Development News

ReDesigNation, a new and used consignment furniture and home design store, has relocated to Wilkinsburg.  In the spirit of the business—to remake old things—owner Jordan Deane has retrofitted a former church and cathedral space to showcase her work.

And while the space is an interesting way to showcase furniture that Deane has refurbished, and in some cases completely reimagined, she wants to make sure the building plays a greater role in the community.

“We don’t just want it to be about my furniture store and business,” Deane says.  She and her husband are considering ideas such as a community garden, or a community kitchen, to be hosted here. 

“We already know that it’s great for events,” Deane says, as the cathedral was recently used for a community member’s baby shower.  And because the furniture is already used, it can be part of an event, and remain listed for sale as well, she says.

According to Deane, midcentury modern is currently very popular in home decor and furniture, which suits her own tastes.

“It’s actually my favorite era to go for,” Deane says.  “I take a lot of midcentury modern pieces and I’ll either restore it back to its original grandeur, or I'll paint it funky colors, because it just kind of lends itself to being a funky piece.”

There are numerous empty storefronts in this part of Wilkinsburg.  But Deane hopes her revival of the former church, which was a foreclosure and had fallen into disrepair, can encourage more businesses to relocate to this part of the city. 

ReDesigNation was previously located in Squirrel Hill.  The shop is currently open by appointment.  For more information, visit Deane’s blog.

 
Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Jordan Deane

Sports and recreation have been given a boost in Allegheny County, as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced yesterday a $300,000 grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) for the Sports and Athletics Complex at Montour Junction.

The Sports and Athletics Complex at Montour Junction is a 78-acre parcel of land shared by three communities: the Borough of Coraopolis, Moon Township and Robinson Township.  A former brownfield site, the $15 million development will include 15 to 18 grass and synthetic turf fields for non-traditional sporting uses such as soccer, rugby and lacrosse for school-aged children. 

 “The grant is one of the larger amounts awarded, and we are proud that such a significant investment is going to be made in the county,” Fitzgerald said in a statement.

Fitzgerald called this a tremendous opportunity to increase recreational opportunities in the county.  He cited the complex’s proximity to the Montour Trail, a pedestrian and bicycle path now totaling over 40 miles, as well as Montour Run, a stocked trout stream which bisects the property.

Funds will also be used to for a half-mile extension of the Montour Trail and various landscaping at the site, and the complex will eventually act as a new trailhead.

The Sports Legacy Foundation donated the land in 2008 with the clause that it would be used for non-traditional sports.  The Redevelopment Authority has been working with its consultants on the development of the facility.

Construction on the complex is expected begin in the first or second quarter of 2013.

C2P2 is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and provides funding to provide quality park, recreation and conservation opportunities.
 
Also happening in the area, Celebrate Coraopolis 2012 will take place this Saturday, December 1^st.  The day-long event will feature food, music, and family activities, including sleigh rides and pictures with Santa. 

The Coraopolis Community Development Foundation (CCDF) is leading the event, which will showcase local businesses and restaurants.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the programs of the CCDF, which this year has given over $12,000 in direct assistance and provided 14,000 pounds of food assistance to over 300 families.
 

Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Dennis M. Davin, Allegheny County Economic Development

At this year’s Commonwealth Awards, the 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania’s signature event, the theme of “Building Healthy Communities” will be emphasized in honor of the late Mark Schneider. 

A former Chairman of 10,000 Friends, Schneider was a leader in smart growth and sustainable development in the region.  In recognition of his impact, the organization’s highest individual award, the “Friend of Pennsylvania” Award, will be presented to Mark posthumously and will be renamed the “Mark C. Schneider Memorial Friend of Pennsylvania” Award.

And this year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Richard J. Jackson, co-author of the book and host/narrator of the public television series, Designing Healthy Communities.  Dr. Jackson is a recipient of the 2012 Heinz Award for the Environment.

Regional Director Grant Ervin says Schneider’s numerous projects in Pittsburgh are great examples of Dr. Jackson’s message—that the built environment has a direct correlation on public and individual health.

“Projects like Summerset and Washington’s Landing have set the bar high and have provided recognition that people want these types of products,” Ervin says.  “They were trailblazers at the time.”

