PITTSBURGH | Development Rundown II

[Evergrey]

Investment in Pittsburgh's Technology Sector

[BrianTH]

Another cool old building Downtown is headed for demolition:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/busi...k-to-demolish-dilapidated-garage-685630/

In an alternate universe where this building had been maintained, it could have been the shell for a nice loft conversion. Oh well. Hopefully at some point something cool is done with this lot, which could be combined with the lot across Third Avenue to make a pretty big building site, maybe with a couple lower levels of parking then apartments and/or a hotel above ala the plan for the former Saks lot (although the fact the lot behind the Grant Building remains vacant doesn't bode well for the near future).

[glowrock]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Another cool old building Downtown is headed for demolition:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/busi...k-to-demolish-dilapidated-garage-685630/

In an alternate universe where this building had been maintained, it could have been the shell for a nice loft conversion. Oh well. Hopefully at some point something cool is done with this lot, which could be combined with the lot across Third Avenue to make a pretty big building site, maybe with a couple lower levels of parking then apartments and/or a hotel above ala the plan for the former Saks lot (although the fact the lot behind the Grant Building remains vacant doesn't bode well for the near future).

That garage is a complete eyesore and I won't be sad to see it go. I agree that, in an alternate universe where it would have been properly maintained, it could have been an interesting shell for a loft conversion or something, but right now it just needs to disappear. And the URA needs to get involved to do something with that lot!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[BrianTH]

Hopefully after it is demo'ed they can at least stop using the lot behind the Grant Building as a parking lot and get back to developing it. It would really stink if instead this building got pulled down and all we got was yet more surface parking in this area.

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Another cool old building Downtown is headed for demolition:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/busi...k-to-demolish-dilapidated-garage-685630/

In an alternate universe where this building had been maintained, it could have been the shell for a nice loft conversion. Oh well. Hopefully at some point something cool is done with this lot, which could be combined with the lot across Third Avenue to make a pretty big building site, maybe with a couple lower levels of parking then apartments and/or a hotel above ala the plan for the former Saks lot (although the fact the lot behind the Grant Building remains vacant doesn't bode well for the near future).

There does seem to be this consistent game that the city plays with historic buildings/bridges where they refuse maintain something for years and years and then when it's falling apart they say "We'd love to fix it but it's just too far gone by this time.

[GeneW]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

Westinghouse continues cutbacks; will sublease part of headquarters

I think that they were hit pretty hard by the Fukushima disaster. No one's ordering Nuclear plants right now.

[themaguffin]

I think that they were hit pretty hard by the Fukushima disaster. No one's ordering Nuclear plants right now.

That's what occurred to me. They had a lot planned in terms of contracts, but I'm sure at least some locations are at least postponing such plans to evaluate further given what happened in Japan.

[Topher51]

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[joenicholas9]

Originally Posted by Topher51

I just got back from a meeting at Desmone Associates for a different project, but while there, I found out that the developer for One Grandview commissioned them to do a new schematic design for that project. In this one, the hotel element and tower have been eliminated. The project would consist of 350 residential units in several buildings that vary between 4-8 stories tall & a 450 space internal parking garage. The buildings closest to the edge of Mt. Washington appear to step down the bluff like we saw in the earlier renderings. Sorry, I only saw the 3D rendering on their computer and don't have an image to pass on. If and when I do get a copy, I will post it.

It would be disappointing if the tower is not built, but it still looked like a great project.

I honestly like that plan better. I'd rather see high rises downtown than on Mt. Washington.

[gallacus]

Originally Posted by Topher51

I just got back from a meeting at Desmone Associates for a different project, but while there, I found out that the developer for One Grandview commissioned them to do a new schematic design for that project. In this one, the hotel element and tower have been eliminated. The project would consist of 350 residential units in several buildings that vary between 4-8 stories tall & a 450 space internal parking garage. The buildings closest to the edge of Mt. Washington appear to step down the bluff like we saw in the earlier renderings. Sorry, I only saw the 3D rendering on their computer and don't have an image to pass on. If and when I do get a copy, I will post it.

It would be disappointing if the tower is not built, but it still looked like a great project.

Was the garage similar to in the old renderings, where they created a big open public space at street level? As long as there is some public element to the development I won't be too upset.

[Steel City Scotty]

Originally Posted by Topher51

I just got back from a meeting at Desmone Associates for a different project, but while there, I found out that the developer for One Grandview commissioned them to do a new schematic design for that project. In this one, the hotel element and tower have been eliminated. The project would consist of 350 residential units in several buildings that vary between 4-8 stories tall & a 450 space internal parking garage. The buildings closest to the edge of Mt. Washington appear to step down the bluff like we saw in the earlier renderings. Sorry, I only saw the 3D rendering on their computer and don't have an image to pass on. If and when I do get a copy, I will post it.

It would be disappointing if the tower is not built, but it still looked like a great project.

Dang! I really liked the idea of looking up to see a huge tower with a spire sticking out of the roof on top of Mount Washington. But, I know that plan wasn't for everybody.

One of my best friends, who lives in the city and is far more cynical than me, thought the original rendering looked like quite an "eyesore."

[BrianTH]

I'd also settle for a nice cluster of residential buildings and a decent public space.

[Topher51]

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[Jonboy1983]

Originally Posted by Topher51

I just got back from a meeting at Desmone Associates for a different project, but while there, I found out that the developer for One Grandview commissioned them to do a new schematic design for that project. In this one, the hotel element and tower have been eliminated. The project would consist of 350 residential units in several buildings that vary between 4-8 stories tall & a 450 space internal parking garage. The buildings closest to the edge of Mt. Washington appear to step down the bluff like we saw in the earlier renderings. Sorry, I only saw the 3D rendering on their computer and don't have an image to pass on. If and when I do get a copy, I will post it.

It would be disappointing if the tower is not built, but it still looked like a great project.

I will be a huge shame if the tower AND the hotel are not built. That is "outside the box" thinking taken to a whole new level, Pittsburgh rarely even gets outside the box...

[East Edge]

I too am glad that eyesore of a parking garage is going to be torn down. it really takes away from the skyline at from that angle. I consider myself a preservationist and can see how that could have been a neat building if it was properly maintained over the years. Someone along the line thought it was a good idea to paint the whole thing peach...smart thinking, that made it look so much better! Our tax dollars at work :-)

In regards to the One Grandview, the concept was certainly exciting but always felt we would be sorry down the road. It just tried too hard. It shot up too abruptly and never seemed to be in scale with the rest of the Mount Washington skyline. I would much rather see more Amalfi Coast like, clustered forms celebrating the topography. I think world class quality is more valuable here then maxed out-get in as many rooms as possible to make the most profit design. I think they would be wise to try to incorporate some commercial space in here for rooftop dining / lounge space, high end health spa, heated pool with poolside service, etc. its crying out to have a resort like feel high up above it all. I understand that Shiloh Street is supposed to undergo a street scape which could really add to that feeling. Looks like there is another pretty cool place about to open up that I noticed while sitting on the deck at the Shiloh Grill. Its a no brainer, i cant imagine why there aren't unique little gift shops, jewelry stores, etc up there. The potential is there but some old school establishments still have a stronghold and need to retire and move along. Someone with deep pockets needs to go up there and stake their claim.

Lastly really excited about the images Austin Lee shared re the Burns and Scalo site. That is exactly what the skyline on that side of the river needs.

[Gilamonster]

I'm excited to read about the impending demolition of the parking garage on Fourth Ave. I suspect that the county will be selling that property at some point in the future for more than the $2 million they are paying to have it razed.

[BrianTH]

My favorite parts of One Grandview were never the hotel and tower, but rather the plaza, the jumble of condos down the hillside, and the (deferred to later) staircase down the hill. All that really played with the location and emphasized what makes Downtown's setting special.

[BrianTH]

More details on the Falco plan for a "grocery" near Market Square:

http://www.popcitymedia.com/devnews/newgrocery050113.aspx

The tentative plan, a joint-venture with the owners of Vallozzi’s restaurant, would offer high-end produce, fresh bread, fine meats, cheeses and wines, among other basic grocery items. His plan also includes a bar, a multi-purpose area that could be used for events such as wine tastings, and a basement kitchen for cooking prepared foods. The grocery would occupy about 4,600 square feet of real estate.

So I would agree that doesn't really sound like a full-fledged grocery store. On the other hand, it sounds like a pretty nice store, and I could actually see both it and a full-fledged grocery store co-existing Downtown.

[BrianTH]

ACTION-Housing is finishing 43 units in Uptown, and planning for 47 more in two additional buildings "up the road on Fifth Avenue":

http://www.popcitymedia.com/devnews/mackeylofts050113.aspx

I'll be interested to learn more about the new buildings (infill? rehab? etc.).

[BrianTH]

Hello Bistro may be taking the long-vacant space in the recently restored ISDA building (at the corner of Forbes and Wood):

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/pittsburgh-may-be-greeting-hello-bistro-685755/