PITTSBURGH | Development Rundown III

[BrianTH]

Either the former Kaufmann's or the former Frank & Seder seem like pretty solid options for a small-format Target, probably on two levels.

[BrianTH]

ALMONO has issued a RFQ for a 2-acre public plaza that will be next to Mill 19. Apparently we will also finally get to see the Perkins+Will master plan in January:

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...ght-get-right/

Architecture firm Perkins+Will is developing a master plan for the property with ReMake Group and Civic Design & Planning. They’ll submit the plan to city officials for approvals in January, along with an updated traffic impact study and text revisions for specially-planned zoning.

The plaza is the first of several public areas on the property. Also planned are a 1.2-mile-long riverfront park and trail, mobility rights-of-way, ecological areas, and active and non-active public spaces, according to the RFQ.

[BrianTH]

Article on the condos going in at 2700 Murray:

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...squirrel-hill/

The clean, understated exterior is one of my recent favorites (the interior shots are generic modern):

[East Edge]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Article on the condos going in at 2700 Murray:

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...squirrel-hill/

The clean, understated exterior is one of my recent favorites (the interior shots are generic modern):

Interesting...I applaud their breaking away from the typical residential products we are seeing built around the country but something is off. It seems akward...the proportions / fenestrations with the roof line maybe? Too much brick without breaking up contrasting materials? Im sure finished product will change my mind and overall i'm thrilled to see something happening there.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by East Edge

Interesting...I applaud their breaking away from the typical residential products we are seeing built around the country but something is off. It seems akward...the proportions / fenestrations with the roof line maybe? Too much brick without breaking up contrasting materials? Im sure finished product will change my mind and overall i'm thrilled to see something happening there.

Yeah, by not using contrasting material, the flat facade facing Murray Avenue is much more evident. I'm not sure the semi-irregular fenestration works for me either - something more classic and orderly might align better with the materials.

I do give them kudos for doing something different however.

[photoLith]

^
That looks reallly nice, surprising that an actual decent design is proposed for once, and that god it doesn't have the power floor in brick and the top floors for no reason in random shapes and tin siding like most of the other new crap going up in the city.

[pj3000]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Either the former Kaufmann's or the former Frank & Seder seem like pretty solid options for a small-format Target, probably on two levels.

Good call. Those seem like prime spots to me for an "urban Target", considering the available space, central downtown location (very close to Point Park U, a number of rehab/new residential projects, Market Square), and talked-about plans to remake Smithfield into a retail corridor.

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Article on the condos going in at 2700 Murray:

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...squirrel-hill/

The clean, understated exterior is one of my recent favorites (the interior shots are generic modern):

These look to be one of the better, higher-quality designs for Pittsburgh area new residential construction I've seen. Being back in the area for the first time in years, it's exciting to see all of the new apartment/condo buildings, but it's also somewhat disappointing (but not surprising) to see that they are pretty much all following that 3-6 story wood-framed, often multi-colored aluminum/vinyl/composite blocky upper floor design seen in just about every city these days. This Squirrel Hill proposal stands out for its modern, brick simplicity. Reminds me of the red brick condos on Forbes in Squirrel Hill next to Temple Sinai.

[Steel City Scotty]

Another NEXTpittsburgh article about another new development, though this one is a renovation project rather than new construction.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

Another NEXTpittsburgh article about another new development, though this one is a renovation project rather than new construction.

Interesting. I wish the view was from the other side. It looks like they're going to be keeping the "Cruze extension" of the building, but knocking down the two-story structure next to it and putting in something which matches the floor plates. I'm guessing it will be the facade of the attached garage, because I can't see anywhere else they could put it.

[Brentsters]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Interesting. I wish the view was from the other side. It looks like they're going to be keeping the "Cruze extension" of the building, but knocking down the two-story structure next to it and putting in something which matches the floor plates. I'm guessing it will be the facade of the attached garage, because I can't see anywhere else they could put it.

Yeah, from the larger picture and floorplans on their website, seems to be exactly what they're doing.

[photoLith]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

Another NEXTpittsburgh article about another new development, though this one is a renovation project rather than new construction.

That is fantastic news, I've always thought that building could be incredible restored to its original glory, as of now it looks like a run down dump.

[BenM]

Originally Posted by Steel City Scotty

Another NEXTpittsburgh article about another new development, though this one is a renovation project rather than new construction.

It looks like the developer is also ready to get started on the Produce Terminal renovation as well. Hopefully, that stretch of Smallman will look very different in the near future.

[TBone7281]

Originally Posted by BenM

It looks like the developer is also ready to get started on the Produce Terminal renovation as well. Hopefully, that stretch of Smallman will look very different in the near future.

Some of the back loading areas of the PT were open last week. It looked to me like maybe they were clearing out of some of the vacant spaces to prepare for something a little more substantial, development-wise. But there was no one around so maybe I was just being hopeful.

