History & Landmarks Foundation eyes 3 buildings
By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
The Urban Redevelopment Authority plans to sell three historic buildings on the edge of Market Square to the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, which wants to renovate them into retail and residential space.
URA Executive Director Jerry Dettore expects board approval Thursday to sell the buildings for $257,000.
“The buildings in Market Square are considered historic, so the preservation of them and the restoration of them is something that everyone would like to see,” Dettore said Tuesday.
Officials with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership have expressed interest in moving into one of the renovated buildings.
Before the sale is complete, the URA must purchase one city-owned building, next to the restaurant Ciao Baby, for $40,000. Once that’s done, the three buildings near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Graeme Street can be sold to History & Landmarks.
Foundation Director Arthur Ziegler could not be reached for comment.
Dettore said renovations could begin quickly.
“Just to begin to see some construction activity in the Fifth & Forbes corridor is going to show people that the revitalization (Downtown) is real,” he said, noting that renovations to the former Lazarus-Macy’s Building are under way. Millcraft Industries, of Washington County, is developing retail and grocery space on the first floor and housing on upper floors.
Dettore said the board also will consider giving a $200,000 state Department of Community and Economic Development loan and $5,000 technology grant to Strip District-based lamp shade manufacturer J. Harris & Sons. The money would allow the company to buy manufacturing equipment and expand with 50 more employees.
Jeremy Boren can be reached at jboren@tribweb.com or (412) 765-2312.
This article appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review © Pittsburgh Tribune Review