South Side : Development News

With the new Bike Pittsburgh map, sharing the road just a got a lot easier. In case you’ve lost track, Pittsburgh’s last bicycle map was published 15 years ago during the city’s “Sophie” era.

Featuring cartography created by East Liberty-based tech company DeepLocal, the map is designed for commuters and urban explorers alike. What makes the map stand out are its visually compelling Chris Ware-like illustrations designed by Glen Johnson. Collaboration was nothing new to the team, as Johnston attended CMU with Bike Pittsburgh’s executive director Scott Bricker and DeepLocal founder Nathan Martin.

“You’re not going to find a map like this anywhere in the country. It’s a snapshot in time. We gathered bike maps from all over the country and dissected each one. Most communicated through icons and diagrammatic representations,” says Johnson, 30. “Chicago’s map was the best example. We took what they did and dealt with it more creatively—put in more useful, readable information without overcrowding things.” The result features a comic book-like layout, aerial and close-ups views, a consistent color scheme, and narrative elements that teach bike safety tips.

"We wanted to make the educational parts fun, that’s why we took the graphic novel approach, which is unique," says Bricker. Responding to Pittsburgh’s anti-grid topography, the maps identifies major hills, landmarks and trails, as well as hazardous roads. With an advocacy bent, the map provides information on how to lobby for safer streets. This winter, Bike Pittsburgh will launch an interactive online version.

The project was supported by a $49,200 grant from The Heinz Endowments. To download the map, go here, or pick one up at local bike and coffee shops. Be sure to grab two—one to use and one to frame.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Glen Johnson; Scott Bricker, Bike Pittsburgh


Image courtesy of Bike Pittsburgh and Glen Johnson

Green living and green building collide during a new Venture Outdoors (VO) program that will showcase Pittsburgh’s natural and architectural resources.

“Green Pittsburgh Biking Excursion” takes place on Sept. 29th at 1:00p.m. The moderately paced trek will begin at the Three Rivers Rowing Association boathouse in Millvale. Bikers will cross the 7th St. bridge, continue around the Point and along riverfront trails, and head to the South Side, where they will tour four examples of sustainable design—WYEP, CCI Center, REI, and MAYA Design.

“Being in the nonprofit sector, you see things that are happening in Pittsburgh in positive areas. We’ve noticed how many green buildings are going up—the number is absolutely outstanding,” says Rob Walters, with VO. “It’s such a positive thing for our environment. We want to show it off.”

In collaboration with the Green Building Alliance, VO designed the tour to highlight the growth of LEED-certified building projects in Pittsburgh. Boasting four more than cities like Atlanta, Pittsburgh features 20 LEED-certified buildings. Walters hopes that more businesses will see the benefits of investing in economically efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, and that the region will become nationally known for its mix of sustainable design and recreational amenities.

“We’re a direct result of this city’s desire to make Pittsburgh a cleaner, greener eco-tourism city. It’s fun to bring exercise into everyday life,” adds Walters, who says that next summer, VO will host walking tours of CMU and the North Side. “Our membership just hit 2775. We were at 900 at this time last year. We’re taking off and busier than ever. Participation is up forty-four percent.” To register, go here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Rob Walters, Venture Outdoors


Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

Glassworks Lofts has sold four of its five units. Located at 50 S. 15th St. on the South Side, the project features three town homes and two lofts.

The remaining town home, which is selling for $499,500, features three bedrooms, two balconies and a sky room. The building’s additional units which sold for between $497,500 and $535,000, are fully occupied. “Initially I thought it would be doctors and athletes. We have a couple from Chicago, someone from a big data storage company, a landscape architect—it’s been all across the board,” says developer and contractor Dan Doyle.

Architect Felix Fukui worked with Doyle to design floor plans for the high-end units, which range in size from 2,700 to 3,100 square feet. Constructed in 1917, the 14,000 square-foot building once housed the Ihmsen family's glassmaking operations, established in 1872. Building amenities include wrought iron gates, a heated parking lot and a courtyard. Units feature restored brick, 19th-century poured concrete ceilings and exposed steel and wood beams.
 
