South Side : Development News

On Dec. 14th, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato announced plans for a 65-acre addition to North Park. Currently a brownfield adjacent to the 3,010-acre park, the land will serve as a collection site for material dredged from North Park Lake and will then be converted to park and recreation space. Dredging of the lake will begin in 2007.

“This is a critical piece of property for the North Park Lake dredging project,” said County parks director Andy Baechle. “We wouldn’t be able to move forward without this land.”

The Richard King Mellon Foundation donated half of the $460,900 cost to purchase the land; funds from Growing Greener II, a voter-approved $625-million bond issue, will cover the remainder. At the end of December, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will act as the fiscal agent for the purchase of the land.

“This is another successful example of Allegheny County converting brownfields into  greenfields,” said Onorato. “This former industrial site will not only allow us to perform the critical dredging project to return North Park Lake to its former glory, but it will also add acres of recreational and green space to the park.”

Located in Hampton Township and one of nine County-operated public parks, North Park features a nature center, golf course, pool, and skating rink.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Office of the Allegheny County Chief Executive

This weekend, the Double Wide Grill joins the Southside’s eclectic array of eateries. Located at 2339 E. Carson St., the 4,300 square-foot restaurant is owned by Steve Zumhoff and Scott Kramer.

Occupying a 1930s-era gas station, the 145-capacity restaurant features indoor and outdoor bars and a large patio. Calling the Double Wide a “Texas roadside gas station,” Zumhoff, who also owns the Southside’s successful Beehive Coffeehouse and Lava and Tiki Lounges, decorated the grill with artifacts culled from swap meets and a Texas trip.

“It’s going to change the whole dynamic of the street,” says general manager Brendan Byers, who thinks the Double Wide will bridge Southside Works with Carson. Zumhoff and Kramer worked with architect Val Zarro, LaQuatra Bonci Associates and Flynn Construction on the building’s renovation and landscaping. Oil City-based McCullough Brown designed the kitchen.

“It’s kind of trailer chic,” says Byers, who previously worked at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. “I haven't been this excited about a project in years.” Telling the “Double Wide story,” the grill’s menus depict the life of Hank and Tessie Mae, who fixed cars and sold barbecue.

The grill serves burgers, steaks and vegetarian potpies; specialties include build-your-own TV dinners, sushi grade tuna and “hubcap potatoes.” Sides include sweet potato risotto and pineapple saffron rice. The Double Wide serves weekend brunch and a late-night menu until 1:00 a.m.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Steve Zumhoff; Brendan Byers

Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

On Dec. 7, Mayor Ravenstahl announced that the City of Pittsburgh will buy back tax liens on 11,000 parcels of property currently unoccupied and undeveloped. Part of the Mayor’s plan to assist Pittsburgh neighborhoods with revitalization and economic development efforts, the $6.5 million deal will be financed through the city’s general fund and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2007.

“Our neighborhoods can no longer be neglected,” said Ravenstahl.  “Now, properties previously unavailable for re-development because of their high tax-liens, can finally be developed. This has been the hurdle we faced over  and over again.”

The deal with Capital Asset, a subsidiary of MBIA Inc., the Armonk, New York-based bond insurer, was negotiated in partnership with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Water and Sewer Authority. From 1996 through 1999, the city sold tax-liens on 14,000 parcels to Capital Asset Research Corporation for $64 million. 

“This plan reflects one of my top priorities for the New Year: the need to shift our mindset from one of managing decline to one of building a Pittsburgh for the future,” said Ravenstahl. "We talk about bringing our neighborhoods back, we talk about reinvesting in our neighborhoods. This is unprecedented; it's something that will give us control."

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

On Dec. 5, the Rachel Carson Homestead Association (RCHA) launched its 2007 Centennial Celebration. Designed to highlight Carson’s environmental legacy and southwestern PA’s leadership in environmental, conservation and eco-tourism initiatives, the year-long celebration of the author, scientist and Springdale native will feature major events throughout the region.

Recently named leading environmental campaigner of all time by the U.K. Environment Agency, Carson is credited with founding the green movement after publishing Silent Spring in 1962. “This is where the base of who she became was started--current day environmental organizations trace back to her,” says Patricia DeMarco, RCHA's executive director, who calls Carson a “Pittsburgh icon.”

The centennial will spotlight Carson’s hometown and encourage people to consider all aspects of a green lifestyle. “We’re trying to propagate her ideas and philosophy,” says DeMarco, who hopes the centennial will educate people about creating a permanent footprint of sustainability, as well as how to achieve full functionality for area rivers.

