Downtown & The Cultural District : Development News

A new mixed-use renovation is planned for a historic building in the Downtown Cultural District. A jazz club and restaurant will occupy the first floor, while upper floors will be converted into six loft apartments.

Art Lubetz, of Front Studio Architects, will be responsible for the renovations of the building, which was built in 1879. Located at 811 Liberty Avenue near the Harris Theater, Lubetz says the upper floors of the building have been vacant for nearly 40 years.

Lubetz is one of three partners in the project, and is joined by Al Dowe and Marty Marra. Dowe, of the Etta Cox & Al Dowe Band, will lead the jazz club, which is expected to seat 135 people, with an additional 60 in the restaurant.

Lubetz says the façade will be meticulously restored, and they plan to donate the façade to the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation in order to preserve the structure for future generations.

In addition to exterior renovations, existing window frames will be utilized in the upper-floor lofts.

"This whole project, it's going to be about light--different hues of light, translucent light, transparency, and reflectivity. What we're doing downstairs in the club will carry through in the floors of the apartments above," Lubetz says. "This whole thing will become like a light installation."

The building is seven floors, including a basement. Construction is expected to begin late August, and will run six to seven months. Lubetz says they are planning a Christmas move-in date.


Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Art Lubetz, Front Studio Architects, LLC

Point Park University has recently bought the former Honus Wagner Co. sporting goods building, located downtown on Forbes Avenue, for approximately $1.1 million. The university has sought this parcel as part of the school's plan to relocate the Pittsburgh Playhouse from it's current location in Oakland to the center of campus downtown, phase II of the Academic Village Initiative.

The Honus Wagner store had sold sporting goods and merchandise downtown for 93 years, before closing last winter. For the past 59 years the store operated from the Forbes Avenue location.

The university now owns a total of six parcels in the Forbes Avenue area, two of which are surface parking lots. It is unclear what will happen to the buildings on Forbes, and there is no set timeline for the playhouse project. "We are still in the process of evaluating all of those properties," says Mary Ellen Solomon, spokesperson for the university.

University plans show the construction of a new complex with three theaters, 150 to 400 seats each, production and teaching areas, a residence hall, an exterior balcony, and retail space.

The first phase of the university's $244 million Academic Village Initiative is on track to be completed by the end of 2012. The initiative's first phase includes a student and convocation center, an urban corner park, and improvements to the Wood Street corridor.

The school's urban corner park, which is transforming a surface parking lot into a park setting, with tree coverage, an outdoor cafe, glass stair tower, and water feature, is expected to be completed in the next two months.


Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Mary Ellen Solomon, Point Park University

At a public event on Monday, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy broke ground on the first phase of the Mellon Square Restoration project. The Parks Conservancy and the City of Pittsburgh are hoping improvements to the park will breathe new life into this historic public space and the nearby neighborhood.

George C. Greer, co-chair of the Mellon Square Committee, said that although the park is considered one of the great public spaces of the United States, neglect over the past 50 years has diminished the presence of the square.

But, "there will be no benign neglect" this time, Greer said. "Once restored, this park will contribute to the greater rebuilding and revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh."

The restoration will include improvements to the Cascade Fountain for better connectivity between Smithfield Street and the elevated square, and a new terrace above the retail shops of Smithfield. Once completed, the terrace will increase seating by 15%, and offer a relaxing respite from office life that overlooks a bustling street scene below.

Built in 1955, Mellon Square was the first modern plaza to conceal a parking garage underneath.

In a study commissioned by the Parks Conservancy, restoration of Mellon Square could contribute between $71 million to $106 million in increased value to properties within 500 feet.

The Parks Conservancy is leading the restoration project in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.

Mayor Ravenstahl, who also spoke at the event, linked the Mellon Square restoration to other downtown projects, such as Market Square, Three PNC Plaza, and PNC's recently announced 40-story tower, to be completed in 2015.

"Downtown Pittsburgh is on the move and we are embarking upon what we believe is our third renaissance," the mayor said.

Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 

A new art project is in the works for the area between Point Park University's campus and the Mon Wharf Landing linear park.

The University and Riverlife announced last week that New York-based artist Nobuho Nagasawa will collaborate with Pittsburgh landscape architecture firm LaQuatra Bonci Associates on the project. The Office of Public Art led the artist selection process and will manage the design development for the challenging space.