10,000 Friends will also honor several southwest Pennsylvania awardees from the first round of the Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) funding.  Schneider also helped develop the vision for PCTI and was one of its chief advocates.

Founded in 1998, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is a statewide advocate for smart growth.  It has operated a Pittsburgh office since 2004.

The 2012 Commonwealth Awards will be held at Point Park University, Lawrence Hall 201, Wood Street, Downtown Pittsburgh.  For more information, and to register, click here.

 
Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Grant Ervin

The first of four new dek hockey rinks coming to Pittsburgh is now open in Banksville, thanks to a partnership between The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Highmark, and the City of Pittsburgh. 

Known as Project Power Play, the organizations are hoping the $2 million investment in new facilities will help build interest in the sport among young athletes.  Highmark is contributing $1.5 million to the initiative, and the Penguins Foundation $600,000.

“You don’t see this in many cities where you have a sports organization and a non-profit all pitching in,” says mayoral spokesperson Joanna Doven. 

According to Doven, the new parks are “literally free,” coming at no cost to taxpayers.  The City completed all in-house work, and Public Works crews did all of the manual construction.

Dek hockey, also known as street hockey, can be played wearing shoes or inline skates.  According to Doven, the surface of these new rinks is a high-quality, semi-permeable surface that prevents flooding and reduces slickness. 

As part of the initiative, a total of 12 dek hockey rinks are planned for the region, with eight more to be built throughout Allegheny County.

A second city rink will be built in Hazelwood, at the corner of Irvine and Berkwick streets in Lewis Park, and will be managed by the local YMCA.  A third rink is planned for Brookline, and a fourth for an as-yet undetermined location in the East End.

There is currently one other dek rink in Pittsburgh, at Marmaduke Park in Brighton Heights.
 

Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Joanna Doven

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) is in the midst of a $10 million expansion to double the size of the school, and a recent land purchase at 2930 Liberty Avenue brings their total footprint to over 60,000 square feet.

Executive Director Harris Ferris says the goal is to build a campus environment in the Strip District.  The new parcel, which is adjacent to the theatre, now provides ample land to build an annex building and three new studios, as well as increase parking capacity on the south side of Liberty Avenue.

The current expansion is the third phase of the School Expansion Plan.  PBT’s Board of Trustees approved the $850,000 purchase price at its July 10 meeting.

In 2010, PBT opened Byham House, a student residence, in the rectory of the former St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lawrenceville.  And last year, the school expanded its PBT Studios reception area.

With the newly acquired space, PBT’s fourth phase of development includes the construction of a new, 16,000-square-foot building.  Although still in its design phase, the structure will be an annex of the current building, located to the rear of the campus.

Parking will eventually be shifted to the 2930 Liberty Avenue lot, where Ferris says the space will either be surface or multi-level parking, depending on funding.  Either way, he says it will be beautifully landscaped.

“The idea is to create a visual and dynamic presence on Liberty Avenue,” Ferris says.   He also hopes a campus environment that spans both sides of the avenue can help to mitigate traffic.

PBT’s school serves over 800 students of diverse ages, in addition to housing a professional company of 27 dancers.  Ferris hopes the expansion will also help to serve the growing interest in community-based programs.

““That’s kind of an eclectic campus,” Ferris says.  “But it’s unified around our image and our aspirations for the art form.”
 

Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Harris Ferris

The East End Book Exchange has grown from a small stall in the Pittsburgh Public Market to a new storefront location in Bloomfield, and a grand-opening celebration will be held this Friday evening to mark the transition.

Owner Lesley Rains says the move from a smaller footprint to a brick-and-mortar shop had always been a long-term goal, but that demand and interest in the exchange moved her business quicker than expected into this new phase. 

Located at 4754 Liberty Avenue, the new shop joins The Big Idea Cooperative Bookstore and Café on the avenue, turning this stretch of Bloomfield into a budding literary destination.  Rains says that in this current bookseller climate— with heavy competition from Amazon and e-book sales—brick-and-mortar sellers have to work together.

“I think proximity can only help bookstores,” Rains says.  “I think we can hopefully over the long-term create a little book neighborhood."