The RCHA and local partners will present a birthday block-party, programs about global warming and sustainable agriculture, and a symposium at CMU. Activities will include plays, concerts and films, a national women’s health conference and a groundbreaking for a new downtown monument to Carson.

In April, the RCHA will announce a legacy challenge encouraging individuals, businesses, institutions and government to make permanent, measurable changes in behavior and policy that promote Carson’s environmental ethic.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Patricia DeMarco

Image courtesy of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association

On December 1, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato signed legislation to support the development of a 128-mile long riverfront park along the Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio and Youghiogheny Rivers.

Last month, County Council members David Fawcett and Jim Burn introduced the countywide park proposal. On November 21, Council unanimously approved an ordinance that authorizes County officials to start acquiring properties and begin the park's mapping, design and engineering phase. Touching more than half of Allegheny County’s 130 municipalities, the amenity will become the world’s longest urban linear park.

“Once you connect the trails, the usage of the parks will go up enormously,” says Fawcett, who has received more positive e-mails about the park than about any other topic since Council was created in 2000. “Cyclists, joggers and commuters can get from one place to another without interruption.”

New amenities will include picnic sites, athletic facilities, fishing areas, and rock climbing spots. “There's a focus on waterfront development throughout the world,” says Fawcett, citing examples like Chicago, Chattanooga and Vancouver. “Ours could be the most spectacular and largest, because you have the greatest length of waterways.”

Though funding information has not been released, Fawcett says there is “expression from a lot of different sectors for funding, which is in line with this being economic development, not just another park.”

Three County departments—Parks, Public Works and Economic Development--will undertake the project, which is expected to exceed $100 million and take several years.

“This follows Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s plan to develop our brownfield and riverfront sites as part of his economic development plans," says Dennis Davin, director of Allegheny County's Department of.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: David Fawcett; Dennis Davin

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has launched a new
$1.5 million Excellence in Design Initiative (EDI). Unprecedented nationally, the demonstration program will reward design excellence and encourage statewide architectural, engineering and construction standards in affordable housing.

Qualifying submissions may be eligible for design grants made payable to the development team’s architect. Teams may include for-profit and non-profit developers, architects and community development organizations.

“We’re looking for creative, functional designs that integrate green building if possible,” says PHFA’s executive director Brian Hudson. “We’d like to incorporate some of these designs into our ongoing work.” Funds may be used to support affordable housing and mixed-use developments that include rehabilitation and new construction.

The Community Design Center of Pittsburgh (CDCP), Community Design Collaborative of AIA Philadelphia and Penn State University’s Hamer Center will assist with reviewing submissions and conducting site visits. Applicants must attend a training seminar in Harrisburg on December 1; funds will be distributed based on amounts required by best projects.

“It's an opportunity to demonstrate that quality design results in added value,” says Jason Vrabel with CDCP who says local governments must provide matching funds. “I’ve met with the URA and they are prepared to partner on this.

“I’m hoping we see projects with strong community development angles,” he adds.  “It’s a very innovative opportunity to set a statewide precedent for housing agencies--we think it could become a national model.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Brian Hudson; Jason Vrabel

Image courtesy of PHFA

On Nov. 16, Mayor Ravenstahl announced a $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the construction of a new kayak landing and canoe access site along the southern bank of the Monongahela River. Construction begins during the spring of 2007 and is expected to be completed next fall.

Located at the end of 4th St. on the South Side, the project marks the latest development in Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Water Trail system, a network of access sites along the city’s three rivers. Each site is within an easy paddle of one another and features water and land signage directing users to landings and public amenities. The project will also include short term kayak and canoe storage facilities.

"We’re not only providing residents with amenities, we’re helping to attract people to the City,” said Ravenstahl.  “We're using our rivers in 2006 in a much different way than we did when the steel industry was here, but we've transformed our city, we've transformed the way we do business, and it's a great story to tell."

Formerly the River Rescue Center, the site is also near the Community Bike Program and the East Carson Street business district. Additional funding is provided through matching funds and in-kind services from Pittsburgh's Department of Public Works and services and furniture by Friends of the Riverfront. 

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Dick Skrinjar, Office of the Mayor
 
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene

On Nov. 28, Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and School of Business Administration will team up to present the region’s first Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference. The event will focus on how businesses can use technology to improve profitability and productivity.

“Technology changes so rapidly—corporate and business worlds have a hard time keeping up with how it can improve performance,” says SBDC director Mary McKinney. “We’re presenting technologies that are most able to assist businesses with growth.”