“It’s been a success," says Doyle. "It took a little longer to fill out than I thought, but given the conditions right now, I feel very lucky.” Doyle next plans to develop a 12-unit property, and feels the market is particularly strong for rental units. “I’m thinking of doing a similar building in the city with modernist, rental apartments—they might be lofts. I’d like to take an area in the city and make it like a very distinctive village," he says.


Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Dan Doyle, Doyle Management

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

The Green Building Alliance (GBA) is designing its new headquarters to showcase regional green building products and practices. In late 2007, GBA will move into the Southside’s River Walk Corporate Centre at 333 East Carson St.

The 4,000 square-foot space is four times the size of GBA’s current headquarters. “It met our needs in terms reuse of an existing building, being close to transit, accessibility for employees and customers, and having a landlord who understands our mission and the value we bring,” says GBA’s executive director Rebecca Flora.

The project, which involves a build-out of an existing space in an historic property, will seek LEED-CI Gold certification. “We don’t want to over design it. We want it to be sensible, something that people can duplicate, to show that green building is transferable in the market,” adds Flora, whose goal is to create a first stop shop for green building.

To showcase the products behind the buildings, GBA is soliciting donations, such as workstation furniture, flooring and daylight dimming systems. The offices will feature green building products, a library and educational displays. The idea is an extension of GBA’s green building products initiative, which received a $1 million state grant. “We’re the first of this kind in the country. Most of our products will be sourced from Pennsylvania. It’s a huge growth area. We have 50 manufacturers actively engaged; that will at least quadruple,” says Flora.

LDA and Jendoco Construction Corporation, the building owner's architects and contractor, are part of the project team. LEED advisor Gary Moshier and CJL Engineering are donating services. Construction on GBA’s new offices will start this month.

Look for an upcoming feature on GBA's new offices in Pop City.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Rebecca Flora, GBA

Image courtesy of Green Building Alliance

Pittsburgh's South Side is booming with the dual announcement that Dick Corporation is moving its world headquarters to the neighborhood and condominium developer Ralph Falbo is planning a $14 million residential project with riverfront views targeted for a younger market.

Dick Corp. will move from its present location in Jefferson Hills to a $31 million, 5-story office center at Hot Metal and Sidney streets. Plans call for the national contractor to expand worldwide and hire at least 200 employees in the near future. Ralph Falbo said he will construct 40 condos, 750 to 1,400 square feet, in the $225,000 to $375,000 price range across from Hot Metal Bridge along South Water St.

“It’s all part of the energy that’s being initiated on the South Side and a necessary piece of the whole puzzle,” muses Falbo, developer of the 151 First Side Condominium on Fort Pitt Blvd. downtown. “We have a lot of young people who want to live in the city and we need to get them in at a level they can afford. It's a rather romantic site, you can bike out on the trail, go running on the paths, boat, and you’re within walking distance of the magic of the South Side.”

The projects add to the spree of activity at SouthSide Works, Pittsburgh's chic retail, entertainment, office, and restaurant complex built by The Soffer Organization. On Monday teen clothing retailer, American Eagle Outfitters, moved into its corporate headquarters.

Dick Corp. will break ground this fall with completion set for end of 2008. The company plans to occupy about 25 percent of the space with room for another major tenant, yet to be named. Falbo says he will break ground for the condos by the spring of 2007. CB Richard Ellis of Pittsburgh is leasing the remainder of the Dick Building.

Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Ralph Falbo, Dick Corporation and Joanna Doven, City of Pittsburgh

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

Riverside Mews, one of Pittsburgh’s first green residential developments, is debuting its model unit at 17 S. 18th St. on the South Side on June 29th.

The 2,651 square-foot, four-story unit features a sky room, rooftop deck and furniture designed by Craig Marcus and Tadao Arimoto. Riverside Mews is being developed by the Riverside Development Group, Inc. and designed by Perkins Eastman and Strada. General contractor is Sota Construction Services, Inc., one of the region’s leading green building contractors. Units will sell for between $379,000 and $529,000. Mews’ first eight units will be completed this fall.

Designed according to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR standards, Mews features FSC-certified wood, marmoleum and Greenguard-certified flooring materials. “We recycled ninety percent of our construction waste and sourced materials locally. Everything was carefully chosen to lessen impact on the environment,” says Linda Metropulos with ARTEMIS Environmental Building Materials, who is working with developer Ernie Sota. "Indoor air quality is also really important. We're using strategically placed windows and materials that don’t off gas. We have a great fresh air delivery system.”