[BrianTH]

P-G article on the Crosstown cap park:

http://www.post-gazette.com/business...s/201712040015



This is pretty cool:

The end of the park closest to PPG Paints Arena will feature walls relating the history of the Hill. One, representing the 19th century, will focus on Martin Delany, a Civil War major who was an abolitionist, educator, journalist, doctor and entrepreneur.

Another, representing the 20th century, will highlight Frankie Mae Pace, a longtime Hill activist and businesswoman who protested the 1950s urban renewal that displaced many Hill residents and cut off access to Downtown with construction of the Civic Arena.
. . .

Helping visitors to navigate the park will be “Keisha,” an image of young African-American girl who will be seen at various points waving, listening to music, dancing, reading a book, and stargazing. The images will include text explaining the symbolism of park design elements.

Glad to see Keisha is still involved.

I take it this is a possible use for the out parcel:

There also will be room for a cafe or restaurant and restrooms in future phases.

That would be nice.

Generally it is probably worth remembering that design details aside, a big part of the value here is just blocking out the noise, sight, smell, etc. of the highway. It is going to feel pretty different transitioning from Downtown to the Lower Hill.

[photoLith]

^
And a big thing holding the Hill back from redevelopment is the mental barrier that the highway represents.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by photoLith

^
And a big thing holding the Hill back from redevelopment is the mental barrier that the highway represents.

It will certainly help make the Civic Arena site more marketable, but the Lower Hill proper (Crawford Roberts) is already mostly redeveloped with infill, except for some areas closer to Uptown.

Of course, it was redeveloped in a way too low density manner, but given it wasn't market-rate, and the neighborhood wasn't desirable at the time, it's not surprising.

[eschaton]

Pitt is buying 3441 Forbes Avenue (the Health Department building) from Allegheny County.

Not much on the details of what Pitt wants to use the building for, other than part of an "innovation district." I hope it's not knocked down - it's a beautiful old building, and would be even nicer if it were restored - but if it's replaced by something of greater density I wouldn't be that upset. Pitt owns the one-story 3447 Forbes next door, and immediately on the other side The Bridge on Forbes (the new 197-unit apartment building) will be constructed. Also, that new office project at the corner of Forbes and Coltart is directly catty-corner. So another office building wouldn't be out of scale here.

[themaguffin]

Forty-six townhouses proposed near Strip District produce terminal

Laurel Communities proposes to build 46 townhouses along the new Waterfront Place built through Buncher’s site. The new three-story homes will line the street, extending an entire block and the length of the Pennsylvania Fruit Auction & Sales produce terminal.

[photoLith]

Sorry to be posting this long email I just got but anyone who can should attend the meeting, I cant because of work but Ill be emailing the people in the email about preserving the two buildings they are idiotically thinking about tearing down.

As you may know, a large new development is in the works in partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Parking Authority, and The Davis Company on land that spans Penn Avenue to Ft. Duquesne Blvd. (between 8th and 9th Streets). Much of the land is surface parking/parking garage. However, the new development includes the corner of Penn & 9th Street in the City designated Penn-Liberty Historic District and thus the partners are seeking permission from the Historic Review Commission (HRC) to demolish three buildings in the Historic District (819, 821 Penn Ave are two circa 1910 buildings contributing to the District while the third building, 823 Penn Avenue, does not contribute). The proposed demolition was discussed at the November HRC meeting and will likely be voted on this week at the Wednesday, December 6th HRC meeting. The link to December’s HRC meeting agenda and applicants’ materials is below:

http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail...017-Agenda.pdf

Also, here is a link to a Post-Gazette article from this summer:

http://www.post-gazette.com/business...s/201707200143

Preservation Pittsburgh believes that it is the HRC’s role to protect buildings that have gone through the long and thorough process to become city landmarks. The two contributing landmark buildings with historic character could be incorporated into the new development. Preservation Pittsburgh has made contact with the partners and has attended a meeting with The Davis Company. We will also attend this week’s HRC meeting.

It’s important to note that just a few blocks down at the corner of Penn Avenue and 7th Street a different approach is being taken. Rather than demolition, two existing buildings at 711 and 713 Penn Avenue (McNally and Bonn Buildings) -- previously owned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust -- will be incorporated into Trek Development's new residential and retail development. http://trekdevelopment.com/whats-new/

The HRC’s December 6 monthly meeting begins at 1 pm, but the demolition approval request falls later on the agenda (probably around 2:45 pm). Public comment will be heard and public support is taken into consideration (comments are limited to 3 minutes). Also at the very end of the HRC agenda will be the discussion of Roslyn Place Historic District and Sheridan Homestead that Preservation Pittsburgh recently nominated in cooperation with property owners!


Note: if you are not able to attend the HRC meeting but wish to make a comment, you may send a letter or email to the HRC (Attn: Sarah Quinn) with your public comment: 200 Ross Street, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or email [email protected]

Given the pace of development in our city, some of which impacts our historic resources, it’s important that the public has a say in how our communities grow and develop. One way to have a say is through the protection of our historic structures that had a vibrant past with potential for an equally vibrant future.

[BrianTH]

I sent an email to the HRC. Definitely worth doing at least that much.