South Side : Development News

The County Office Building will become the first municipal building in Allegheny County to construct a green roof. The 8,400 square-foot, energy-efficient rooftop garden will reduce heating and cooling costs as well as stormwater runoff that can pollute Pittsburgh’s rivers. As part of the same project, planters in the Courthouse Courtyard will be converted into rain gardens with drought-tolerant native plants.

“Pittsburgh has a problem with storm water management,” explains Indigo Raffel with Conservation Consultants, Inc., which built a green roof on its LEED Gold-certified South Side facility. “The more green roofs and rain gardens we have, the more landscapes we have to absorb the water, so the less water goes into sewer systems and then rivers.”

There is no cost estimate yet for the project, as the county is currently seeking bids. Kevin Evanto, spokesperson for Country Executive Dan Oronato, says roof construction should be under way by September and complete by the end of the year, and Courtyard construction should be complete by the end of the summer.

Other notable Pittsburgh buildings with green roofs include Hamerschlag Hall at Carnegie Mellon University, the Heinz 57 Center, the Highmark Building, UPMC Montefiore, the Children’s Museum and Giant Eagle Market District.

Upcoming green roof projects include the John P. Robin Civic Building at 200 Ross St., Downtown, which is still in its funding stages, and Phipps Conservatory’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes, which is seeking LEED Platinum certification, according to Aurora Sharrard of the Green Building Alliance.

County officials are considering future green roof projects at the Kane Regional Centers and Shuman Juvenile Detention Center, both of which feature flat roofs perfect for this type of development, says Evanto.

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Writer: Caralyn Green
Sources: Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County director of communications; Indigo Raffel, education services, Conservation Consultants, Inc.; Aurora Sharrard, research manager, Green Building Alliance; Janie French, watershed programs manager, 3 Rivers Wet Weather

Image courtesy Allegheny County

Schoolhouse Yoga is opening a new center at 2737 E. Carson St in the SouthSide Works. The 1,500-square foot studio is in the street-level storefront previously occupied by Karma Fashion boutique.

The opening, scheduled for this weekend, marks Schoolhouse Yoga’s fourth site. Other studios are located in the Strip District, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside.

After being approached by the owner and manager of the SouthSide Works four months ago, Schoolhouse owner Leta Koontz decided to open a studio at the live-stay-play development to serve the needs of people who work in the area, as well as residents of the complex’s condos and future guests at the in-progress hotel project.

Schoolhouse joins Breathe Yoga Studio, 1113 E. Carson St., and Amazing Yoga, 1506 E. Carson St., as the South Side’s third yoga facility.

Koontz notes that Schoolhouse, which was founded in 2002, schedules some unique classes to try set itself apart from competitors.

“We offer Ashtanga and Kundalini classes in addition to more conventional Yoga 1 and Yoga 2,” she says. “We also offer prenatal, mommy-and-me and kids’ classes, which are so popular we have people driving in from the suburbs to attend.”

Schoolhouse’s South Side studio is not Pittsburgh’s only new yoga center. Sterling Yoga, 2889 Glenmore Ave. in Dormont, is hosting its grand opening celebration this Saturday. Sterling Yoga offers classes for children through seniors, as well as specialized workshops including hula hoop dance and reiki exchange.

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Writer: Caralyn Green
Sources: Leta Koontz, Schoolhouse Yoga; Sterling Painton, Sterling Yoga

Photograph copyright Brian Cohen

By now, you’ve spotted the white castle-like structure taking shape along the Mon. After much thirsty anticipation, Hofbräuhaus will mark its soft opening at SouthSide Works March 16.

“We’re turning the lights on and opening the doors. I may wear my lederhosen but it won’t be anything special,” says managing partner Nick Ellison, who opened the country’s first Hofbräuhaus in Newport, Kentucky in 2003. “We’ll do better in Pittsburgh because of our proximity to universities, the ability to do a big lunch business, and we’re bigger.”

Located at 2705 S. Water St. near the Cheesecake Factory, the 18,125-square-foot destination is one third larger than its Newport counterpart. “We found on the South Side what is a square hole for a square peg—it fits us perfectly. We wanted it badly enough to wait,” adds the longtime developer, who says Newport's Hofbräuhaus serves 300,000 patrons annually. “Pittsburgh is rediscovering what an economic asset the rivers are in all regards—it’s a big draw.”