The Mon Wharf landing park offers 10 blocks of riverfront walkway, but the entrance to the park is cluttered by roadway, highway ramps, and a busy intersection.

Nagasawa hopes to turn this harsh urban area into a unique pedestrian connection that leads to the park.

At this point, the artist is unsure about the exact shape the art will take.

"It's a very challenging site. It also has a lot of potential," she says. "I'm here to absorb. I'm collecting information and listening to the street talk."

Members of the public were able to voice opinions and speak to the artist at a community meeting last week. Also present were representatives of Point Park, Riverlife and LaQuatra Bonci Associates.

According to Natalie Byrd of the firm, people at the meeting gave useful feedback and raised concerns with flooding, traffic and safety.

"They also wanted to know who the dominant audience will be," says Byrd. "We want to balance its use, including for students and people on lunch breaks."

Students and others interested in the project will have an opportunity to discuss the artist's proposal in the fall.

Writer: Lindsay Derda
Sources: Nobuho Nagasawa, artist, and Natalie Byrd, LaQuatra Bonci

New condos will grace 524 Penn Avenue with One Fifth Ave, a 16-unit complex that was formerly a museum and office space.

Ranging from 750 to 1,500 square feet, the condos are small yet affordable, with one and two-bedroom units that will range from $160,000 to $350,000. "We Pittsburghers can learn to live in smaller spaces," said Todd Palcic, principal of Penn Renaissance, LP. He also hopes to break the stigma that condos are dwindling as residents opt for downtown apartments.

Units will feature green aspects such as bamboo floors, concrete countertops and Energy Star appliances. Optional retractable walls will allow residents to open more floor space as needed, and each unit will have a minimum of six windows. Ground-level retail and a rooftop deck with a cabana bar top it all off, says Palcic.

Architecture in the area—located near Six Penn Kitchen--focuses on darker colors, but Palcic said he wants to give One Fifth Ave a lighter yet historical façade. "We can't wait to really highlight that corner," he says.

As with his L'Enfant Lofts just down the street, Palcic said One Fifth Ave will give residents the benefits of downtown's numerous amenities. Just one block from Market Street, they will have easy access to Market Square as well as the new Gateway subway terminal and Point State Park.

Palcic is currently working with Kudravy Architects and hopes to have units ready for next early year. 

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Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Todd Palcic, Penn Renaissance, LP

Meat and Potatoes is about as standard as it gets, but Nine on Nine's Chef Richard Deshantz is putting a new twist on classic dishes.

Opening tomorrow in the heart of the Cultural District downtown in the old Cafe Zao space, Meat and Potatoes is a gastropub, serving high-end or craft versions of our pub favorites. Deshantz says he wanted to go a different direction from Nine on Nine just down the street, making the restaurant a stripped down, more casual experience.

"It's the type of place where you stop once a week," Deshantz says. Handmade tables, recycled barn doors and a long and rectangular marble-topped bar lend the prohibition style atmosphere he wanted. "It's a very passionate thing for me. Not only did I design it, but I hand-built everything here." At 2,000 square feet, the restaurant also has two private rooms. Plans are to open outdoor seating this July.

Featuring dishes like smoked pork belly, sweet bread and hotdogs made on the premises, the menu at Meat and Potatoes gives traditional comfort food a run for its money. An average entrée will go for around $17, and Deshantz says he's looking to shake up traditional drinks, too, by aging liquor in-house.

As downtown becomes more of a neighborhood, residents are in need of the staples a good neighborhood offers, including a wide array of dining, he explains. In its 649 Penn Avenue location--in the Michael Graves-designed building housing the Pittsburgh Public Theater--Meat and Potatoes will give locals the watering hole they need, Deshantz says.

Meat and Potatoes will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

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Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Richard Deshantz

Planned as the world's greenest building, the proposed $400 million, 40-story Tower at PNC Plaza to be built at Fifth and Wood Sts. will profoundly impact the continuing revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh.

At around 800,000 square feet, the Tower will serve a rapidly growing PNC exclusively, according to PNC chairman and CEO Jim Rohr. With an aim to exceed the certification for LEED Platinum, it will exemplify PNC's "relentless commitment to green buildings," says Rohr whose company now "has more LEED buildings than any company on earth."