Keynote speaker Dan Miklovic, of the leading technology research firm Gartner Inc., will predict the next three years’ hottest technology issues. U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle will discuss how technology can support community revitalization. A roundtable discussion will feature representatives from Google, Oracle, Summa Technologies, and iGATE.

“While small and medium-sized businesses are very open to adopting new technologies, they often lack what’s needed to take new resources to fruition,” says Ken Saban, with Duquesne’s School of Business Administration. “We looked at technology’s impact on business performance and found there wasn’t a neutral platform for people to get unbiased information.”

More than 100 people are expected to attend. “It’s an opportunity to connect business owners and managers and with technologists,” says Saban. “People will walk away with critical insights.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Mary McKinney; Ken Saban

Image courtesy of Duquesne University

Windom Hill Place’s first four town homes, located above 10th Street on the South Side, are now complete. The project’s model unit was showcased during an opening celebration on November 9.  

The three-story, 2,800 square-foot units feature three bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and finished lower levels. Amenities include ten-foot ceilings, two-car garages and balconies overlooking downtown. The contemporary craftsman style town homes were designed by John Martine of Strada Architects and constructed by Sota Construction Services; developer is Windom Hill Place, LLP.

“We were careful to make decisions with a lot of thoughtfulness, so that when we were done, we would not need to change much,” says Ernie Sota, whose work on Windom Hill was recently profiled in The New York Times.

Sota, who expects phase two to begin soon, is particularly excited about the use of native plants, such as American cranberry and asters, which require lower maintenance and provide a habitat for birds and butterflies.

Designed to significantly reduce energy consumption, Windom Hill is Energy Star compliant, meeting strict guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. The project utilizes renewable and recycled materials, including bamboo and cork flooring, exterior aluminum panels and cast stone.

“The high quality design, meticulous attention to detail and sustainable green features are what everybody should be conscious of in the way they live,” says Barbara Kurdys Miller with Prudential Preferred Realty, who is marketing the four untis now for sale.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Ernie Sota; Barbara Kurdys Miller 

Image courtesy of Sota Construction Services, Inc.

On November 16 at 8:00 a.m., The Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc. and Sustainable Pittsburgh will present Transportation Funding for Our Region's Prosperity, at the Omni William Penn Hotel downtown.

Timed to follow the November 13th release of the Governor's Transportation Funding and Reform Commission’s final report, the free forum will educate the public about the report’s content and provide a Q&A with transportation officials. Larry King, PennDOT’s deputy secretary for planning, will review key findings and recommendations.

“Transportation--and in particular public transportation--are critical to the region’s sustainable development,” says Court Gould, executive director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “To have public transportation facing annual funding shortfalls is not a position of competitiveness for our region.”

Panelists include Stephen Bland, CEO of Port Authority and Jim Roddey, a member of the Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, who will provide perspectives about solving the funding crisis and strategies for implementing recommendations.

“We’re not just fixated on funding alone--funding should be used to entice additional reforms, such as tying investment in transportation to community revitalization,” says Gould.

“Southwestern Pennsylvania needs to come to a consensus voice and approach--we need our elected officials in Harrisburg to grab this in the name of economic development," says Gould. “Here’s an opportunity to put the Governor’s Keystone Principles for Smart Growth to work, and be smarter about how to leverage those dollars."

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Court Gould, Sustainable Pittsburgh

Boyce Park Ski Area, one of nine public parks operated by Allegheny County, is undergoing a $1 million renovation and improvement project. Built in the 1960s, the 1,096-acre park at 675 Old Frankstown Road in Monroeville serves 13,000 visitors annually.

Renovations include the construction of a new snowtubing attraction and two new magic carpet lifts. Existing chairlifts will be upgraded in order to meet new state regulations. “We’re hoping this generates more attendance,” says Tom Donatelli, director of Public Works for Allegheny County. ““The more family activities we can bring in, the better it is for the park.”

Pashek Associates, a Northside-based landscape architecture and community planning firm, is designing the park’s snowtubing facility, a popular attraction at national parks and resorts. Strip District-based CDM is providing geotechnical assistance. Renovations are expected to be completed by August of 2007.

“It’s going to provide a new venue and serve another demographic of the community,” says John Buerkle with Pashek Associates. “We hope more families will go there together.”

