Although Market Square and the Fifth-Forbes corridor have received many high-profile developments over the past few years, there still remain a few gaps in the overall project. Those gaps are about to be filled though, as the
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and the City of Pittsburgh have announced a partnership to renovate historic properties.
PHLF President Arthur Ziegler calls the partnership unprecedented in the national historic preservation movement.
“I don't know anywhere that a city has designated…$4 million for restoring historic downtown buildings, and contracted with the non-profit historic preservation group to manage the process,” Ziegler says.
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$4 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant will be used in part to complete the final building in the PHLF’s Market at Fifth project. The white terra-cotta Thompson Building, which is to be restored, was most recently home to the restaurant Ciao Baby.
According to Ziegler, the US Hotel Group will develop on behalf of the PHLF a “a high quality restaurant and bar” on the building’s first two floors, and a meeting/party room on the third floor.
In additional funding, Richard M. Scaife, through the Allegheny Foundation, has granted PHLF $1 million toward the Market at Fifth development.
And PHLF trustee Dr. George White and wife Kathy have granted over $700,000 to purchase the historic Weldin’s Building and adjoining building at 417 Wood Street. Those buildings will be restored, and will retain tenants Weldin’s and Boutique La Passerelle. Cast-iron facades across the street will also be restored.
Ziegler says this work is being done in cooperation with Point Park University to increase student housing downtown.
According to Ziegler, the RACP grant will also be used to restore six to nine other key historic buildings in the downtown central business district. Zeigler says these historic properties will become a source for new retail, jobs, housing, taxes, and an added attraction for visitors.
Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Arthur Ziegler