The Tower will feature office space to accommodate 3000, along with street-level retail, 300 parking spaces below and a rooftop garden. "It will dramatically increase the value and appreciation of Fifth Avenue downtown," Rohr says.

San Francisco-based firm Gensler will design the building, while Pittsburgh's P.J. Dick will handle construction. The U.K.'s Buro Happold was hired for engineering and Seattle's Paladino & Company will help with the green building aspects.

In the "worst kept secret" as Rohr called the announcement of the building at a press conference Monday afternoon, PNC has quietly acquired six properties, which were not for sale, totaling 31,000 square feet around Fifth, Forbes and Wood Street. It is seeking to acquire three more properties totally about 6,000 square feet from the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Ultimately, this will give Pittsburgh an even bigger spotlight on the global stage, says Saulson. "We think the Tower at PNC Plaza will be a destination," he predicts. "It will draw people from around the world, and hopefully some people who want to emulate it."

With a design focused heavily on glass, each employee will have access to natural light, says Gary Saulson, director of corporate real estate at PNC. "It's going to be a phenomenal work environment." Saulson adds that the Tower will consume less than 50 percent of the energy a typical office building uses and will save PNC at least 30 percent on its energy costs.

At the press conference, Richard Fedrizzi, president of the U.S. Green Building Council, commended PNC for being a major corporation that showed faith in green design and for its world-class leadership that "helped begin a movement that is changing building and communities around the world." Mayor Luke Ravenstahl hailed the building for helping usher in the "Third Rennaissance" and continuing the positive momentum for Pittsburgh.

Deconstruction of buildings on the site will begin later this year, and construction is expected to start in spring 2012. The Tower at PNC Plaza is scheduled for completion in summer 2015.

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Writer: Alex Audia and Tracy Certo
Source: Jim Rohr and Gary Saulson, PNC

Image courtesy of PNC

Will it be a sculpture, structure, or installation based on light, sound, or water? One thing is certain about the new art project set for Point State Park: it will be distinctive.     

With the park set to re-open next fall, a new project is underway to further enhance the rivers' confluence downtown.  

The Colcom Foundation recently made a grant to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for an innovative art project to mark the reopening.

The art will find a permanent home in the Portal Bridge area, between the Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne bridges.  

South Side-based architectural firm SPRINGBOARD Design is soliciting proposals from 30 design firms nationwide.  Soon the firm will narrow the search to five propositions. The public can weigh in on the proposals in a soon-to-be developed website.

According to John Rohe, Colcom's vice president of philanthropy, the project builds upon the area's historical significance.  

"There has been an interpretative plan created over many years for this particular piece of geography.  All of the designs will pertain to that interpretative plan, meaning respect for the history, the water, and for this prominent place in our history," Rohe says.

Regionally, the Pittsburgh-based foundation supports conservation, environmental projects and cultural assets.

Colcom's newest funded project will complement the completed renovations to the Point, which began in 2007. 
 
Point State Park has long held an attraction to tourists and Pittsburghers alike.  The newly renovated park, complete with refurbished fountain and soon-to-be determined art project, is sure to attract more fans.

Writer: Lindsay Derda, Pop City intern
Source: John Rohe, Colcom Foundation   

Last week the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County (SEA) officially opened the new $9.5 million Riverfront Plaza at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The Plaza spans 1,300 feet of riverfront property and includes a 3,000-square-foot public event plaza and walkway. This includes a new section of Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which now travels from Point State Park to the Strip District. "It's creates another spot to connect to the trails and enjoy walking, biking and other recreational activities along the river," says SEA Executive Director Mary Conturo.

Features of the Plaza include decorative paving to resemble a river delta and landscaping of trees, shrubs and plants that grow naturally along the river. Mooring for both commercial and recreational boats is available, and the programmable space can serve as a meeting spot for walks or other events and activities, says Conturo. Mascaro Construction Company, LC was project's contractor, along with LaQuatra Bonci Associates and GAI Consultants.

The opening of this Plaza sets a new standard to make the most of the area's waterfront, says Stephan Bontrager, director of communications at Riverlife, who worked as SEA's project partner for the Plaza. "Creating this loop of riverfront trails continues to redefine Pittsburgh as a city that's progressive with outdoor recreation and entertainment along the riverfront."