Mews is located near Riverfront Park's boat launch and walking trails. "It's the premiere green development in the city. The Southside Flats is a very desirable location," says Barbara Kurdys Miller with Prudential Preferred Realty.

The project team has developed livgreenpgh.com, a new website aimed at educating people about sustainable residential design. “We wanted a starting point for people interested in green living,” adds Metropulos, who says that Riverside Mews and Windom Hill are the "guiding forces" behind the online resource. "We're also trying to get people to think about the issue of their own carbon footprint."


Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Linda Metropulos, ARTEMIS; Barbara Kurdys Miller, Prudential Preferred Realty

Image courtesy of Riverside Mews

A new boutique is bringing international street style to Pittsburgh’s South Side. Located at 1407 E. Carson St., Decade is owned by South Hills native Steve Ford, who returned from a stint designing t-shirts in Los Angeles to open a hometown boutique.

The 1,000 square-foot shop features several California-based lines, as well as Miami’s Freegums and Plastic Island from Korea. The boutique also carries surf label Monument, Perfectly Imperfect, an organic line for women, and Punkster, a line of sassy baby wear created by Ford’s sister Leanne.

After promoting his own Dyslexia line at national trade shows, Ford began to look for space in Pittsburgh. He set up shop temporarily on Walnut St. before launching Decade. “The traffic over here is consistent. I’m right in the middle of all of the coffee shops,” says Ford, of Decade’s prime real estate.

Ford renovated the space, which was previously a pet store. “I did the store very cheaply. Everything is recycled—it’s kind of lofty.” The shop features 13-foot ceilings, a recycled floor from the Express in Shadyside and materials from Construction Junction. “I got really lucky for my first start-up. I came back here and saw an opportunity,” says Ford, who has a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management.

In addition to supporting the international t-shirt craze, Decade also sells jeans, shoes and dresses. To celebrate its grand opening, Decade is offering a 10 percent discount through June 29th.


Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Steve and Michelle Ford, Decade

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

The Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh (YPA) unveiled its “Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities” list at the group’s fifth anniversary celebration on May 25th.

The list calls attention to endangered properties that show potential for reuse and highlights the economic value of historic preservation. “We really wanted to do a list that would be different, not just endangered places, but where we see potential. It shapes our thinking on historic places,” says Dan Holland with the YPA, who is currently working to secure preservation grants for the National Negro Opera House in Homewood. “These are strategic and purposeful awards. Community revitalization should start with historic resources."
 
For the first time, the YPA identified two Washington County sites. The Coyle Theater in Charleroi, West Overton Museums in Scottdale and Pittsburgh’s former Morningside School were also recognized.

Sandee Gertz Umbach, founding executive director of Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, won the YPA’s emerging preservation leader award. “She’s a magnet for revitalization in Washington. While we have these top ten sites, it is the people and demographics that matter,” says Holland.

To select winners, the YPA looks at architectural and historical significance, project feasibility and community interest. “It takes a huge amount of teamwork. We’re trying to encourage donors to invest in these projects.” Next fall, the YPA plans to launch technical assistance programs for  individuals, business owners, community-based organizations, and local governments.

Holland cites the Union Project and Armstrong Cork Factory as examples of preservation success stories. Of 54 sites the YPA has identified since 2003, only one is considered a loss.
 
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Dan Holland, YPA

Image courtesy of YPA

Cool Space Locator (CSL) shines a spotlight on Pittsburgh’s hottest spaces during its June 1st "Cool Down" awards party.
 
Founded in 2005, the bi-annual event highlights the role that compelling architecture, design and communities play in strengthening urban life.
 

This year, CSL established five criteria to guide the decision-making process: community connections, creativity, historical inspiration,  adaptive reuse and the people behind the places. “We wanted to give people a better idea of what specifically we focus on,” says Keren Shefet with CSL, which assists business owners and non-profit leaders with locating creative spaces. “Cool creative spaces need to inspire the people working in them. A lot of spaces need to connect with communities.”

Winners include the Blacksmith Studio on the Northside, Uncommon Grounds in Aliquippa and The Union Project in East Liberty. New this year is an award for two communities, Bellevue and Braddock, neighborhoods recognized for stimulating economic revitalization along business districts.

