Creative TreeHouse, located at
517-521 Lincoln Ave. in
Bellevue, is poised to support local artists and spur neighborhood revitalization. Developed by
Andy Rubacky and
Jesse Hambley to provide shared workspace and affordable services to creative professionals and companies, the 7,500 square-foot TreeHouse is located in a 27,000 square-foot former
G.C. Murphy that also houses a resale boutique.
“We'd love to see the top designers, video producers, writers and photographers in the area using the space,” says Hambley, 23. To celebrate its opening, the TreeHouse will host a 24-hour
Creative Marathon kick-off on February 23rd. “We're looking to make Bellevue a destination. As one of the few walking communities in Pittsburgh, Bellevue has great potential,” says Rubacky, 31, who cites the popular Vivo restaurant and
Affogato Coffee Shop as examples of Bellevue’s resurgence. “It just takes a little forward thinking.”
The TreeHouse features a dark room, photography studio, kitchenette and fitness equipment; future amenities will include computers and a green screen studio. The venue will also host workshops and art, music and fashion events. “A creative hub fits right into Bellevue, with its cool and reasonably priced housing, and close proximity to Pittsburgh and 279,” says Rubacky. “The largest advantage to Bellevue is it’s pretty much a blank slate.”
The TreeHouse invites companies and individuals to discuss pricing
and services with members. “We're trying to keep the cost lower to
encourage people to use the space and bring a valuable asset to the
community,” says Hambley of the $25 monthly fee. “It will grow as the business and community does.”
Writer Jennifer Baron
Sources: Andy Rubacky; Jesse Hambley
Image courtesy of Creative Treehouse