Squirrel Hill : Development News

On October 31-November 5, Pittsburgh hosts the National Preservation Conference, the country’s premier educational mechanism for historic and community preservation.

Presented by The National Trust for Historic Preservation, with support from partner Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF), the event presents strategies for protecting and restoring historic structures and communities.

“We’ll have planners, advocates, preservationists, municipal officials and leaders in community revitalization from across the county,” says Cathy McCollum, PHLF’s chief programs officer.

Over 2,500 participants are expected to attend fifty educational sessions to learn from best case studies and approaches. Author, historian and Pittsburgh native David McCullough will present the keynote address.

Pittsburgh was chosen because of its historic sites, livability and surrounding countryside. The conference will utilize Pittsburgh as a laboratory for exploring current issues surrounding preservation and revitalization, including green building practices.

Thirty site visits--including Manchester, Station Square, the Hill District, and Ambridge--will investigate neighborhood and downtown revitalization, affordable housing, Brownfields, transportation, and tourism.  

“The host city becomes the workshop for participants,” says McCollom. “We'll be out and about in the city.”

New this year are free public events. These include an address by PHLF president Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr on October 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the Byham Theater, a premiere of local filmmaker Ken Love’s documentary Saving Fallingwater on November 4 at 1:45 p.m. at the Hilton and an Exhibit Hall and Old House Fair on November 1-3 at the Hilton.

The public is invited to join Mayor Ravenstahl, Senator Ferlo and the URA for a reception at the City County Building on October 31 at 7:30 p.m.

“National conferences are usually rolled out with a lot of sameness,” says McCollum. “From the beginning, we wanted this to be different.”

Planners worked with the African American Preservation Alliance to address diversity in preservation and PHLF awarded 100 local scholarships.

Two thousand people have registered for the conference and organizers are hoping for a record turnout. To register, go here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Cathy McCollom, PHLF


Image courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Association (PHLF) and Green Building Alliance (GBA) will present two events that examine green restoration and building on Oct. 30-31 as part of the Greening of Historic Properties National Summit.

The events will occur in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference in Pittsburgh Oct. 31-Nov. 5.

A free Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Heinz History Center brings green building and historic preservation experts together to share strategies for integrating the goals of both disciplines. The meeting will solicit public input and announce the formation of a national green building planning team. Meeting outcomes will be reported during November’s 2006 Greenbuild conference in Denver.

“Green-building issues are helping to create new alliances among preservationists, environmentalists, conservationists, clean water activists, and others,” says Cathy McCollum, PHLF’s chief programs officer. “The result may be an influx of young people into preservation.”

On Oct. 31 at the Convention Center, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) presents "Using LEED" for new construction on historic projects, a workshop that will cover methods for leveraging LEED concepts into historic projects, green strategies and modifications necessary for sustainable design, and tips for achieving LEED compliance. Green building case studies and resources will be shared.

Conducted by leading green building practitioner Ralph DiNola, the workshop targets industry professionals who wish to enter the rapidly growing green building market and learn more about USGBC’s LEED for New Construction Green Building Rating System. Architects, manufacturers, engineers, developers, contractors and government officials are encouraged to register.

A national green building leader, the Pittsburgh region features 13 newly-constructed buildings and nine historic renovations that have achieved LEED Certification.

To register for the Town Hall Meeting, go here. To register for the USGBC workshop, go here.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Cathy McCollom, PHLF; Ryan Snow, GBA

Image courtesy of PHLF and GBA

The Children’s Institute, a provider of pediatric post-acute and rehabilitative care located at 1405 Shady Avenue in Squirrel Hill, has received a $2 million state grant to renovate and expand its facility and services.

Funding will allow the institute to add five new classrooms and a day hospital program, and increase its bed capacity from 39 to 82. The organization will also expand its sub-acute and skilled nursing care, and respite services for children with autism, brain injuries, chronic pain and eating disorders.

"The incidence of autism supports why we are expanding services and
adding classrooms to care for children with autism," says Helene
Conway-Long, director of development and marketing with the Children's Institute. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is a developmental disability that now affects one in 166 births.

The Children's Institute serves over 3,200 patients and their families annually from throughout the Pittsburgh region, central, northwest and southwest PA, eastern OH and northern WV.

For its specialized programs, the Institute also treats patients from around the U.S. and world. The only one of its kind in the country, the Institute's Prader-Willi Syndrome/Behavioral Disorders Program is an inpatient hospital program that has cared for more than 800 children and adults with the disease since 1981.

The Children's Institute also provides $3-$4 million annually in charity care. The institute purchased the Shady Avenue property from UPMC in 2005. Architects are Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates and the contractor is MBM Contracting.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source Helene Conway-Long, director of development and marketing, Children's Institute

Photograph copyright © Lockwood Hoehl
 

Carriage House Children’s Center (CHCC), located at 5604 Solway Street in Squirrel Hill, is undergoing a $2.2 million green renovation that will be completed by the spring of 2007. Built in 1896 by Ulysses Peoples and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the 40,000 square-foot, four-story building housed The Wightman School until 1979.

“The whole community will benefit. This building is a real asset--one of Squirrel Hill’s best-loved secrets,” says Natalie Kaplan, executive director of CHCC, and a Wightman School alumnus.

Pittsburgh’s Moshier Studios designed the renovation, and the contractor is Jendoco Construction Corporation. A renovation of the building’s 9,720 square-foot childcare facility and a comprehensive overhaul of its HVAC system will enable CHCC to increase programming space by over 2,000 square feet, entertain future expansion, save 20% on energy costs, and stabilize fees paid by non-profit tenants.

The project, which will be the country’s first silver LEED certification for a childcare facility in an existing building, will be featured during the National Preservation Conference held in Pittsburgh this fall.

“We will tie green design into our curriculum and work with environmental specialists to educate families,” says Kaplan, who believes parents are entitled to environmentally healthy childcare facilities.

Founded at Chatham College in 1974, CHCC serves 200 children, ages six weeks through eight years. Ten non-profits, including Group Against Smog and Pollution and the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, lease its office space and hundreds of community members use its conference rooms, gymnasium and dance studios.   

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Natalie Kaplan, executive director, CHCC

Image courtesy of Carriage House Children's Center

Crescent Court Condominiums at Summerset at Frick Park is slated for completion in spring 2007.

The  $14 million, 87,800 square-foot development features 36 units, twelve of which are now sold or reserved. The one-, two- and three-bedroom units range in size from 1,100 to 1,860 square feet.

“We are selling a lifestyle more than a condominium. I don't  think people buy bricks and mortar as much as they do neighborhood and lifestyle. It is another choice for Pittsburghers, a brand new traditional neighborhood in the city,” says Ralph Falbo with Falbo Pennrose.

Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettle designed the condominiums and the contractor is Mistick Construction. The developer, Summerset Land Development Associates, is comprised of Falbo Pennrose, The Rubinoff Company and Montgomery & Rust. Tennesee-based architectural firm Looney Ricks Kiss creates the overall design standards for Summerset at Frick Park.

Crescent Court is located minutes from downtown and Oakland, and near Squirrel Hill and The Waterfront. Residents have access to a pool and fitness room, hiking and biking trails and historic Frick Park.

“It is integrated into the community, so residents can participate in the creation of a new neighborhood,” says Craig Dunham with The Rubinoff Company.

Each residence, ranging from $235,000 to $495,000 is a single-floor corner unit, featuring nine-foot ceilings and glass-walled solariums.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Ralph Falbo, Falbo Pennrose, General Partner, and Craig Dunham, Principal, The Rubinoff Company

Rendering courtesy of Summerset at Frick Park

A project of new houses and townhomes is underway in Squirrel Hill. Four houses, located at 272-285 Anita Avenue, are being designed and developed by Alan Dunn of Dunn and Associates and College Development.

The project comprises slightly less than one acre. Two houses are now complete and occupied; one is currently under construction and one lot is for sale. The four houses, single-family dwellings, vary from 6-8,000 square feet.

“What is unusual is that I live within a block of the development and have taken a strong personal interest in the project,” says Alan Dunn. “Lots are often controlled by builders who generally discourage interaction between architects and buyers. In this instance, I incorporated a caveat that I would work with the buyers to custom fit the houses. We kept the door open for competitive bidding to find a contractor that best fits the owners’ interests.”

“This is a small enclave of homes that incorporates elements not generally found in the city and suburbs. This represents the only new single family residential housing in Squirrel Hill other than Summerset” adds Dunn.

The contemporary homes will feature green elements such as daylighting, radiant heat and HEPA filters and snowmelt systems.

Construction on the two townhomes is set to being in the fall.


Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Alan Dunn, College Development and Dunn and Associates, Inc.

Photo copyright © Jonathan Greene

Former Steeler JT Thomas, who developed a successful Applebee’s franchise in PA and WV, opened Red Hot & Blue at the Waterfront on May 25.

The only Southern Grill and Bar of its kind in the region, the $1.5 million investment behind RH&B brings authentic southern fare along with a lively bar scene to Pittsburgh. 

“The Waterfront is centrally located and a mecca for the Pittsburgh market. It is more like a destination. We make people feel at home, like an outing or a picnic. In the Southern hemisphere, everyone is family,” says owner Thomas.

A veteran restaurateur, Thomas' mission was to expand Pittsburgh’s dining options with a place unique in ways locals would appreciate. His vision for authentic Southern cuisine aims to make guests feel “so comfortable you’d think you were in your mama’s kitchen.” 

Thomas, a Southern native, brings to town such items as Hoochie Coochie Cajun Burger and Caramel Applesauce. “The only thing sweeter than our sweet tea is our disposition,” he says. 

The 6,300 square foot restaurant boasts an extensive menu of southern favorites that includes collard greens, mac and cheese and "Mamma's meatloaf." Ample outdoor seating, a spacious bar and a relaxed, casual décor are enhanced with Blues and sports memorabilia. Glass “garage doors” provide open-air gathering.


Writer: Jennifer Baron

Source: JT Thomas, owner, Red Hot & Blue

Photo copyright © Jonathan Greene

Pittsburgh ranked in the Top 10 of “50 Smart Cities" according to a survey by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. The ranking, with Pittsburgh listed number nine, was based on housing prices, economic vitality, and lifestyle factors such as public education, health care, the local arts scene and recreational facilities.

"The Kiplinger ranking sends a powerful statement about the attractiveness of our region. The strengths of southwestern Pennsylvania -- including our low cost of living, short commuter time, excellent health care and access to world-class culture and arts -- mirror the attributes that many businesses and families seek when identifying a place to relocate," says Jim Rohr, chairman of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and chairman and CEO of PNC Financial Services Group.

The survey, which was both objective and subjective, took into consideration economic vitality and overall quality of life, as well as where people would want to live, fun and affordability.

Since being named Rand McNally’s “#1 Most Livable City” in 1985, Pittsburgh has consistently been recognized for its affordability and appeal as a place to live.

The entire list of 50 Smart Cities will be published in the June 2006 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and will feature individual profiles of each of the top 10 cities, including Pittsburgh. As an on-line supplement, Kiplinger.com will host slideshows of the top 10 cities; the rolling hills, three rivers, gleaming skyline and majestic bridges of southwestern Pennsylvania will be featured for Pittsburgh. Additionally, there will be a slideshow for each city showcasing local homes that recently sold for $300,000 to $600,000.

Nashville, TN ranked number one on the Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine list followed by Minneapolis/St. Paul, Albuquerque, NM, Atlanta, Austin, TX,Kansas City, MO, Asheville, NC, Ithaca, NY, Pittsburgh and Iowa City.

Source: Allegheny Conference on Community Development and affiliates

Pre-sales have reached 50% at 5859 Beacon, a $14 million, 28-unit condominium project by S&W investment properties.

5859 Beacon is one of several new construction developments in Squirrel Hill over the last several years, including the Mosites Company’s condominium project at Forbes and Murray, Cozza Enterprise’s three-story retail and office development at Forbes and Murray, and the renovation to the Squirrel Hill branch of the Carnegie Library.

Prices for the units at 5859 Beacon range between $375,000 and $691,000. Buyers can select between a wide variety of one, two and three bedroom floor plans, ranging in size from 1,400 to 2,400 s.f. Buyers will also have the opportunity to customize the finishes in their space. “We wanted to design a building that both Squirrel Hill and the city as a whole could be proud of,” said Charles Staley, the project’s developer.

Staley expects the sales office to be ready for the public in September, and to have units ready for buyers by November of this year.

The project boasts a wide range of amenities, including on-site parking, an exercise room, bike storage, wine storage, balconies, and granite counters. Additionally, S&W is offering to buyers one year of free movies at the Squirrel Hill and Manor theaters. “Squirrel Hill is such a great walk-able neighborhood that we wanted to provide an amenity that would encourage people to take advantage of all that the neighborhood has to offer,” said Staley.

For more information on this project, call Charles Staley at 412-897-2599, or visit 5859beacon.com.

Source: Charles Staley, S&W Investment Properties

Photo copyright © Jonathan Greene

The Carriage House Children’s Center is about to break ground on a $2.2 million “green” renovation to its Squirrel Hill facility at 5604 Solway Street.  The buildng, built in 1896 as the Wightman School, houses the Carriage House’s child care facility, which serves 200 children each year.

“The renovations will allow us to become the first child care facility in the country certified under the LEED program for existing buildings [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design],“ said Samantha Balbier.  LEED is a national ratings system sponsored by the US Green Building Council, which recognizes energy efficient, environmentally friendly buildings throughout the country.  

The first phase, to be completed by September of 2006, will consist of a renovation to the 9700 s.f. first floor, which currently houses the Carriage House’s infant and toddler care.  Additionally, Balbier says, there is a plan to make the whole building “green”.  The second phase, which will be complete by 2007, will retrofit the rest of the building with energy efficient heating and cooling systems.  Currently, the upper floors are occupied by a variety of non-profit tenants, including GASP, the PA Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Pittsburgh Chess Club.  

Several funders have contributed to this effort to date, including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Grable Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and others.

The project team includes Moshier Design, Jendoco Construction, and the Green Building Alliance.

Source: Samantha Balbier, the Carriage House Children’s Center

Photo copyright © Tom Altany

Pittsburgh has captured the number one spot in a national sustainability study. SustainLane, a web site dedicated to sustainability issues, has published a 2006 U.S. City Rankings Study which looks at many sustainability issues, including use of local food. With a population of just under 350,000, Pittsburgh leads U.S. cities in its use of local food, boasting seven farmers markets. That’s two per 100,000 people, and all of them accept food stamps.

In addition, the city also features a notable number--188--of community gardens.

Pittsburgh also tied for third place for the number of LEED (Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design) rated buildings per capita, with six LEED-certified and twenty-nine LEED-registered buildings as of April 2005. Those buildings include the world’s first Gold LEED -certified David Lawrence Convention Center, the AIA Pittsburgh award-winning Children’s Museum, PNC FirstSide Center, the CCI Center on the Southside, CORO Center for Civic Leadership and the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.

Rebecca Flora, executive director of the Green Building Alliance expects another 15 buildings to become certified this year, which may propel Pittsburgh back into the number one spot.

Source: SustainLane `

A new Thai restaurant, the Silk Elephant, is opening at 1712 Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill on April 24^th, by the owners of Bangkok Balcony, the only Thai-government-certified Thai restaurant in the region.

While the latter is more “western traditional”, the Silk Elephant --with a bar and seating for 90-- will feature tapas and wine for dinner. Although the Spanish coined the term “tapas”, the Thais have been eating that way for generations, says Eileen Nareedokmai, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Norasett. “That’s really how the Thais eat. They eat four or five things at the same time and everyone shares them,” she says.

The couple assumed ownership of the Squirrel-Hill based Bangkok Balcony from a relative in January, 2004 and took steps to earn it the distinction of the Thailand Brand Award, a certification of authenticity by the Thai government. “It’s their way to combat the fusion food movement,” says Ms. Nareedokmai.

The authentic Thai food she explains, has a “Thai sensibility, an elaborate interplay and a tension in the food that make it interesting--herbal and sweet, salty and spicy, three or four things going on at the same time.” The name reflects that, she adds. “We capture that tension—strength in elephants (the national symbol) but beauty and flexibility and softness in silk.”

To enhance the Thai experience, the Nareedokmais participate in the Q Visa program which allows them to bring Thai residents to the U.S. for a year to hire as cooks or dancers in the restaurant.

April marks the second month of regular business for the six new members and two veteran re-appointees of the city planning commission.

New mayor Bob O’Connor appointed six new members to the all-volunteer, nine-person body, retaining community activist Thelma Lovette of the Hill District and E. Paul Dick of Oakland, a retired hospital administrator. One seat remains vacant. Like the old commission, the new group has several lawyers but, with the departure of John Martine, no architects. Members serve six-year terms and are charged with making recommendations to city council on zoning, major development proposals and redevelopment plans.

The new members are:

• Chair Wrenna Watson of the Hill District, former city magistrate and Court of Common Pleas candidate
• Vice Chair Kyra Straussman of Squirrel Hill, president of the nonprofit Cool Space Locator
• Barbara Ernsberger of Shadyside, attorney and chair of the City Democratic Committee
• Barbara K. Mistick of Shadyside, executive director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
• Monte Rabner of Point Breeze, an attorney
• Todd Reidbord of Squirrel Hill, attorney and principal of Walnut Capital

Meeting schedule, agendas and minutes can be found at http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/html/planning_commission.html.

Source: City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission

Recently, the city’s Carnegie Library system added a 21st-century amenity to the very modern renovations in three of its branches: Free, public wireless access.

Starting just a couple weeks ago, the main library in Oakland discretely activated its new wireless access points, posting a couple small signs on the worktables. Wireless is also available at two other recently renovated branches, Downtown and Squirrel Hill.

Currently, it’s a pilot program, says the Carnegie’s information technology director Mike Nangia, and Oakland users will need to configure their browsers slightly to access the network. “We haven’t really advertised it yet, but the feedback so far has been great.”

The wireless network is available to any member of the public who brings in a wireless-enabled laptop. And as before, internet access is also available to any library card holder via the library’s public desktop PCs.

 “We think it’s the wave of the future,” Nangia says. “You can download audiobooks, podcasts. This is part of seeing where the library should be five, 10 years from now.”

As funding becomes available, Nangia says, “our goal is to put wireless in all 17 branches and Main. It’s not just your traditional old books and encyclopedias anymore. This is how libraries can transform themselves to the digital age.”

Source: Mike Nangia, information technology director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Photo copyright © Tom Altany