According to Rains, the East End Book Exchange is a general interest used bookstore featuring genres such as fiction, poetry and history, as well as gardening and cook books.

“It’s just meant to be a place where whether you’re an avid reader or more of an occasional reader you can come here and find something,” she says. 

The exchange will also feature an extensive children’s books section, with bean bag chairs and activities for young readers.  And adults, meanwhile, will find lamp-lit nooks with couches and chairs, allowing guests to read and relax while they browse.  Rains hopes the shop will be a comfortable new space for neighbors to meet and gather.

And while the shop opens on Friday evening, it’s still a work in progress, as Rains grows her business from an 80-squarefoot booth to a 1,600-squarefoot storefront.

““We’re still growing,” she says.  “One of the things we like about this space is that there’s still a lot of space to add more bookshelves.” 

The grand-opening celebration will be held this Friday, November 16^th, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

 
Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Lesley Rains

Two important redevelopment efforts in the Hill District are poised to move forward, including a $16 million residential and retail development and the planned Shop 'n Save grocery store.

The residential and retail development, to be located in the historic New Granada Theatre Block in the Hill District, was recently approved by the URA.  What is currently vacant land will be transformed into 51 residential units, 7,200 square feet of retail space, approximately 25 on-site parking spaces and a courtyard.

Phase I of the development, called The Residences at New Granada Square, will be a mixed-income, mixed-use building between Wylie and Centre Avenues. 

Marimba Milliones, executive director of the Hill Community Development Corporation, says the residential component will be targeted to artists, entrepreneurs, and urban professionals, a demographic that she believes will function well with a redeveloped New Granada Theater cultural space.

"The Hill District is where culture and innovation merge," Milliones says.  "We're going to have an expeirence that is unlike any other in the region, and I think that the New Granada Square is going to be the heart of that experience."

A new, U-shaped building will include 16 two-bedroom apartments and 35 one-bedroom units, as well as approximately 7,200 square feet of street level retail space along Centre Avenue.  Of the 51 units, 42 will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 60 percent of area median income, with nine at market rate.

The Hill CDC and Ralph A. Falbo, Inc. have created a new entity, New Granada Square Housing, LP, which will be the project developer.

Also announced last week was the completion of the funding phase for the planned 30,000-square-foot Shop ‘n Save grocery store, to be located at the intersection of Centre Avenue and Heldman Street.  It was announced at a news conference held by the Hill House Economic Development Corp. and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The Hill House Association was able to close a $3.86 million funding gap for the project, along with help from other partners.  The project was first announced in July 2010, and had been scheduled to open last fall.  Construction is now slated to begin at the end of this month.

 
Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Marimba Milliones

The first round of grants of the Pittsburgh Neighborhood Renaissance Fund was announced yesterday by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Steve Glassman of the Design Center and others from the URA and City Council at a press conference at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater.  The awards, totaling $275,000 and including 12 neighborhoods, are designed to help communities create neighborhood development plans, and to better align investment opportunities.

The program is targeting neighborhoods that have received relatively little community planning in the past, says Chris Koch of the Design Center, who adds that these planning efforts are crucial to attracting the right kinds of investment and development.

“It’s important because neighborhoods really have to have a collective vision and a common language about how they’re going to be an inviting neighborhood and the kind of things they want to see happen there,” Koch says.

The program was created by Mayor Ravenstahl and the URA earlier this spring, and is a partnership between the mayor’s office, the Department of City Planning, the URA, and the Design Center of Pittsburgh.

The program will be administered through the Design Center’s current Design Fund initiative, which awards community organizations and provides technical assistance to work with architects, planners, and other design professionals toward neighborhood revitalization projects.

Awards include $25,000 to West End Alliance for an adaptive reuse study for a closed and vacant school; $15,000 to Pittsburgh Musical Theater for implementation of façade improvements and expansion at its West End location; and $15,000 to Central Northside Neighborhood Council for sign and gateway design for its Allegheny City Central branding plan, among others.

The fund was established in April with an initial start-up grant of $300,000 from the mayor and the URA.  The Design Center has raised matching funds through local foundations and other funding sources.

According to Koch, the fund will be useful in directing the investment and redevelopment efforts that she expects to continue to grow in Pittsburgh.

“It’s great that the mayor’s office has really understood that planning is a great way for us to understand how to take advantage of that, and for the communities to be able to have a voice in that happening,” she says.

At the end of the press conference, students from the Pittsburgh Musical Theater performed several numbers on stage in front of a group that included the Mayor, several members of City Council, and many of the grantees.


Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Chris Koch

At a press conference yesterday morning, City Councilman Bill Peduto announced legislation that he hopes will be a new tool in the fight against slumlords and blighted properties.

The legislation, which will be up for a preliminary vote next Monday, allows the City to erect large signs in front of up to 10 properties—deemed the worst in the City—whose owners have received multiple BBI citations and Housing Court convictions but have not yet taken steps to remedy the problems.  The signs will show the property owner’s name, telephone number, and home address. 

Peduto says there are two main questions regarding problem properties: “Who owns that? And why won’t anybody do anything about it?  This will answer both of those,” he says. 

Once the problem is abated, the sign would be removed and a new property would be targeted.

A similar pilot program was conducted in Pittsburgh in 1998 under the nickname Operation Red, an allusion to the novel, The Scarlet Letter.  According to Peduto, all five properties targeted through that program came to a successful conclusion.

Peduto hopes this method of public shaming will prevent property owners from hiding behind a “veil of anonymity."

According to the councilman’s policy director, Matthew Barron, similar programs are currently in place in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Milwaukee, among other cities. 

Peduto says this new legislation is necessary because the current process isn’t working.

“One house can change the perception of a street, and once street can change the perception of a neighborhood,” he says.  “If we allow people who are breaking the law to continue to do so, it comes at a cost to an entire neighborhood.”

The legislation also provides an option for allowing neighbors to petition for add a problem property to that list. 
 
Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Bill Peduto

Crested Duck Charcuterie, the Beechview-based meat market and deli, is expanding to become a USDA certified facility.  The planned upgrades will allow the French-inspired charcuterie to ship out of state, and supply large chains such as Giant Eagle.  And according to owner Kevin Costa, it will also be an opportunity for him to give back to the region’s small-scale farmers.

“The small farmers have made my business what it is,” Costa says.  “They have supported me and supplied me with a really good, quality product.  So if I can help them out I don’t know why I wouldn’t.”

According to Costa, there are just a few USDA certified processing facilities in the region.  He says they’re not always easy to work with, nor do they give farmers many options in terms of gourmet products.

Costa says farmers are losing customers because they can’t provide certain custom cuts and higher-end products, especially around the holidays.  He hopes that with the new certification, Crested Duck can help to meet that need.

The shop will offer farmers a full range of nitrate-free meats, including bacon, sausage made with farm-grown produce and many other specialty cuts and orders.  Although similar products are already offered through Crested Duck, the certification will expand the shop’s capacity and distribution means. 

In order to complete the necessary upgrades, Costa launched a Kickstarter campaign that was successfully funded last month.  In addition to USDA certification, the campaign will aid in expansion of its Beechview retail service, including a new Sunday brunch and occasional evening dinners.

Crested Duck also remains a mainstay at the Strip District’s Pittsburgh Public Market.  412-892-9983.


Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Kevin Costa

After a year of compiling public input, the City of Pittsburgh is today releasing its priorities for MovePGH.  Once completed, it will be the City’s first ever 25-year transportation plan.

A list of transportation and mobility priorities will be announced during a series of Prioritization Workshops throughout the city beginning today at 1 p.m.  Mayoral spokesperson Joanna Doven says the meetings will be used to educate the public on the ranking process.

“We’ll also explain what can be gained by investing in bicycle-pedestrian transit infrastructure improvements,” Doven says.  She adds that earlier models which enable faster, more efficient movement of automobiles often do so at the expense of other modes of transportation.  

City Planning and a team of consultants compiled a list of projects suggested by the public, as well as projects proposed by other regional partners and stakeholders.  Those projects were then evaluated for various levels of effectiveness, and ran through the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission’s Regional Travel Demand model.