With the completion of this section, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail System is now more than 80 percent finished, Bontrager says. The next steps will be the completion of the South Shore Riverfront Trail and the Mon Wharf Switchback, a ramp that will provide access to Point State Park and the Great Allegheny Passage.

Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Stephan Bontrager, Riverlife
              Mary Conturo, SEA

What better way to enjoy Pittsburgh's great neighborhoods and architecture than on a bike? That's the goal of Pedal Pittsburgh's 18th annual ride scheduled for Sunday, May 22.

A fundraiser for the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP), the various bike rides will all begin and end at SouthSide Works. Attracting more than 2,000 riders each year, it's the only ride of its size within the city limits says Jennifer Fox, director of administration at CDCP.

"It's not about the first one to the finish line," she explains. "It's really about a leisurely ride that's going to take you past some fantastic views and places." With routes ranging from six to 60 miles, and many refreshment stops along the way, riders and families of all skill levels can take part.

The six routes travel through the South Side, Northside, Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill and Mount Washington, giving cyclists--especially those who travel the entire 60 miles--a great way to experience the city and its neighborhoods, says Fox.

One group joining the ride is Team East End Brewing Company and OTB Bicycle Café (EEB/OTB). The first 50 riders to RSVP for their team will get half of their registration covered for the event and a Team EEB/OTB t-shirt.

This year, Fox explains, CDCP will have activities for riders at its rest stops to showcase what good planning and design brings to communities.

Over the past 10 years Fox has coordinated Pedal Pittsburgh, she says they have consistently seen more people get involved. "It's amazing to see that many people on bikes," she adds.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at SouthSide Works, with the first group of riders taking off at 7 a.m.

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Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Jennifer Fox, CDCP

When ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos pitched the idea of a cartoon-themed hotel room to  Wyndham Grand, he never thought they'd go for it. To his surprise, they loved it.

Now available for booking, the ToonRoom features cartoon art, a library of comics and graphic novels and a drawing desk. "It's a great introduction to the artform of cartoons," says Wos. From Spongebob to Batman, adults and kids alike will see characters they know and love.

At $129 a night, guests in the ToonRoom also receive a ToonSeum package that includes one ticket per person to the museum, t-shirts, mugs and postcards. This package is available for guests staying in standard rooms to purchase, so they can have the cartoon experience while the ToonRoom is occupied.

Though other hotels across the United States feature novelty rooms or themes, Wos says the ToonRoom is the only one with original cartoon art.

For cartoon enthusiasts, Wos says the room furthers their connection with the artform. "Allowing them to actually have a room they can stay at when they travel that immerses them in that experience is really unique," he adds.

Not only can guests support Pittsburgh when they visit, but they are also supporting the non-profit museum, Wos explains. "This is a chance, for guests coming into the city, to give them another unique experience," he says. "It's also a great little getaway if you live in Pittburgh."

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Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Joe Wos, ToonSeum

Penn Avenue will get a little more posh this summer, with the completion of L'Enfant Lofts.

French for "the child," but also the namesake of architect Charles Pierre L'Enfant, the lofts will feature six boutique units. Located at 806 Penn Avenue, Penn Renaissance, LP took over the stalled condo project already in progress.

"It's going to be a bright light on that otherwise dark half a block at night," says Todd Palcic, principal of Penn Renaissance. "I think the building will add more of the residential mix that we want downtown."

They are working with Pfaffmann + Associates and Arriba Construction to create five units at 1,600 square-feet that will be residential. The sixth 800-square-foot unit can be used for either residential or commercial purposes. Palcic says lofts will be priced between $165,00 and $375,000.

"People have to put more money down now to buy a place, and we're cognizant of that fact. Because we bought the building at such a low price, we're able to pass on the savings to the customer," he adds.

While they are not going for LEED certification, Palcic adds that they are following LEED guidelines with window upgrades, hardwood bamboo floors and ENERGY STAR appliances. L'Enfant Lofts will also feature private outdoor space in all five residential lofts.

The first units at L'Enfant Lofts will be available in early July. With another building on Penn Avenue already under contract, Palcic said they hope to have several more projects in the future.