Hofbräuhaus will serve four daily beers and one monthly seasonal brew.  Breumeister Eckhart Kurbjuhn, a Munich native who ran a brewery in Nigeria, has worked all over the globe. With seating for 1,020 in summer and 598 in winter, the building features a variety of interior spaces and rooflines, including an octagonal tower that evokes medieval Bavaria and resembles a bier stein.

Al fresco dining abounds in the Vorgarten and Terrasse, while the private Bräustüberl features barrel truss ceilings. For the classic beer hall aura, check out the 376-seat Bavarian Biergarten with long wooden benches and tables. Designed by Covington, Kentucky-based Andy Piascovy, the project was constructed by Imperial Builders, Inc.

On April 29, Hofbräuhaus will host a grand opening and tap its Maibock beer.

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Nicholas C. Ellison, Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh, LLC

Photograph of Eckhart Kurbjuhn (left) and Nick Ellison (right) copyright Brian Cohen

Pittsburgh Cares offers two unique ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Day this year. On Saturday, Jan. 17 from 11am-1pm for $20 per person, you can take part in one of seven Neighborhood Diversity Crawls. Crawls take place in the West End/Mt. Washington, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield/Friendship, South Side, Regent Square, Strip District, and Oakmont and include a narrated tour, sampling of various traditional foods and beverages, exploration of locally owned businesses, and fun facts like who Lawrenceville is named for and what Oakmont claims as the largest in the country.

“Last year we lead one tour to four different places throughout the city, but this year we wanted to highlight Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhoods and help boost the local economy at the same time,” says Kristin Brown with Pittsburgh Cares.

In addition, Pittsburgh Cares has teamed up with Manchester Craftsmen's Guild to host their MLK: Celebrate the Dream event. On Monday, Jan. 19 from 10am-12pm, more than 350 youth and adult volunteers will design and construct upwards of 75 "diversity shelves." The wooden bookcases will be adorned with words and images from the Civil Rights Movement and will serve as a platform for initiating dialogue around race relations, community organizing, volunteerism, and diversity. From 12-1pm local performing artists will showcase their talents as the volunteers unite in celebration of Dr. King's dream for a community that respects and embraces diversity.

“After the event our volunteer groups will present the shelves filled with books to local schools so the discussion of diversity continues throughout the year.”

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Writer: Lauren Urbschat
Source: Kristin Brown, Pittsburgh Cares

A new South Side cafe is combining a passion for cycling and cuisine.

Housed within a historic property at 2518 East Carson St., Over the Bar (OTB) Bicycle Café will debut its lunch and dinner menu on Jan. 12. Avid mountain biker Mike Kotyk— who has 15 years’ restaurant experience—teamed up with John Benzinger and Scott Ambrose to launch the cafe.

“I did serious research developing my business plan,” adds Kotyk, 35, who designs greenways and trails with Pashek Associates. “It reflects my professional and personal life and connections in the bike community.”

Inspired by Chicago’s Handlebar and Quaker Steak & Lube, where he worked in Sharon, PA, Kotyk speaks passionately about Pittsburgh’s sustainable bike and  pedestrian developments and hopes to establish an OTB bike club and historic ride.

The first-of-its-kind in western Pennsylvania, the family-friendly café features colorful ceiling murals by Ashley Hodder and “art bikes” constructed by THICK Bikes owner Chris Beech. Red Star Ironworks artist Grace Catranis used recycled bike parts to create OTB’s wall sconces. With seating for 60, Kotyk hopes to draw lunch crowds from nearby South Side Works, American Eagle and UPMC.

OTB’s creative menu features appetizers, burgers  and entrees named for bike terms, trails and organizations, such as the Dirt Rag Delight (burger with pickles and peanut butter), Tangled Spokes (baked soft pretzels) and Bicycle Advocate, a culinary nod to Bike Pgh. Its full bar serves craft beers like East End Brewery’s Pedal Pale Ale.

Chef Taylor Knoebel previously worked at Nine on Nine and Stone Mansion, while manager Marty Maloney returned to Pittsburgh after running restaurants in Las Vegas.

OTB’s grand opening is Jan. 30.