The project is funded by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Allegheny County, the Allegheny Regional Asset District, and a voter-approved bond issue.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Tom Donatelli, Allegheny County; John Buerkle, Pashek Associates

 

Ulterior Motive is the latest boutique to set up shop on the South Side. Founded by brother-sister team Brian and Kelly Freed, the 1,250 square-foot boutique opened last month at 1103 East Carson.

The twenty-something Freeds, who hope to “support the city’s evolution,” recently returned home to Pittsburgh after studying business and fashion design in Florida. “We happened to see the building--it looked beat up, but had beautiful, old wood floors, a basement and exposed brick,” says Brian Freed. “It’s a central location with tons of traffic--the trolley stops right in front.”

When selecting designers, Freed looked to places like Japan and New York City. Dubbed “part Beastie Boys with a twist of the Adams Family,” the shop carries limited run items by international clothing, sneaker and jewelry designers, along with art, furniture and notions.
 
“The concept is to not re-order or flood the market—we keep cycling through new deliveries,” says Freed. Prices range from $20-$140 for t-shirts, $45-$600 for jeans, and $100-$240 for sneakers. Designers include Married to the Mob, Futura Laboratories and Kenzo Minami.

Artist Gavin Benjamin designed the shop using recycled tiles and building products from ARTEMIS Environmental Building Materials, bleachers culled from Construction Junction and hand-printed wallpaper.

“The Southside is a great place to express yourself—it’s always been artsy,” says clothing designer Kelly Freed. “It’s the perfect place for our clientele.”

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Brian and Kelly Freed

Image courtesy of Brian Freed

On November 9, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) will host an information session for the public about the North Shore connector. Construction on the 1.2-mile expansion of Pittsburgh’s 25-mile light rail transit system begins in late November and is slated to conclude in 2011.

The free event is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on the 31st floor of the Regional Enterprise Tower, located downtown at 425 Sixth Avenue. Port Authority and construction representatives will provide a project overview, construction timeline and detour plans.

“This demonstrates the momentum that downtown has,” says Lucinda Beattie, vice president of transportation with the PDP, which is co-sponsoring the event with Port Authority and Sustainable Pittsburgh. “So much is happening over the next couple of years--getting information is key.”

Beattie says the Port Authority is working to design detour routes that are sensitive to upcoming downtown events. “If people know ahead of time what to expect, they can make adjustments.” Construction will initially close the Tenth Street Bypass and later impact the Gateway area.

Port Authority is hosting a second public session on November 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Heinz 57 Center located downtown at 345 Sixth Avenue.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Lucinda Beattie, PDP

Image courtesy of PDP

From Nov. 8-15, Allegheny Places—the County’s first comprehensive plan--is holding community input sessions on issues ranging from housing and jobs to transit and the environment.

Launched in May by County Executive Dan Onorato and the Allegheny County Economic Development planning division, Allegheny Places is working to set county-wide policies for land development, conservation, and economic initiatives, via a public process that involves government, businesses, non-profit organizations and citizens, including the City of Pittsburgh.

Manager Marilyn Gelzhiser notes that Allegheny is by far the biggest county in the state to do this. "It’s a plan for the entire County--everyone has to be a partner for implementation.”

By developing a framework for how the County grows,  the plan aims to more efficiently guide investments by public and private interests, optimize resources, and attract more new residents. Meetings, which will occur throughout the County, will feature presentations on a preliminary future land use plan. The public will view maps and participate in break-out sessions. Meeting data will be shared via the project’s website. Allegheny Places will issue a final draft in early 2007, followed by a six-month adoption process.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Marilyn Gelzhiser, Allegheny County Department of Economic Development

Image courtesy of McCormick Taylor, Inc.

On Nov. 14, MAYA Design, a  Southisde design consultancy and technology research lab,  is hosting a “Usability Game Show” to coincide with World Usability Day.

Now in its second year, World Usability Day promotes the value of usability engineering and user-centered design with 36 hours of global activities. “Everyone has a product they hate or can’t use because its design is so confusing,” said Dave Bishop of MAYA.

To attract submissions, MAYA distributed colorful postcards seeking products that best reflect “mis-design.” The public is also invited to submit products via MAYA’s website. “It’s everybody's responsibility to ask for things to work better,” says MAYA’s Francine Gemperle, echoing the day’s credo.

The game show will pit a team of experts from MAYA, CMU and local companies against unusable products. They'll critique products, offer re-design recommendations and select winners. “It’s an entertaining way to connect to people who do similar things to what we do, and to people using products we design,” says Gemperle. 

After the game show, MAYA will compile all submissions online.

Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: MAYA Design

Image courtesy of Maya Design