Small Biz fuels the Northside
Jennifer Saffron
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Barbara Burns, former City Councilwoman and lifelong resident of East Allegheny didn’t start out with the idea of opening her own business. “It all happened because I answered the question, ‘What would I like to see in my own neighborhood?’” she says. As a result, Burns purchased a building at 435 East Ohio St. and renovated the space to create Sweet Time Cafe, an old-timey general store packed floor-to-ceiling with penny candy, gourmet edibles, gifts, nostalgic children’s toys, and a postal service station that serves the community.
It’s one example of a number of enterprising business springing up in the three historic neighborhoods that make up the North Shore: Allegheny West , Central Northside and East Allegheny.
Ed and Mary Ann Graf, East Allegheny residents and founders of the Northside’s Priory Hotel and the Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall , supported the redevelopment of East Ohio Street by opening Priory Fine Pastries . In case you miss the aroma, cheery flags mark the entrance to the restored four-story building. Here they bake everything from catered cookie trays to old world strudel. Before delivery, their wedding cakes make a stop in Allegheny West to receive an adornment of fresh flowers from KS Kennedy, a floral, gift, and gourmet shop at 860 Western Avenue. Approaching the door of this eclectic shop, one is greeted by light jazz and a window display of delectable artisan chocolates. Fiesta ware, coffee, greeting cards and gourmet doggie treats are some of the finds here.
Pride in the 'hood
For decades the North Side has attracted youthful and energetic spirits who, along with committed neighborhood groups, have renovated many architecturally noteworthy houses from Allegheny West’s stately Beech St.to the shining rowhouses of the Mexican War Streets. Here you'll find decorative corbelling on building eaves, windows adorned with colorful flower boxes, and majestic, old-growth trees that soften the neat grid of the urban streets.
Meticulously restored Victorian row homes stand proud along brick-paved sidewalks that speak to the neighborhoods’ walkability: residents walk downtown across the Allegheny River, walk the scenic riverfront trails, or walk their dogs in adjacent Allegheny Commons park. Complementing the historic homes are industrial buildings renovated into high-end lofts such as Brighton Beach Lofts and Heinz Lofts .
Embracing the new
With the addition of new residences, the North Side continues to attract the young. When hip 20-something Rachel Vallozzi and business partner Claire Louise moved Kharisma Vintage Fashions from the South Side to 812 Western Avenue for larger quarters, they received a gorgeous bouquet from KS Kennedy - a warm welcome from the Allegheny West Civic Council . Kharisma is a bit like a boutique circa 1969 – incense wafts as customers lounge on a two-tone lime green velour sofa, listening to a vocalist singing in French. Glittery tops and campy print dresses line the walls, with fashions and styling for girls and guys plus in-house tailoring by Rachel and Claire, who sew their own creations known as Daisy Mae Vintage. Kharisma customers are welcome to host private in-store parties - a shopping soiree with wine and DJ.
Beleza Community Coffeehouse in the Mexican War Streets at 1501 Buena Vista, is another new business owned and operated by twenty-somethings. The seven friends, who met as undergrads at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and now live in Central Northside, chose Pittsburgh as destination #1 where “we could turn the tide in a down-to-earth town,” says Kimberly Walkenhorst. “In a lot of cities, if you’re an idealist, people might respond in a skeptical manner, but here, people are more embracing.”
One only has to taste their aromatic French Meadow Bakery Blend coffee to understand. Wireless internet, fresh pastries from Priory Fine Pastries, and locally-grown organic salads make for many Beleza regulars. Beleza has hosted community programs such as a forum with State Representative Jake Wheatley and an edible flower workshop with garden maven Laura Winter who oversees the Green Millenium Garden in Central Northside, where urban youth learn the art and responsibility of cultivation.
The optimistic Beleza co-owners financed their project with assistance from the Northside Community Development Fund, which provides lending and technical support to North Side businesses such as the restaurant Legends of the North Shore at 500 East North Avenue. “The price is right at the moment," says Sarah Mansmann, director of lending. "I am hoping to see many more independent businesses coming to the neighborhoods. It gives the North Side a unique feel and our own character.”
Despite decades of successful public and private development on the North Side, there are still challenges yet to be met. And that spells opportunity for pioneering spirits like Lynn Weber, who moved to the Central Northside 28 years ago and who co-owns the successful Urban Gardener with Central Northsider Joan Kimmel. “We opened the Urban Gardener here because the neighborhood needed it. We wanted to invest in the North Side,” says Weber. When they were recently offered a chance to move to Eastside, the hot new development adjacent to Whole Foods in East Liberty, they chose to stay where they are.
Cultural jewels
They’re in good company. Nearby a one-of a kind facility treasured by creative types is Artists Image Resource . Executive director and founder Bob Beckman credits his initial inspiration from a conversation with fellow Central Northsider and Mattress Factory director Barbara Luderowski. Beckman subsequently created AIR: an impressive print and imaging resource center for artists complete with gallery space, open studio, and community access to fine art printmaking presses. First-time visitors are typically in awe of the facilities and the work produced there. There’s no better time to check it out: This year marks AIR’s tenth anniversary, with parties at their Foreland Street address the last Friday of each month.
With the wealth of cultural institutions in the area--the Mattress Factory , with its unique installation art, The Andy Warhol Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated to a single artist, and the award-winning Children's Museum to name a few--the Northside attracts its share of tourists. Those wanting to stay the night have a choice of three well-appointed boutique inns: the Parador Inn in Allegheny West, the Priory Hotel in Deutschtown and the Inn on the Mexican War Streets. In addition to these destination points, there are also small shops and eateries such as Roxalana's offering their unique flavor, or even a shuttle to Steeler home games courtesy of Max’s Allegheny Tavern. Chances are that, too, was in answer to the question, "What would I like to see in my own neighborhood?"
Jennifer Saffron is a freelance writer and Northside resident. This is her first feature for Pop City.
Photos:
Beleza Community Coffeehouse
Roxolana's restaurant
Kharisma Vintage Fashions
The Mattress Factory
Priory Fine Pastries
Inn on Mexican War Streets
All photographs copyright © Jonathan Greene