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Mike Kotyk, Over the Bar (OTB) Bicycle Cafe

Image courtesy Mike Kotyk

A South Side property with a storied past is set to debut as a modern loft-style residence.

Located at 2330 Larkins Way—along a block occupied by many of the neighborhood’s original Polish residents—the two-bedroom 2,400-square-foot property includes two bathrooms, a two-car garage and two gas fireplaces. Just blocks from South Side Works and East Carson St., the free-standing brick home also features new mechanicals, stained concrete floors, radiant heat, and sliding glass doors.

“I've tried to create a unique product. It has the loft-condo feel without the cookie cutter look or high association fees,” says developer Mark Frankovitch of MFranko Properties, a broker with Downtown-based Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate. “The South Side has remained a hot area. It’s marketing itself with word-of-mouth interest.”

Constructed in the late 1800’s, the building originally house a Livingston Steel machine shop and was later a storage facility for Karl Hardman, producer of George Romero’s legendary zombie film, Night of the Living Dead.  

After purchasing the building in April 2008, Frankovitch began converting the warehouse/garage into a loft-style house, sandblasting the 100-year-old brick, and creating an interior courtyard. The project’s urban-industrial look blends historic brickwork with modern Hardie panel and sheet metal, decorative spiral ductwork, and a designer kitchen.

Frankovitch, who believes that Pittsburgh’s residential market will remain stable, expects the home to sell in the high $300,000s. “I’m looking for other unique historic properties in the city,” adds Frankovitch, who worked with BP Construction. “I look for potential where none else sees it.” For more information, call 412-613-5966.

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Mark Frankovitch, MFranko Properties

Image courtesy Mark Frankovitch

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.

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

Image courtesy Prudential Preferred Realty

Brewing up high-quality cappuccinos in a creative and cozy setting, Big Dog Coffee Shop is the South Side’s newest gathering space.

Located at 2717 Sarah St., the 1,500-square-foot shop specializes in coffees and teas from Chicago-based Intelligentsia and locally-baked desserts, including cupcakes from Vanilla Pastry Studio, as well as Ho hos and whoppie pies, apricot bars, and cobblers and ice cream.

A labor of love for Cortney Eshelman Ivanov and her Bulgarian-born husband Nikolay—classical musicians who returned to Pittsburgh after a 10-year stint in Dallas—Big Dog features original floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry, a fireplace and piano, upholstered rocking chairs, and patio seating. The pair purchased the turn-of-the-century property—formerly Kohler’s Bakery—and are renovating its upper residential floors.

“We want to be present in the neighborhood. Pittsburgh is such a great city,” says Cortney Ivanov, a self-described “mocha girl,” whose parents run award-winning South Side Morning Glory Inn bed and breakfast, also on Sarah St.

The couple hired designer Kim Barnes and contractor Larry Mayo to create the shop’s marble-topped counters, powder blue beadboard ceiling and lime green walls. “We want it to be creative and well done,” adds Ivanov, who has three young sons and is a bassoonist with The Dallas Opera. “We want it to be comfortable for families.”

Named to honor the large canines in the Ivanov’s extended family, Big Dog also features free Wi-Fi and a drive-through parking area along Carey Way. “People are looking outward from Starbucks,” adds Ivanov, who plans to host live music. “Coffee purists can come here and be pleased.”

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Cortney Eshelman Ivanov, Big Dog Coffee Shop

Photograph copyright Brian Cohen

With its recent move to the South Side’s historic Terminal Buildings, product development firm Bright Innovation has quadrupled in size and expects to hire new designers.

Previously housed within a 600-square-foot space above Penn Brewery on Pittsburgh’s North Side, the firm has occupied its new 3,200-square-foot offices at 333 E. Carson St.

Encompassing two former warehouse bays, the 70-foot long space—designed by Bright Innovation’s Jason Howe—features open studios, offices, a fabrication shop, and flexible project space. Incorporating reused and repurposed materials was central to the design, which features doors, windows and decorative accents culled from Construction Junction, natural light, ceiling and in-wall fans, existing stairwells, and a reception desk constructed from recycled brick.

“It’s a great accessible location for us. It was a blank industrial space we made into something fun and funky,” says Tom Kubilius, 40, who founded Bright Innovation in 2005. “Pittsburgh’s a great welcoming place and a fairly safe environment to start a new business. We have amazing design resources and great talent. There’s more going on here than people realize.”