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Writer: Alex Audia
Source: Todd Palcic, Penn Renaissance, LP

Photograph copyright Alex Audia

Want to learn about successful strategies for progressive regional collaboration and promoting civic engagement in public planning? On Monday April 4, The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP) will host Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council president MarySue Barrett in their Design Excellence Lecture Series. 

"While typically in our series we've had more of a discussion about architecture and design, this one will be more about the process of municipal change and metropolitan planning," says Kate McGlynn, director of community programs for the CDCP.

The Metropolitan Planning Council is a non-profit organization founded in Chicago in 1934, which promotes community-focused, regionally collaborative approaches to sustainable urban growth and improved low-income housing situations. President since 1996, Barrett has a track record of utilizing data in order to advocate and provide technical assistance for sustainable development initiatives and public-private partnerships.

"Following her talk will be a panel discussion with local folks, and that's really where we bring the conversation back to Pittsburgh," says McGlynn. The panelists leading the discussion include Steve Craig, chairman of Lawrence County Commissioners and secretary treasurer of Southwest Planning Commission, and Doug Heuck, executive director of Pittsburgh Today. Anne-Marie Lubenau, president of the CDCP, is the third panelist. The conversation will be moderated by Jim Denova, vice president of The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

The lecture will take place Monday, April 4 from 6-8 p.m. at Point Park University's George Rowland Theater, located at 414 Wood Street in Downtown Pittsburgh.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

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Writer: John Farley
Source: Kate McGlynn, CDCP

Image courtesy of CDCP

Chef and Nine on Nine owner Richard DeShantz has reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to open a new restaurant in Theater Square, the $30 million nine-story multi-use facility that was opened in 2003.

DeShantz has made a name for himself by significantly elevating the Downtown dining scene over the years with the progressive contemporary American Nine on Nine and the now defunct Cafe Richard.  He will continue to operate Nine on Nine, but has been looking to open a new restaurant for the past year, and seized on the opportunity to fill the space left at 649 Penn Avenue when the previous tenant Café Zao closed last August after a six-year run. According to Veronica Corpuz, director of public relations for the Cultural Trust, Café Zao's owner Toni Pais decided to focus on his Café Zinho restaurant in Shadyside.

DeShantz is currently working on plans for the restaurant with his partners Uri Moscowitz, former co-owner of Seviche, and Tolga Sevdik, and he has stated that the new restaurant will offer very reasonably priced, exciting cuisine. DeShantz anticipates opening sometime in the spring.

In addition to operating the new restaurant, DeShantz will manage the menu of the neighboring Cabaret Theater and cater many of the Cabaret's private events.

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Writer: John Farley
Source: Veronica Corpuz, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Image courtesy of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

After receiving approval from the Urban Redevelopment Authority last Thursday, Millcraft Industries is moving forward with plans to build a 15-story, $50 to 60 million LEED certified multi-use high rise on Forbes Avenue called The Gardens. The developer also plans to begin construction next month on Rivervue, a $40 million conversion of the former State Office building at 300 Liberty Avenue into 218 luxury apartments.

Since 2006, Millcraft Industries has held options on several parcels on Forbes, between Market Square and Wood Street, which will be the future site of The Gardens.  Until now they have been focusing primarily on the completion of their Market Square Place project and the transformation of the former Macy's Lazarus building into the mixed-use Piatt Place. They hope close on the sale of the properties they've long held options on in the coming months and break ground on the The Gardens by the end of this year.  A projected time-line places the end of construction in 2013.

"It will feature street-side retail, parking within the building, a limited service concept hotel, and 10,000-square-feet of office space," says Brian Walker, chief financial officer for Millcraft Industries. "It's the same concept we believe works really well. There will be about 25,000-square-feet of retail space. We can't wait to get started."

Additionally, Millcraft has been working with architects Design 4 Studio and contractor Turner Construction on plans convert the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania office building into a luxury apartment facility called Rivervue.

"Anticipated groundbreaking is mid-March. So, in just about four weeks from now we'll be breaking ground on the 218 residential units. The views overlooking the Point are going to be unbelievable," says Walker. Units will range in size from single studios to four-bedroom duplexes. The ground floor will feature limited retail space and built-in parking with 24-hour valet service. Millcraft Industries hopes to have the apartments available for move-in by the beginning of 2012.

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Writer: John Farley
Source: Brian Walker, Millcraft Industries

Photograph copyright John Farley