Plans to bring a new seven-story office development to the comer of Bigelow Blvd. and Bayard St. are moving forward in Oakland.
After undergoing a redesign process, the $15 million Schenley Place project received approval from Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission on Nov. 4. Planned for one of the last developable parcels in Oakland, the 100,000-square-foot office property will be constructed on a parking lot owned by the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh.
“We’ve redesigned the entire exterior using materials that have broken down the building’s mass, to provide an image that blends in much better architecturally, particularly with that part of Oakland,” says Bill Hunt, with Bigelow Square-based project developer,
The Elmhurst Group. “The design is set back and is a good portal point as you come down Bigelow into Oakland. The neighbors agree that this makes sense.”
Architect
Burt Hill is currently completing final drawings for the project, which Hunt says is now one floor lower and 15,000 square feet smaller than originally planned. Designed to feature masonry that matches nearby buildings including the University of Pittsburgh’s Ruskin Hall and First Baptist Church, the project will also include a small public park and an integral 60-car garage.
“Our goal is pursue green design and be LEED certified,” adds Hunt,” who expects to select a contractor and break ground on the 18-month project during spring 2009. “We’re looking at a traditional office building. It could have a medical component.”
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Bill Hunt, president, The Elmhurst Group
Image courtesy The Elmhurst Group