Designer Jason Deperro recently left Apple in California to come to join Bright Innovation’s nine-person team, which has an average age of 28. Clients include a range of industries—from high-tech to culinary—such as Alcoa, Cohera Medical, Lotus Group, and Cartesia DX.

“We’re working on really cool, interesting problems—that’s a reason to expand,” adds Kubilius, who expects to continue hiring three designers per year. “We’re a young firm where people can make their mark.”

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Tom Kubilius, president and owner, Bright Innovation

Image courtesy Jeff Swanson






 

Pittsburgh’s canoe and kayak scene got a big boost with the Oct. 1 opening of the 4th St. Three Rivers Water Trail Landing along the Monongahela.

Located at the end of 4th St. on Pittsburgh’s South Side, the new public access point is one of18 related landings dotting the region’s three rivers. Developed by Friends of the Riverfront (FOTR), in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and Rivers of Steel, the $180,000 project received a grant from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

“Kayakers and water people are really excited about this additional resource. Locally, recreational activities have been growing over the last few years,” says Thomas Baxter, with FOTR, which is developing a water access guide and user survey. “New shops like REI are catering more to paddling. Tenants at RiverWalk Corporate Centre are storing kayaks in their offices and going out at lunch.”

The structure’s green design further underscores its function as a recreational and alternative transportation site. Its dock is built from sustainable kumaru, a durable teak-like renewable resource harvested in South America, which FOTR also uses to construct trail benches. Retrofitting an existing structure that was formerly used by barges, the adaptive reuse project is marked with large red paddle signs.  

Designed by Pfaffmann + Associates, the landing features a large dock, native plantings and railings designed by Red Star Ironworks. “They’re very forward thinking about their environment. Rob Pfaffmann is an avid passionate kayaker and understands the needs on the water,” adds Baxter, who says FOTR is planning a landing in Westfall St. on the Ohio River.

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Thomas Baxter, executive director, Friends of the Riverfront

Image courtesy Friends of the Riverfront, Inc.

Move over meter maids, there’s a new use for parking spaces. Come Friday, the number of parks in town will rise dramatically, thanks to the Pittsburgh debut of National PARK(ing) Day.

Created in 2005 by San Francisco art collective Rebar, the annual nationwide event showcases temporary parks created in public parking spaces. Promoting the need for more parks in urban centers, the grassroots green-minded effort spawned 200 new parks in 50 cities around the globe in 2007.
 
Creative green spaces will promote biking, cultural organizations, and urban park development in Pittsburgh. With more than 20 parks (and counting!) planned, projects include an art installation in Schenley Plaza, REI spaces at SouthSide Works and a collaborative Charm Bracelet park on the North Side. One highlight includes an ARL Wildlife Center park complete with an owl and turtle on Copeland St. in front of Shadyside’s Starbucks.

“It’s turned out to be a great success. Pittsburgh is catching on to this early—it’s a young event,” says Emily Craig, with Riverlife, which co-organized the event. “We’ve generated interest. I cannot image that it wouldn't happen next year.”

Mayor Ravenstahl’s 4th Ave. space near the City-Council Building will feature a Bike Pittsburgh park, while event co-organizer Councilman Dowd also donated his spot to the cause. To support the event, The Public Parking Authority of Pittsburgh is granting a variance for participating spaces.

In conjunction with the 2008 Land Trust Alliance Rally—America’s largest land conservation training and networking event—taking place in Pittsburgh Sept. 18-21, five Convention Center spaces will be transformed into a park.

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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Emily Craig, Riverlife

Image courtesy National PARK(ing) Day

Two of Pittsburgh’s green residential developments are experiencing steady sales and starting work on next phases.

Riverside Mews, the South Side’s largest green residential community, has started construction on six new town homes. Since its grand opening in November 2007, seven of Riverside's first eight units have sold.

Starting at $415,000, units will be available for occupancy in 2009. Designed by Perkins Eastman and Strada and developed by Riverside Development Group, the project is located at 18th St. and Riverfront Park. The project calls for 48 two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet.

Exemplifying the community’s commitment to green design, units at Riverside are built according to Energy Star Standards. Features like FSC-certified wood and Greenguard flooring materials help make the units 40% more efficient than homes built to current energy codes.

