Pittsburgh-based architecture firm
Strada is currently developing preliminary plans for new apartments and retail as part of a renovation of downtown’s historic
G.C. Murphy Building.
A variety of new apartments will be constructed, both in the existing Murphy building and in a tower structure that will be built on Fifth Avenue across from the future PNC complex.
“The apartments or condos will have great light. They will be loft-like, or a combination of lofts and more standard units,” says principal John Martine. “There are also great spaces for retail.”
Strada is also working to determine construction costs. “It is a major project. The hope for us, the client and the city is that it will have significant impact. It is good to be happening right now with
PNC and
Piatt Place.”
Street amenities could also be in the works. “With this amount of new development, sidewalks could be changed. The City plans to redo Forbes Avenue,” says Martine.
Built between 1900 and 1930, the granite, stone and terra cotta structure still houses a stage once used for fashion shows in the store's heyday in the 1940-1960s.
“Some ideas for the rendering come from historic photographs. It is such a prominent corner,” says Martine. “The objective is to retain the old Murphy building. It has suffered from bad additions and renovations.”
Millcraft Industries is expected to purchase the building from the
URA. Plans must be approved by the URA and City of Pittsburgh. “We hope to sit down with Millcraft and the URA and present our concepts in one or two months,” says Martine.
In collaboration with Millcraft, Strada is leading the design of downtown’s Fifth Avenue District master plan.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: John Martine, Strada