PITTSBURGH | Development Rundown II - Page 347

AaronPGH · #**6921** Posted **Jan 29, 2014, 8:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianTH

So at some point I hope we start seeing some serious interest in an East Liberty Transit Center/Eastside III-type project.

I have heard from a source very close to things that this is already on the drawing boards for Wilkinsburg.

BrianTH · #**6922** Posted **Jan 29, 2014, 9:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKNewYork

I get the clear sense that the PHLF people involved in Wilkinsburg think the town is one or two projects away from attracting significant private sector developers. Hopefully that is not too far down the line.

There are certainly a lot of reasons to think that. The one major sour note is we were not able to get a referendum to allow liquor licenses on the 2013 primary ballot, and now will have to wait until 2015 to try again. But hopefully it will work then, and hopefully that is not so long as to make a significant difference.

Quote:

Re the National Historic District: With PMHC's blessing, the application will now be submitted to Interior Department. No idea how long approval typically takes, but with that designation, Federal tax credits will make many private projects more viable and more attractive.

It is definitely a good idea, and I also think clearly merited. There are still a lot of great old buildings left, and overall it is like a classic Western PA small town center, which just happens to be sitting on the borders of the City. Throw in all the transportation history, its importance as a commercial center for a pretty wide area for many decades, and so on, and it should be an easy case.

BrianTH · #**6923** Posted **Jan 29, 2014, 9:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronPGH

I have heard from a source very close to things that this is already on the drawing boards for Wilkinsburg.

Great! There have been bits and pieces of indications of possible interest in public reporting, but obviously nothing definitive yet.

photoLith · #**6924** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 3:18 PM**

Liberty tunnels are basically done and look a billion times better.

BrianTH · #**6925** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 6:28 PM**

So something is actually happening at The Gardens site. Forbes has been blocked off, and it appears the fence is down. I suspect that means they are bringing in the heavy equipment.

photoLith · #**6926** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 7:47 PM**

It didn't look like they had done anything as of last night.

BrianTH · #**6927** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 8:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by photoLith

It didn't look like they had done anything as of last night.

I think this just started today.

doo dah · #**6928** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 8:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKNewYork

W/r/t last week's discussion of temporary public art installations...

During Monday morning's snowfall and temperature plunge, I was checking out some projects downtown and saw the "magnolia" installation at Penn and Seventh. Didn't love it but it was benign and even pleasant. But standing there all I could think is how perfect a residential building would look on that site.

But...Phyllida Barlow's TIP, which is installed at the entrance to the Scaife Wing of the Carnegie, is truly amazing. The International is great as well. Check it out.

A little more public art - Market Square:
Market Square Public Art
Looks like there will be a series of temporary projects each winter, starting next month.

SkyPittsburgh · #**6929** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 9:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianTH

So something is actually happening at The Gardens site. Forbes has been blocked off, and it appears the fence is down. I suspect that means they are bringing in the heavy equipment.

Forbes will be closed until the project is finished, they will be converting it to a 2 way street.

DKNewYork · #**6930** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 10:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPittsburgh

Forbes will be closed until the project is finished, they will be converting it to a 2 way street.

I remember hearing talk of Forbes becoming a two-way street. So it will ultimately become two-way from Stanwix to...where? Grant? Near Duquesne? Just curious.

SkyPittsburgh · #**6931** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 10:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKNewYork

I remember hearing talk of Forbes becoming a two-way street. So it will ultimately become two-way from Stanwix to...where? Grant? Near Duquesne? Just curious.

Just a small section, between Market and Stanwix. But only between Market and Wood is closed.
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2...urgh-to-close-today/stories/201401080115

photoLith · #**6932** Posted **Jan 30, 2014, 11:54 PM**

The gardens site from a few seconds ago. One of the engineers said the first crane is coming on the site sometime next week. Finally.

SkyPittsburgh · #**6933** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 12:43 PM**

Not necessarily development related, but the K-9 dog "Rocco" died last night, and Mayor Peduto ordered flags at half mast.
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2...ment-after-stabbing/stories/201401300243

I have always wondered about the possibility of adding a K-9 memorial next to the Law Enforcement memorial on the North Shore, it would be a nice addition.

Private Dick · #**6934** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 3:13 PM**

^ I love animals, but that is certainly NOT a possibility I've ever wondered about for even a second, and think that there are FAR more important things to memorialize in Pittsburgh.

SkyPittsburgh · #**6935** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 3:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Private Dick

^ I love animals, but that is certainly NOT a possibility I've ever wondered about for even a second, and think that there are FAR more important things to memorialize in Pittsburgh.

I don't think you understand how upset a lot of Pittsburghers are about this, many people described him as a police officer, that happened to be a K-9. He died protecting a city of Pittsburgh officer from someone who could have killed him. If you care, what are some things that you would consider memorializing. (I'm not angry, I just don't understand your reasoning.)

SkyPittsburgh · #**6936** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 3:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Private Dick

^ I love animals, but that is certainly NOT a possibility I've ever wondered about for even a second, and think that there are FAR more important things to memorialize in Pittsburgh.

A quote from someone on the PG.
"Maybe a moment like this can cause people to stop and appreciate the value of life. Not just the lives of humans - but the lives of all creatures. Dogs are not just "man's best friend"; they are not just pets. They are living, breathing, thinking beings just like us. This particular dog acted selflessly to protect another officer. That should be worthy of respect no matter who you are, and hopefully it causes people to maybe reconsider what they think of dogs and other animals and their values to the sustainability and prosperity of life on this planet."
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2...ment-after-stabbing/stories/201401300243

chucka · #**6937** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 4:10 PM**

In development news...

This should be a really cool interactive art piece for Market Square!

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/5503138-74/square-art-downtown#axzz2rzS1fpHn

Quote:

'Funky Downtown lighting' to hug, interact with visitors
By Bob Bauder

Pittsburgh is poised to flood Market Square with “funky Downtown lighting.”

The city is bringing an international art exhibit titled “Congregation” to Market Square as the first in what officials say will be an annual public art display.

Developed by a pair of internationally known artists based in London — Kit Monkman and Tom Wexler — the piece will project a 50-square-foot projection of light displayed in geometric shapes and sizes into the public square that visitors can change by walking through it.

A camera will project what's happening in the square onto a large screen.

“It has the ability to embrace and engage every single person who comes to see it,” said Renee Piechocki, director of the Pittsburgh Office of Public Art, which collaborated with the city and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on the project.

SkyPittsburgh · #**6938** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 4:18 PM**

Sorry for going off topic there.

Back to development.
In the part of the presentation for the upcoming Planning Commission document (it isn't complete yet) UPMC is demolishing 2 buildings at 3119 Forbes Avenue and 118 craft avenue. Does anyone know why?

Brentsters · #**6939** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 5:13 PM**

Probably clearing the site for the Oakland Portal project.

Jonboy1983 · #**6940** Posted **Jan 31, 2014, 7:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyPittsburgh

Sorry for going off topic there.

Back to development.
In the part of the presentation for the upcoming Planning Commission document (it isn't complete yet) UPMC is demolishing 2 buildings at 3119 Forbes Avenue and 118 craft avenue. Does anyone know why?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentsters

Probably clearing the site for the Oakland Portal project.

I was going to post that as well, but Brentsters beat me to it. If I remember, the renderings didn't look all that appealing. I guess we shall wait and see how this project unfolds...