S. auto industry.

hyperion1110

11-21-2008, 02:26 PM

Their union dooms them to failure. It's the same with what is currently going on in the U.S. auto industry.

With the Transit Union, I think it's time to pull a Reagan. Tell them that unless they stay at work and shut up, since they make WAY more money than their job/skill set warrants, they're fired.

Fire every damn last one of them! ...It's immoral to allow such an organization as the Port Authority to unionize. Because when they demand more and more money/benefits, it's the people of the city, county, and state who have to foot the bill for it...not some megacorporation like GM. These people are holding hundreds of thousands of people hostage with their greed!

This is one time when I like the fact that Pennsylvania is an at-will work state. ...Rendell, Onorato, fire them all and rehire them are non-union wages. ...Legislators, for f#$% sake, make it ILLEGAL for government funded agencies to unionize!!! :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell: :hell:

JackStraw

11-21-2008, 02:28 PM

cdc

11-21-2008, 02:32 PM

I have mixed feelings on big box stores entering East Liberty. Yay! the first target with windows! What a great achievment for big box architects. ...

You are looking at it from the wrong perspective. It is an
achievement for the city of Pittsburgh, not big box store architects!

It is not the 1950's anymore and that old style of mom-and-pop store
shopping is largely long gone. Stores like Target are a part of
modern life. If we want to make living in the city of Pittsburgh more
attractive (e.g. to reduce spral) and convenient then we need this
kind of retail option. And Target is alot better than some of the
previous options floated for that area (e.g. when they wanted to put a
K Mart where Home Depot currently is).

JackStraw

11-21-2008, 02:44 PM

You are looking at it from the wrong perspective. It is an
achievement for the city of Pittsburgh, not big box store architects!

It is not the 1950's anymore and that old style of mom-and-pop store
shopping is largely long gone. Stores like Target are a part of
modern life. If we want to make living in the city of Pittsburgh more
attractive (e.g. to reduce spral) and convenient then we need this
kind of retail option. And Target is alot better than some of the
previous options floated for that area (e.g. when they wanted to put a
K Mart where Home Depot currently is).

I remember arguing with you about this like a year ago, LOL.

I agree with you 100%. Just this past weekend I went down to the Waterfront for a tea kettle, toaster, and some other applainces at Target that would have cost me 2 times more if I bought them in S. Hill.

I agree. I just feel that these big box stores should be contained in large empty dump sites and I hope that empty spaces in city neighborhoods arn't turned into big box stores. I also think big box store's should put some of their profits paying their architects higher design fees to make their stores more attractive. I worked in a design firm for retail. One of our clients was big box, Dicks. They nickled and dimed the hell out of us to get us to design the most cheapest product at the cheapest price. Their stores had the 5.1A prototype, the 5.2B, or the 5.2 C. It was pethetic. I got out of there.

Also, I think people Like Johnland (using him as an example with his descriptions of Tampa), and myself enjoy Pittsburgh for the fact that it has Mom and Pa stores to walk to on Murray and Forbes avenue. When I moved into my apartment, I needed nails to hang paintings. I loved the fact of being able to walk a few blocks to that hardware store to buy nails for 2 bucks and walk back and not even get into my car. When I lived in east Denver, my only choice was Target. Yeah, it was nice to get eggs, bread, nails, and paint in the same store, but I personally like just walking down my neighborhood streets. I will pay an extra 50 cents for nails for being able to walk and enjoy my neighborhood. Something that is lost in America.