Three PNC Plaza, Piatt Place and Point Park’s Academic Village are not the only redevelopment projects transforming Downtown’s Fifth-Forbes corridor.
Further down Forbes, a single property is also poised to play a role in Pittsburgh’s redevelopment, thanks to the efforts and passion of local technology professional Michael Clements.
With assistance from
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's (PDP) Vacant Upper Floors program, Clements, who purchased the property for $275,000 in 2007, is working with
Community Design Center of Pittsburgh to explore mixed-use options for a three-story property located at 308 Forbes Ave. Describing what he dubs “four healthy uses,” Clements plans to bring upper-floor lofts, street-level commercial space and a basement business to the circa-1910 property, which has sat vacant for seven years. He’s even looked at Moby’s NYC teahouse as a model for what could thrive Downtown.
“The vision is to take a non-contributing property with no commerce whatsoever, smack in the middle of the corridor, and make the building vibrant—transforming blight to bright,” adds Clements, who worked with broker
Fourth River Development. “I’ve always had an interest in Downtown Pittsburgh. It’s been a dream of mine—I thought I’d never be able to touch anything there.”
Clements, who expects to invest approximately $200,000 in the project, is working on renovation plans with architect
Rob Indovina. Initial designs call for light-filled spaces, sidewalk landscaping, an inviting glass façade, balconies, and a roof deck. Once renderings are complete, Clements will apply for financing via the
URA and the PDP's
Paris to Pittsburgh program.
Citing PNC’s sustainable approach and Market Square’s resurrection as inspiration, Clements hopes to promote evening activity Downtown and support the Point Park community.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Michael Clements, vice president of client accounts, CONFLUENCE
Image courtesy Indovina Associates Architects and Mike Clements