To further plug cool spaces, the event will take place at The Meter Room, a former warehouse located in Sheraden. Spearheaded by local artist John Ross, The Meter Room provides residential, work and performance space for artists. “Our event for him is like a coming out party. It brings him more attention,” adds Sheret, who says the awards promote urban revitalization by calling attention to unique workspaces located in walkable neighborhoods.

A panel of community leaders, including architect Ken Doyno and Malik Bankston of The Kingsley Association, assisted with selecting 10 winners from 48 submissions. The event is sponsored by Mellon Financial Corporation and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Keren Shefet, CSL



Image courtesy of Cool Space Locator

Public relations and marketing communications agency Jack Horner Communications Inc, is relocating to the South Side’s Rivertech Office Works.

In July, the firm will occupy a two-story, 4,000 square-foot loft located at 3850-3854 Water St. “We find ourselves spending more time over there because it’s a nice place to meet with clients. It’s a great business hub. No one wants to meet in the conference room anymore.” says principal Jack Horner.

After selling the Westinghouse building in Forest Hills, where the firm is currently housed, Horner signed a five-year lease with Rivertech. Horner’s clients include H.J. Heinz, UPMC, the Philadelphia International Airport and Chicago’s Adler School.

“It used to be that when companies looked for new offices, you were most concerned about the building. Today you care what the building is near, what access you have,” says Horner. “Rivertech is ideal for us. We go in any direction; we have clients all over.”

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Jack Horner also operates a Philadelphia office in King of Prussia. “We looked all over town at places that had an up and coming vibe. The South Side has already realized that energy. We wanted to be close to that,” says Horner. “We’re really fussy about our office location because we always have to have free parking. We’re in and out visiting with clients all day."

 
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Jack Horner

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

A new Marriott SpringHill Suites is coming to SouthSide Works. The six-story hotel will feature 115 rooms, 3,800 square feet of retail space and on-site parking. Amenities will include an indoor pool and spa, fitness center, and meeting and banquet space.

Project developer, Harmar-based Kratsa Properties, hosted a hotel groundbreaking on May 9 at 2825 South Water St. "Kratsa believes there’s a demand for hotel rooms here,” says Kevin Evanto, spokesperson for Allegheny County. “It really represents the booming economy, further proof that things are turning around here. It’s a great thing when the private sector steps in to further invest.”

Evanto says Kratsa is also planning to construct two additional large hotels in Pittsburgh, including an extended stay Residence Inn on the North Shore.“They’re conducting an impact study for another hotel in the East Liberty-Shadyside area. In addition to downtown, the North Shore and Southside becoming popular for residential, they’ve also become popular travel destinations."

Expected to create 50 jobs, the Southside Marriott represents a private investment of $13.5 million. The hotel is slated to open by July of 2008. “When all are completed, it'll mean close to 500 additional hotel rooms,” says Evanto, adding to the list of new Pittsburgh hotels a Hampton Inn and Suites nearing completion in the Strip District.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County


Image of Hamptom Inn in Strip District copyright © Jonathan Greene

"Focusing Growth for Regional Prosperity,” the 7th annual Smart Growth Conference, will take place on May 18 at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

The free conference features keynote speaker Don Chen, executive director of Smart Growth America, a national advocacy coalition that promotes preservation of open space and farmland, reinvestment in existing communities, affordable housing and transportation alternatives.

Attendees will be invited to respond to a draft of Project Region, a long-range transportation and development plan being developed by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. "This is an opportunity for the public to give input on the plan," say Court Gould, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. "This plan will have a real impact on the face of the region, how we will grow and develop, whether we will continue to sprawl outwardly or focus on our existing communities.”

Participants will hear progress reports from three community committees created at last year's conference: leveling the field for redevelopment, promoting regionalism and transportation funding. The event will also feature a Q&A with state, regional and local leaders.

Project Region: The Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Plan, which must be adopted by July, aims to make regional planning processes more transparent, maximize infrastructure, and integrate transportation, job creation and economic competitiveness within a plan for regional growth.

“In light of the city's recent top livable city award, this plan will address important quality of life issues for the future. We're at an important point where the plan will steer growth and development for the next 30 years,” says Gould.