Now that the projects have been ranked, funding will emerge as a key issue.  But Doven says the City’s future blueprint—PLANPGH, Pittsburgh’s first ever comprehensive plan—will help attract key partnerships and funding sources.

“Your ability to get outside dollars greatly improves when you show you have a vision and a plan,” she says.  “And we’ll have that.”

Also in planning news, next Thursday, November 15th, the URA will host its final public meeting regarding the Allegheny Riverfront Green Boulevard.  The planned corridor is exploring connecting Highland Park to downtown via a bike-pedestrian path, and a potential commuter rail serving the greater Allegheny Valley.

Also part of the Green Boulevard plan is a new riverfront development in Lawrenceville, between 43rd and 48th Streets, which would include a mix of townhomes and multi-unit buidlings.

The final Green Boulevard meeting will e held at the Teamster Temple, 4701 Butler Street, from 6 to 8 p.m.

MovePGH Prioritization Workshops will begin today at 1 p.m. , at the Kaufmann Center on 1825 Centre Avenue, and 6 p.m. at the Carnegie Library, East Liberty Branch, 130 S. Whitfield Street.  For more information, and for tomorrow’s meeting locations, click here.



Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Joanna Doven

Throughout the year, Tree Pittsburgh advocates for healthy trees in the city, and physically tends to the vast urban forest.  But at Saturday’s 5th Annual Arbor Aid, the focus is on trees that are no longer living.

The event, to be held November 10th at The Wheel Mill in Homewood, will feature the woodwork of more than 40 artists, and over 60 pieces of artwork and furniture, much of which is made of reclaimed wood harvested from the Pittsburgh region.  It is the non-profit's largest fundraiser.  

Pieces range from large dining room tables to chairs and sculptures, as well as smaller items such as cutting boards, candle holders, and pictures frames.  One artist, a painter, has even incorporated a salvaged stainless steel panel from the former Civic Arena into her work.

Tree Pittsburgh’s Caitlin Lenahan says Arbor Aid is a unique opportunity to have Pittsburgh’s woodworking community gathered and showcased all under one roof.  She says a number of cities throughout the country are known for their crafting communities, and Pittsburgh should be numbered among them.

“We have a great craftsman community here,” Lenahan says.  “I think that Pittsburgh’s community of woodworkers definitely rivals other cities.”

This year’s event will also allow the public an early preview of the future The Wheel Mill, a planned indoor bicycle park.  Harry Geyer, carpenter and owner of the park, has constructed 75 percent of the course’s infrastructure from reclaimed lumber. 

“The mountain biking community naturally cares a lot about trees and the forest, so I think it’s a great way to mix the two together,” Geyer says. He hopes to be open by the beginning of next year.

And as the fall planting season comes to an end, Tree Pittsburgh has just planted its 15,000 tree, of its 20,000-tree goal, as part of TreeVitalize.  The program is a partnership between Tree Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh, County Parks, and Pennsylvania DCNR.

Saturday’s event begins with the Soil Mixer, from 6:30 to 8:30, with food and drink, and woodworking demonstrations.  And the Main Event, from 8:30 to midnight, will feature live music along with food and drink from local establishments.   Click here for tickets and more information.


Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Danielle Crumrine, Caitlin Lenahan

El Burro Comedor opened last week in the Central Northside, offering take-out burritos and tacos.  The eatery is owned by Wes DeRenouard, and Derek Burnell, co-owner of Round Corner Cantina, in Lawrenceville.

DeRenouard describes the food as border-style Mexican food, which in addition to tacos and burritos also includes chilaquiles, carne asada fries, and the Tijuana Street Dog—a bacon-wrapped hotdog topped with avocado or pico de gallo.

Located at 1108 Federal Street, El Burro is the latest opening in a series of revitalization projects in the Federal-North corridor.  The restaurant is across from the Garden Theater Block redevelopment, where several historic renovations are currently in progress.  

Also along Federal Street are the $15 million Federal Hill housing development, and the Allegheny branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, which opened in 2009 on the site of a former gas station.

El Burro’s building, which was previously home to Toula’s Restaurant, was recently renovated by developer Bill Barron.  In addition to the improved restaurant space, the second floor has been renovated as a single apartment unit.  Barron is also responsible for the renovation of the nearby Crazy Mocha and Deli on North buildings, on North Avenue.

