90,000 square foot LEED Building Will Be a Huge Boost to Neville Island’s Revitalization

Pop City Media

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Ground was broken last Friday at the site of a new $5 million speculative 90,000 square foot flex/ distribution building at 4800 Grand Avenue on Neville Island.

LEED Building ground breaking ceremony.

“Neville Island has been waiting to be reborn. I believe strongly in the benefits this area can offer all businesses and its vital role to the economy,” says Chuck Snyder, President of Neville Island Commons, and owner of the property. His son, Josh Snyder, is President of the green minded JLS Land Company, the developers of the site.

Snyder’s company purchased the property in May 2008, which previously housed the corporate offices for Dravo Machining Company, an organization which set up operations on the island during World War I to build 300 ships. The Dravo building sat vacant, however, for the last 15 years. Completion of the new building, which is being constructed with green building techniques targeting LEED certification, is dated for January 2011.

Burns and Scalo Real Estate Services Inc. is the contract representative for JLS, and is set to coordinate and run infrastructure services. Their target tenants for the building include office and light industrial users.

The revitalization of Neville Island is aided greatly by its close proximity to I-79, Pittsburgh International Airport, Route 51, and Route 65. The 90,000 square foot building is the latest project in the redevelopment of the island, following the construction of a new Kings Hometown Grille and 110 suite Fairfield Inn.

In addition to the island’s close location to a number of transportation routes, a Local Economic Revitalization Tax is available, which provides a six year tax exemption to new construction.

Senator Wayne Fontana, who helped break ground for the site, referenced the power of this tax abatement when he said, “Neville Island is a shining example of what can be done through public and private partnerships.”

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Writer: John Farley

Sources: Chuck Snyder, President of JLS Land Company
W. Scott Kaplan,Director of Acquisition and Development Services for Burns and Scalo
Senator Wayne Fontana

Photograph Copyright John Farley