In early June,
Hill House Association will break ground on a $3 million,15,600-square-foot renovation of its 80-year-old Kaufmann Center—slated to open in 2010.
On April 30—prior to its bidding process, project contractor
Massaro Corporation will host an informational meeting for the Hill District’s minority contracting community.
“The first phase is to generate interest among minority contractors. We’re setting a pretty high goal as far as what we're looking for with MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) participation,” says Art Sheffield, with Pittsburgh-based Massaro Corporation. “It’s the first time we’ve done this, to this extent. Contractors will come away with a better understanding of what they’ll need to do business with Massaro in the future. It will open doors.”
At the session, Massaro representatives will provide a complete overview of the project and its expectations. Designed by
Renaissance 3 Architects, the 550-seat Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium will feature a conference center, kitchen and outdoor amphitheater.
“When we're working in a minority community, it's very important for us to establish a dialogue. Community forums are less intimidating,” adds Sheffield, who says companies may also visit Massaro’s Plan Room during business hours. “There’s so much positive synergy and activity that all ties in together to make the Hill District viable again.”
Massaro has also been awarded contracting work for Kuhn’s Market, Crawford Grille, New Grenada Theater, and Josh Gibson Field in the Hill District.
“What’s unique is that we’re going into the Hill District and specifically targeting minority contractors and offering resources that will help them participate in this project,” adds Joseph Massaro III, who expects the Hill House project to employ approximately 100 people.
The April 30 meeting starts at 10a.m. at Hill House. To R.S.V.P., contact Art Sheffield at
asheffield@massarocorporation.com or 412-963-2800 x269.
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Jennifer BaronSource: Joseph Massaro III, president and COO, and Art Sheffield, designer and minority outreach coordinator, Massaro Corporation
Image courtesy Massaro Corporation