Burrito offerings at El Burro include chorizo, chile relleno, carne asada and rice, bean and cheese, with prices ranging from $4 to $8.  Tacos at $2.50, include shrimp, shredded beef, and carnitas, among others.  Soda offerings includ eJarritos, the popular Mexican soda featuring flavors such as tamarind and guava, and Mexican Coke.

El Burro is one of several restaurants to open in the lower Northside in recent months.  Earlier this year, Parkhurst Dining Services opened Eco Bistro within the Allegheny Center Mall, an earth-friendly lunch spot that focuses on fresh and local ingredients. 


Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Wes DeRenouard

When PLAY Arcade and Lounge opens its doors to the public it will be unlike other nightlife destinations in Lawrenceville.  Rather than offering a menu of carefully crafted cocktails or locally sourced produce, PLAY is specializing in hand-made games of the past.

PLAY is the brainchild of sculptor Adam Shreckhise, who has personally designed and built the arcade’s many games.  The space features miniature golf, skeeball, darts, Whack-a-Mole, and more, presented in a lounge or coffeehouse-like setting.

“It’s set up as either an alternative to, or an accompaniment to, going out to restaurants, going out to bars,” Shreckhise says.  “Something a little out of the ordinary to do while you’re hanging out with your friends or meeting new people.”

Everything at PLAY was built by Shreckhise himself, including the many gears and motors which animate the games.  As an artist, Shreckhise describes his latest work as “electro-mechanical, pseudo robotic sculpture,” a style that has worked well for interpreting classic arcade games.

In the future, Shreckhise says he’d like to call on local artists to submit proposals for games that they’d like to build, or adaptations to existing ones.

Shreckhise plans to operate PLAY as a BYOB establishment.  An entrance fee will be charged, allowing guests unlimited access to games.

Due to pending requests from the city’s zoning board, Shreckhise has postponed the lounge’s opening to this spring.  However, this Saturday, November 3rd, an open house and fundraiser will be free and open to the public, from 6 to 10 p.m.  Saturday’s event will not be BYOB, but Shreckhise is hoping to pair with other local establishments to offer food and drinks.

PLAY is located at 5258 Butler Street in Upper Lawrenceville.  412-345-1367.


Writer:  Andrew Moore
Source:  Adam Shreckhise

Downtown’s Century Building was built over 100 years ago and it’s still garnering accolades.  The Washington D.C.-based Urban Land Institute (ULI) has awarded TREK Development’s 2009 retrofit of the structure a Jack Kemp Workforce Housing Models of Excellence Award.

The $18.1 million development is praised for two key components: its sustainable development practices, and a commitment to maintaining workforce housing in the heart of the city.

According to ULI, it was the first residential structure in Pittsburgh to receive LEED Gold certification.  Additionally, TREK installed an open-loop geothermal system to reduce the building’s dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

And together with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, a bicycle commuter center—made of recycled metal shipping containers—was installed on the site. 

PDP President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup says the Century Building is a "beautiful, innovative mixed-use development," and applauds TREK's commitment to creating affordable housing options in Downtown, and their attenton to sustainability.

In an effort to maintain affordable workforce housing at the site, a 30-year declaration of restrictive covenants was placed on the property, requiring that specific units be rented to households between 60 and 120 percent of the area median income.

The project is praised for its use of creative financing, which included funds from the Heinz Endowments, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, as well as the URA and the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development.

Century Building is bounded on one side by Katz Plaza, a 23,000 square foot square that is home to the  weekly JazzLive series—a project of the Cultural Trust—as well as a unique fountain and benches designed by artist Louise Bourgeois. 

Other cultural amenities nearby include the Cabaret at Theater Square and Backstage Bar, the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, and numerous restaurants including Meat and Potatoes, and one located in the ground floor of the Century Building, Grille on Seventh. 

ULI calls the Century Building a “model for sustainable development, adaptive use, downtown housing, and cross-sector partnerships.”  It goes on to say that the project is worthy of replication in other cities which are addressing concerns about pricing “essential residents” out of the housing market.


Writer:  Andrew Moore