To register, go here.

The region’s major construction projects, set to occur over the next three years, will be addressed at the “Road to 2010 Symposium.” The free event takes place on May 16 at the downtown Westin and is organized by Navigant Consulting, an international firm with a downtown office.

Government officials and industry experts will share information about building plans with area construction, engineering and design communities. Sessions will address construction issues relating to infrastructure, higher education, and private and public sector development. “There’s so much development money coming in with gaming and the North Shore. The synergies between different areas will impact the labor market and the lives of all Pittsburghers,” says Jeff Burd with BreakingGround, event co-sponsor. “What an exciting time to be here. We’re at the beginning of a large wave of work.”

Jack Mascaro of Mascaro Construction Company will chair a panel featuring Joseph Fink, associate vice chancellor for facilities management at the University of Pittsburgh. Transportation officials, private developers and non-profit leaders will also participate. Major city developments, such as The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s RiverParc and the new arena, will be spotlighted.

“It’s meant to demonstrate what's coming up, facilitate discussions about what the needs are, and make sure that people understand the full breadth of the region’s three-year climate,” says Burd, a session moderator. “Four out of five experts feel we’re not going to have sufficient skilled labor. We'll need to facilitate people coming here.” Burd feels the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets could be a source for labor. “We’re bringing in decision makers who are in charge of funding to make it a high-level event and tie everything together.” To register, call 412.454.4100.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Jeff Burd, BreakingGround/Tall Timber Group

Image courtesy of Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services has received three high rankings by REAL Trends, the country’s leading publisher of residential real estate analysis. Based on 2006 production, Howard Hanna was named the country’s sixth largest firm for closed transactions and fifth largest for both sales and settlement services. 

“When you consider how hot the markets have been in California, Florida and Arizona, and here's a home grown company in Pittsburgh, it’s pretty impressive,” says Steve Murray, editor of Denver-based REAL Trends, which collects data from 800 leading brokerage firms. “This is the highest ranking they’ve ever attained."

Murray would not be surprised to see the company enter new markets. “We are actively looking for quality acquisitions of real estate companies and expanding our mortgage, title and insurance businesses with adding new locations in 2007,” says Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna, III, chairman and CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Howard Hanna was also recognized as the nation’s third largest privately owned real estate firm; in 2006, the company completed 52,555 closed and settlement service transactions. “In a year that was down in overall real estate sales, it is gratifying that Howard Hanna went against the market and had another up year,” says Hanna. “The real estate market in Western Pennsylvania is of strong value, and will continue to be, with three to five percent appreciation in the next two years. This will create housing appreciation in our region to be in the top 10% nationally.”

With more than 3,600 employees, Howard Hanna has 120 offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia. This year, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
 
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Steve Murray, REAL Trends

Image courtesy of Real Trends

A turn-of-the century Southside schoolhouse is home to 17 new luxury lofts opening on June 9th. Located at the corner of South 22nd and Jane Sts., St. Casimir School was purchased eight months ago by New York City-based developer David Forbes for $1.5 million.

“We sold our first unit last weekend to young professionals originally from Pittsburgh who are returning from California—they’re the exact prototype I think it’s perfect for,” says Lynne Bingham with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “With no closing costs, low condo fees and a variety of stylish condos to select from, we truly have our niche in the area," says Forbes, a loft specialist who hails from Ireland.

“Instead of just another condo on the Southside, this has full facility and financing packages. Someone just out of college can come to the table with zero down,” says Bingham. The building’s Romanesque Revival style features sandstone lintels, arched entryways, 14-foot ceilings and ornamental woodwork. Amenities include gated parking and fitness, storage and laundry facilities. The condos also feature a barbecue deck, on-site maintenance and guest suites. Bradley Michaels designed the project’s model unit. “Each unit is completely unique in size and structure—no two are the same," says Bingham of the one-bedroom units, which start at $189,000.

“He's fallen in love with Pittsburgh for a couple of reasons. There’s one-fifth of the red tape compared to a project like this in New York,” says Bingham of Forbes’ interest in the Pittsburgh market. “He said this building in New York would go for ten million. I do think he wants to do another neighborhood.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: David Forbes; Lynne Bingham


Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene