Lawrenceville : Development News

Plans are being finalized for the construction of Shannopin’s Village along the 3800 block of of Lawrenceville’s bustling Butler St. corridor.

Shannopin's Village will feature two new commercial buildings, two rental apartments and eight high-end townhouses. Each 1,350 square-foot storefront will feature a 1,350 square-foot second-floor apartment. The project will also include the construction of Shannopin Lane, a new street that will run perpendicular to Butler St., in between the Village's two commercial buildings.

“The foot traffic is a plus. In between the two Butler buildings will be the entrance to the new development,” says Sandy DeTemple, with Prudential Preferred Realty. "I am committed to the project and as a Lawrenceville resident, committed to the neighborhood.”

The 1,800 square-foot townhouses will feature two and three bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, integral garages, and decks. Townhouses, which will be located along both sides of Shannopin Lane, will sell for $300,000. Architect Cherie Moshier is designing Shannopin's Village to complement the architectural character of Lawrenceville.

Project developer and contractor is Sansom and Senko Real Estate.
Shannopin’s Village is the company’s first Lawrenceville project. “They're very excited about Lawrenceville and wanted to pay homage to the neighborhood by researching its history, which is why the name was chosen,” says DeTemple, of the project’s namesake, a Native American chief who once lived in the area. The project is expected to break ground by October 1st.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Sandy DeTemple, Prudential Preferred Realty

Image courtesy of Prudential Preferred Realty

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation has received a $500,000 grant from General Nutrition Centers (GNC) Live Well Foundation to support the construction of a $1 million family wellness center for its new $575 million campus now under construction in Lawrenceville.

The center will feature an on-site gym, exercise classes and recreation facilities for hospital staff and patients' families. "I’m not aware of other children's hospitals that are doing this. A number of hospitals have smaller facilities or fitness programs for staff to use during off hours. The focus here is specifically on a fully equipped fitness center," says Roger Oxendale, president & CEO of Children's Hospital. "We have a lot of kids who are chronically ill and may be in the hospital for a month or longer. The fitness center will give parents the ability to get away and clear their heads, while at the same time having the assurance that their children are right next door. We believe it will be a big benefit."

Located in the Plaza Building, which will also include the hospital's daycare facility and family housing, the wellness center will feature workout areas for group and individual exercise, free weights, circuit training equipment, an evaluation room for fitness assessments, and locker/shower facilities. "The building adjoins our mid-site garage and garden for those who want to be outdoors before or after a workout," adds Oxendale, who says the center is among the first of its kind in the nation.

Children's Hospital is seeking LEED certification for its new 10-acre complex, which is expected to open in 2009.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Roger Oxendale, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Image courtesy of Children's Hospital

Located at 4900 Hatfield St., Zombo Gallery is the latest arts venue to join Lawrenceville’s eclectic array of commercial and cultural destinations. Part of a venue that also houses a screenprinting studio, novelty shop and offices, the 800 square-foot gallery is spearheaded by Michael “Zombo” Devine, a nationally known DJ, novelty product designer and entertainer.

Zombo Gallery opens on July 13th with the inaugural exhibition Squaresville, featuring pop art paintings by Pittsburgh-based cartoonist, illustrator and writer Wayno, whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly, and The New York Times.

The 5,000 square-foot building also houses a massage therapy business run by Zombo’s wife Julie, as well as the couple’s residence. Built in the late 1800s, the three-story property features exposed brick, cherry stained bead board and laminate wood flooring. “I’m going for mid-century modern--a lot of open space. I got this entire building for the price of a mobile home in a bad area in Portland,” says Zombo, who lived in Oregon in 2006, and in Pittsburgh from 2000-2003. The gallery's 50s-era, mint green and burgundy sign announces the venue’s “See it, Hear it, Wear it, Own it” manifesto. “The place looks like a hipster funeral home,” says Zombo, of the gallery’s coffins, crushed red velvet drapes, and torch lamps.

In lieu of a commission, Zombo asks each artist to design a commemorative t-shirt to sell in his shop. “The building is the pay-off,” says Zombo, who purchased the property for $115,000 and invested an additional $45,000.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Michael Devine, Zombo Gallery

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

Borelli-Edwards Gallery has leased five first-floor spaces in Lawrenceville’s Blackbird Artist Studios located at 3583 Butler St.  The gallery, which is hosting an opening on June 29th, carries sculpture, paintings, assemblages, and Japanese prints by artists from the tri-state region.

“I decided that if I wanted to be a serious gallery, I needed to be in the city. I looked all over and kept coming back to Lawrenceville,” says Joy Edwards, who for twenty-nine years ran the gallery in McCandless. “I like its proximity to the city and that it’s in the Design Zone. I like the community feeling here. There’s a good artistic vibe.”

Architect Keith Cochran worked with Edwards to design the spaces. “I want to be the preeminent gallery for regional art, to help raise people’s awareness of buying a one-of-a-kind piece that has the soul of the artist,” says Edwards, who represents artists who exhibit nationally. “As the art world moves out of New York City a bit, artists are moving to other areas. Pittsburgh has been called the San Francisco of the East," he notes, adding, "There’s also a lot of creative thinking going on in the robotics and medical fields.”

Kelly Hoffman with the Lawrenceville Corporation anticipates that Blackbird's ten artist studios will be fully leased in a few months. “Joy's business will complement the many artists, designers, and arts-related businesses that are located in Lawrenceville.” Developed by Artists and Cities, Inc., Blackbird also features 15 owner-occupied residential units. Studio d'ARC
designed the $950,000 project; contractor was Sota Construction Services, Inc.


Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Joy Edwards, Borelli-Edwards Gallery; Kelly Hoffman, Lawrenceville Corporation

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

Pittsburgh’s first inter-neighborhood bike lane opened on June 18th. A collaborative project between the City and non-profit Bike Pittsburgh, the five-foot lane runs alongside Liberty Ave. from Baum Blvd. to Ligonier St., and is identified with on-street, stenciled markings.

The project also calls for a bike lane along Greenfield Rd., which runs from Hobart St. to the Greenfield Bridge, and directional signs to lead cyclists from Schenley Park to Frick Park.

“There's mometum now--this is just the beginning. We're tyring to get these throughout the city,” says Bike Pittsburgh’s executive director Scott Bricker, who is working with engineering firm Trans Associates to identify additional streets for striping. Bike Pittsburgh, which has more than 500 members, received a $36,000 grant from R.K. Mellon to support the project. “Cyclists want to feel safer. It’s a tool to educate motorists and encourage more people to ride. The more iconography on the streets, the better.” The city has already received sixty calls and e-mails in support of the lanes. “They’ve never received such support before.”

To make Pittsburgh’s 22 miles of riverfront trails more accessible, the city will also install 89 new signs to direct cyclists to riverfront trails and motorists to free trail head parking lots. The $52,000 project is supported by a Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant. Signs are being fabricated by Verona-based Bunting Graphics. The circular blue signs will feature a red rim, light blue bicycle silhouette and white text. Landesberg Design provided design assistance, as part of a  partnership between the City, Riverlife Task Force and Friends of the Riverfront.

To support these projects, the City will hire a full-time bike-ped coordinator, who will oversee Pittsburgh's Pedestrian Improvement and Bicycling Plans, and advise officials on pedestrian and cycling needs as they relate to infrastructure projects. The coordinator will also work on streetscape and traffic improvements and trail expansion.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Scott Bricker, Bike Pittsburgh; Joanna Doven, City of Pittsburgh

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

New antique shop Asian Influences plans to open in mid-September at 3513 Butler St. in Lawrenceville’s design district. Owner Susan Fisher is renting the 1,750 square-foot space from Lawrenceville-based developer Lee Gross of A-1 Realty.

With a focus on Asian antiques from the mid-1800s, the shop will carry furniture, porcelain collectibles and Japanese Satsuma pieces. “I’ve always leaned toward buying Asian things,” says Fisher, who travels regularly to Ohio, Florida and Maryland to stock her inventory.

Shop highlights include a rosewood altar table inlaid with pink and blue mother of pearl, bamboo chairs and a Victorian-era scroll table. Furniture prices will range from $200 to $2,000; porcelains will sell for between $20 and $700. Asian Influences will also carry vases, lamps and coffers. Artwork, including oil paintings, woodblock prints and travel posters, will also be a focus.

“I don’t know of other places like this here. There really is something for everybody,” says Fisher, who works with Oakmont-based furniture restoration artist Ron Boscia.

For Fisher, who attended Parsons School of Design in New York City and worked on Wall Street for 18 years, Asian Influences is her foray into running a business. “I'm so pleased by how cooperative and supportive people are in Lawrenceville; it’s a wonderful thing to be a part of. It was amazing to find this kind of space for the price,” says Fisher, whose shop is located next door to Tamari, a new Asian-Latin fusion restaurant.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Susan Fisher, Asian Influences

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

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation has received a $3 million grant from the Eden Hall Foundation to support the 20,000-square-foot Elsa M. and Alma E. Mueller Family Resource Center.

The facility, which will serve more than 18,000 people, will be part of the hospital's new $575M, 10.2-acre Penn Ave. campus set to open in April 2009. The award is one of the largest single gifts granted by the Pittsburgh-based Eden Hall Foundation. Designed as a town square and offering a variety of non-medical services for inpatients and their families, the center will be one of the largest of its kind in the nation and the first of its kind in western Pennsylvania.

"What's significant about this space is that it's really designed for the ease and comfort of families. A lot of thought and effort was given to the overall stay of families--that's the concept," says DeAnn Marshall, COO of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. "The rooftop healing garden will be six stories up, with with amazing views of the city." To plan the center, architects from Astorino and hospital experts conducted exptensive interviews with patients, families and staff. "Families told us they wanted a more home-like environment."