At Windom Hill Place, located above McArdle Roadway, four units have sold and work has begun on the project’s second phase. Winner of the 2008 Superior Interiors design competition for Architectural Residence/New Construction, Windom’s contemporary Craftsman-style town homes were designed by John Martine of Strada. Developer is Windom Hill Place, LLP.

Windom’s 3,000-square-foot units feature three bedrooms, finished lower levels and outdoor space on four levels. The Energy Star compliant project features native plants, bamboo and cork flooring and cast stone.

“We’re getting an eclectic group just like the city of Pittsburgh—all different ages and people who really appreciate the quality of the design and construction,” says Kathryn Barry, with Prudential Preferred Realty. “There’s still excitement in the marketplace. The South Side is unquestionably the place to be.”

Contractor for both projects is leading green builder, Sota Construction Services.

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

Image courtesy Prudential Preferred Realty

Pittsburgh is poised to become a lot more bike and pedestrian friendly.

On August 11, the city unveiled “the four e’s” of a new cycling and walking initiative—engineering, education, enforcement, and events—aimed at implementing a broad spectrum of traffic and infrastructure improvements that will help promote cycling and walking as viable, economical and safe modes of transportation and recreation.

Encouraging coalitions with advocacy group Bike Pittsburgh, the project also calls for enforcing traffic laws designed to protect cyclists and pedestrians and increasing bike/ped awareness.
 
The announcement coincided with the hiring of Stephen Patchen, who on August 4 began as Pittsburgh’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator—the first position of its kind in Pennsylvania.

“This looks at everything through the lens of cycling and pedestrian activities, and also transit. It's about having that mix, and a series of networks aligned, so we can have a strategic direction,” says Councilman Dowd, who hopes to see high-visibility signage, commuter partnership programs and broad policy directives. “Education underscores the whole thing. This can help us reinvent the infrastructure of the city.”

Dowd says the city is already considering adding a bike lane to East Liberty Blvd. Specific measures include designated and marked bike routes, a stolen bike recovery program, and reinvestment in Pittsburgh’s steps and stairways. In 2010, Pittsburgh will apply for Bicycle Friendly Community Status from theLeague of American Bicyclists.

Among the initiative’s extensive list of possibilities are tax credits for businesses that provide cycling facilities, changes in driver’s manuals that emphasize bike/ped safety, showcase events that close city boulevards to vehicular traffic, and bike accommodations in Parking Authority lots.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Patrick Dowd, Pittsburgh City Council District 7

Photograph copyright Jonathan Greene

An Italianate building with a storied past on Pittsburgh’s South Side is the site of a $4 million mixed-use renovation.

Located at 1505-1507 East Carson St., the 127-year-old Beneficial Building—which became the German Beneficial Union’s national headquarters in 1909, features arched windows, projecting lintels and an ornate cornice.

Today marks the grand opening of the 20,000-square-foot property’s retail and office components. Cardinal Resources, a new organization offering environmental assessment, remediation and engineering services, is occupying the third and second floors, while the storefronts house Carson St. Deli and Owens Dry Cleaning. The sustainable design includes a green roof, courtyard water garden, low-VOC paints, and Energy Star lighting, while the facade was restored according to National Park Service standards.

“We’ve built new homes for a business already located on the South Side and welcomed new businesses. Performers at City Theatre will travel from all over the country to work and stay in the new Beneficial Building. We’re proud to add to the already dynamic fabric of the historic South Side,” says Bill Gatti, with TREK Development Group, which co-developed the project with South Side Local Development Company (SSLDC). “A neglected historic building, a congested urban location and the desire to combine retail, commercial office and residential on unusually shaped floor plates all add up to challenges that at times felt insurmountable. Four years of hard work and a strong partnership was needed to see this project through.”

In September, six studio apartments being master leased to City Theatre will open. "We're thrilled to play a role in the salvation and restoration of this key architectural asset to the longest Victorian-era commercial district,” adds Rick Belloli, with SSLDC. Project architects are UpStreet and Michael Eversmeyer.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Bill Gatti, TREK Development Group, Rick Belloli, South Side Local Development Company

Photograph copyright Brian Cohen

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

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

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

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

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

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: David Cocco, Kratsa Properties
   
Image Courtesy Kratsa Properties