http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/mews1119.aspx
Upscale green town home projects debut new model, start next phase on South Side
Riverside Mews and Windom Hill Place—two of Pittsburgh’s innovative green living developments—have debuted a new model unit and kicked-off second phases of construction. The 2,300-square-foot Energy Star-compliant model, now available for $480,331, features a contemporary design, espresso finishes and quartz countertops.
At Riverside Mews—the South Side’s largest green residential community—work has started on six new town homes. Ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet, the three-story units will be priced between $415,000 and $530,000. Designed by Perkins Eastman and Strada, the 48-unit project is located at 18th St. and Riverfront Park.
Since its grand opening in Nov. 2007, seven of Riverside’s first eight units have sold. Built according to Energy Star standards, Riverside features FSC-certified wood, Greenguard flooring materials and significant energy saving systems. “They all have small yards, which is great for the city,” says Kathryn Barry, with Prudential Preferred Realty, who expects occupancy to start in March 2009. “Things are looking good for Pittsburgh.” One new unit, which features a fourth floor, has pre-sold for $580,000.
Construction on Windom’s four new units, priced at $745,000 and located above McArdle Roadway, will begin after the first unit is sold. Windom’s award-winning Craftsman-style town homes were designed by John Martine of Strada. The 3,000-square-foot units feature three bedrooms, four levels of outdoor space, and earth friendly bamboo, cork and cast stone interiors.
“We have people relocating to Pittsburgh from other states,” adds Barry, who’s been featured on HGTV's My House is Worth What? “There’s still mortgage money out there.” Contractor for both projects is Sota Construction Services.
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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: Kathryn Barry, Prudential Preferred Realty
Image courtesy Prudential Preferred Realty
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http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/941penn1119.aspx
$9M 941 Penn welcomes first residents, $8M Otto Milk Condos 25% sold
941 Penn Avenue Residences is welcoming its first occupants, while pre-sales at Otto Milk Condos have reached 25%.
941 Penn—Downtown’s first condominium to receive the city’s Enhanced LERTA 10-year post-assessment tax abatement—welcomed its first residents on Nov. 12. Condo owners like Todd and Dorna Palcic, expected to save $60,000 in 10 years, were greeted by Mayor Ravenstahl. With 17 condos ranging in size from 1,350 to 3,000 square-feet, the $9 million project features a glass exterior, nine-story atrium, terraces, and historic masonry.
“Our demographic spans four decades age-wise. We have people from Seattle, Kuwait—all over the world” says project spokesperson Kathy Wallace. “They’re the first buyers Downtown to have this benefit applied to their property.” Enhancing existing LERTA and Act 42 tax abatement programs, the legislation is spurring development Downtown and in 26 neighborhood growth zones.
Jack Benoff of Solara Ventures, developer of 941 Penn, is also redeveloping the Strip District’s Otto Milk building as a 56-unit condominium. Located at 2501 Smallman St., the 120,000-square-foot project will feature a pet washing facility, gym, courtyard, and business center. With site clean-up and demolition underway, the $20 million project is expected to be completed in late 2009.
Ranging in size from 800 to 3,600 square feet, condos are priced between $183,000 and $1.3 million. “We want a first-time buyer price range. Within 500 feet, you can go to a neighborhood pub, deli, club or high-end restaurant,” adds Benoff, who is working with Indovina Associates Architects on both projects. “We’re restoring the tower back to its original look. We’re keeping the majority of the existing structure and adding a contemporary connecting building.”
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Jack Benoff and Kathy Wallace, Solara Ventures, IV, LLC
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http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/oaklnd1119.aspx
$15M Schenley Place office development gets greenlight in Oakland
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 Baron
Source: Bill Hunt, president, The Elmhurst Group
Image courtesy The Elmhurst Group
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http://www.popcitymedia.com/developmentnews/kuhns1119.aspx
Kuhn's selected for Pittsburgh's Hill District, East Liberty planning for Target
Kuhn’s Market is headed to Pittsburgh’s Hill District, while plans are progressing to bring a Target to East Liberty.
After soliciting and reviewing proposals from Kuhn’s and Save-A-Lot, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), has selected Pittsburgh-based and family owned Kuhn’s Market as operator for a 40,000-square-foot full-service store planned for the corner of Centre Ave. and Heldman St. The property is jointly owned by the URA and Allegheny Union Baptist Association.
The URA and Pittsburgh Penguins have each committed $1 million to the project, which is under development by Hill House Economic Development Corporation. “This is really the beginning. We’re excited and optimistic,” says Robert Rubinstein, with the URA. “There’s still work to be done on the financing, but we’re confident that the team in place can achieve that.”
In East Liberty, plans under development by The Mosites Company are progressing to bring a 156,000-square-foot Target to 6231 Penn Ave., the site of the neighborhood’s remaining high-rise tower. “We’re pursuing an East Liberty Gateway TIFF to support a $7 million public infrastructure project along Penn and to reconfigure the bus way,” adds Rubinstein, who says the URA is assisting with infrastructure and acquisition financing.
On Dec. 2, the project will be presented during a public Planning Commission hearing. “They’ve met with the Contextual Design Advisory Panel and made significant changes. They’ve improved the entrance and facade and are adding clerestory windows,” says Corey Layman, with the Department of City Planning.
“It’ll be the first Target store in the U.S. with windows.”
Construction on the city's first Target is slated to start in June 2009, with occupancy expected in October 2010.
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Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Robert Rubinstein, Director, Economic Development, Urban Redevelopment Authority; Corey Layman, Design Review Specialist, Department of City Planning
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