The Family Resource Center will be located on the sixth floor of the new Clinical Services Building, and will be linked to the hospital’s chapel, activity atrium, healing garden, and libraries. The center will also provide access to a family learning lab, young adult resource center, in-hospital school classrooms, and 24-hour playroom.

Named one of 20 Child Health Research Centers by the National Institutes of Health, and a top pediatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Hospital provides care in more than 500,000 annual patient visits.

Source: DeAnn Marshall, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation 

Image courtesy of Children's Hospital

"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

The 335-mile Great Allegheny Passage is one step closer to connecting Point State Park to Washington, D.C. The U. S. Steel Corporation has transferred 1.5 miles of land to the Regional Trail Corporation to help complete the biking and hiking trail. Valued at $2 million, the land is located in West Mifflin and Duquesne.

To prepare the site for recreational use, U.S. Steel removed a former coke-oven gas pipeline and cleared the trail surface. With funds from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, Allegheny Trail Alliance and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Regional Trail Corporation purchased the land for $550,000.

“It’s a real tool to get people here and keep people here. Here we are being named most livable city again, and taking another step to improve quality of life. These amenities really do help us with economic development,” says Kevin Evanto, spokesperson for Allegheny County. “We hope to have all of the property transferred by the fall of 2008 so that for Pittsburgh’s 250th, you could ride from D.C. to the Point." Twelve landowners, including Kennywood, own the remaining 7.5 miles needed to complete the route, which aims for class A trail status.

“Once completed, the Great Allegheny Passage will enhance the quality of life in Western Pennsylvania and serve as a dynamic pathway for visitors to experience our region’s unique qualities and history,” says John Surma, CEO of U.S. Steel. “The impending celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary has been a definite catalyst for completing the project,” says Erin DiPietro, spokesperson for U.S. Steel.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Kevin Evanto, Allegheny County; John Surma, Erin DiPietro, U.S. Steel Corporation

Image courtesy of Allegheny County

Grand View Scenic Byway Park has received regional park designation, a significant milestone for the future development of the park’s amenities and activities. Spanning 280 acres throughout Mt. Washington and
Duquesne Heights, the park wraps from Grandview Park in Allentown around Grandview Ave. and along Rte 51.

“We’re raising funds to acquire 36 privately owned acres on the park's western end,” says Ethan Raup, executive director of the Mt. Washington community development corporation (MWCDC), who ties the park’s stewardship to economic and community development. “We’re working hard to provide a better experience for visitors, to draw them back into the business district and turn our open space asset into a world class park.” Along with the city, the MWCDC will partner with non-profits to raise additional funds and utilize regional resources.

“We’ve raised funds for interpretative signage on Grandview, and a habitat restoration is underway which is replacing invasive species with lower growing natives that are better to manage and will save the city maintenance funds,” says Raup, who is working with Civil and Environmental Consultants on the replanting project. In May, the MWCDC will select a firm to design new signs.

“Volunteers here have worked on this for five years. It’s really been a long time coming,” says Raup, who is excited to see most of the park on the city's map. “Earth Day was the end of the beginning.” The MWCDC has received funding from the R.K. Mellon Foundation, the Federal Highway Administration, the Laurel Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development to support park improvements.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Ethan Raup, MWCDC

Image courtesy of MWCDC

Tamari, a restaurant with a passion for Asian and Latin cuisine, is in the works at 3519 Butler St. The 3,000 square-foot eatery is the vision of Allen Chen, who grew up in the restaurant business alongside his father Mike, who owns China Palace and Sushi Two.

With a capacity of 85, Tamari will feature a courtyard, open grill and second-floor deck and lounge. “That courtyard drew me to the space. The building is unique. It’s a nice advantage to have outdoor seating options which are so limited in Pittsburgh,” says Chen, who rents the building from Lawrenceville developer Lee Gross. “That end is taking off. You’re seeing more boutiques opening up. Five years ago, who would have thought they’d be building $300,000 condos in Lawrenceville?” Chen is following the construction of Children’s Hospital with anticipation. “That’s the catalyst for everything. It's going to pick up so much steam with the hospital. Then you have some of old Pittsburgh with younger professionals and the art galleries. It’s a nice mix.”

Downtown-based architect Felix Fukui, who is relocating his firm to Butler St., is working on Tamari’s design. “We’re going to set the more free flowing Latin influence against Asia’s more regimented culture, to play off of both,” says Chen, who developed a love for Latin cuisine while living in Mexico. Tamari will be Pittsburgh’s restaurant to serve the grilled skewered dish called robota yaki. “We’re going to do more innovative sushi rolls. A lot of this will be new to Pittsburgh. I plan on letting people experiment. I’m shooting for a fusion. We’re blending Asian and Latin techniques. A component to any culture is its food.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Allen Chen, Tamari


Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene