Happenings in Pittsburgh!! (York, Aliquippa, Turtle Creek: jobs, house, construction)

[globalburgh]

Originally Posted by guylocke

If Pittsburgh had an overabundance of jobs, we would start growing again in population no question. Out of curiosity, how will that situation dramatically improve soon?

By way of offering something a bit more concrete, read this article on the looming talent shortage in Ohio.

[fleetiebelle]

A couple of interesting articles about develoopment (and lack thereof) in Mt. Washington:

Primed for development and already a popular destination, Mount Washington sits at a crossroads

Infighting marks Mount Washington's past, present

[guylocke]

Just wanted everyone to know that I got confirmation today that Riverparc has NOT been scaled down yet, however, ground was supposed to be broken this summer, but that HAS been delayed until 2009 due to the market crisis in the country and they are hoping to secure more funding.

The plans are NOT scrapped and are NOT being downscaled, though.

[Traveler87]

Since when was Pittsburgh's PNC going to take away Cleveland's National City? Thats news to me. Trust me, big fan of both cities and so proud to see both making huge comebacks, but Cleveland is a bigger banking city, and I have yet to hear anything on PNC taking away National City from Cleveland.

[guylocke]

Since when was Pittsburgh's PNC going to take away Cleveland's National City? Thats news to me. Trust me, big fan of both cities and so proud to see both making huge comebacks, but Cleveland is a bigger banking city, and I have yet to hear anything on PNC taking away National City from Cleveland.

Nothing is definite. The banking industry isn't doing very well at the moment (and I would argue with you that Cleveland is bigger in banking to begin with). PNC is one of only a handful of large banking giants that is making substantial profit and is climbing upward during a time when most large banks are hitting hard times. National City is only one of a few systems that PNC is eye'ing up to purchase. PNC is in a good situation right now, they have the financial clout to gobble up smaller and more struggling systems (ie. National City) and those smaller systems are hitting times where selling is looking like a smart idea. PNC is aggressively expanding right now, and what's even better, they are one of the "greenest" companies in the country. GO PNC!!

[Traveler87]

Originally Posted by guylocke

Nothing is definite. The banking industry isn't doing very well at the moment (and I would argue with you that Cleveland is bigger in banking to begin with). PNC is one of only a handful of large banking giants that is making substantial profit and is climbing upward during a time when most large banks are hitting hard times. National City is only one of a few systems that PNC is eye'ing up to purchase. PNC is in a good situation right now, they have the financial clout to gobble up smaller and more struggling systems (ie. National City) and those smaller systems are hitting times where selling is looking like a smart idea. PNC is aggressively expanding right now, and what's even better, they are one of the "greenest" companies in the country. GO PNC!!

Yes, thats good news, but you also have to remember Cleveland has KeyBank. Also, didn't a New York firm take Mellon out of Pittsburgh?

[guylocke]

Also, didn't a New York firm take Mellon out of Pittsburgh?

I believe they merged, you're right, corporate HQ is in NYC now for Mellon. However, Mellon still has a huge presence in Pittsburgh. In fact, the Mellon family donated many millions of dollars to the city and universities just last year.

[guylocke]

Is East Liberty quickly becoming the "up-and-coming" giant? Seems like barely a day goes by without more news about redevelopment etc.

Pedestrians, residents and commuters will soon have creative new choices for navigating East Liberty’s streets and shops.

A much-anticipated pedestrian bridge that will connect East Liberty to Shadyside is the subject of a community meeting on Jan 30 at Reizenstein School. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at 129 Denniston Ave.

New pedestrian bridge, transit-oriented development coming to East Liberty

[guylocke]

An even more impressive new development, or should I say revitalization, in East Liberty

East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI) has received $1,135,000 from Landmarks Community Capital Corporation (LCCC) and the URA for two key redevelopment projects.

LCCC, a subsidiary of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, has awarded $885,000—its largest single loan—to ELDI, which will use the funds to acquire and renovate the YMCA building located at 120 Whitfield St. and rehabilitate two Queen Anne style homes located at 5809-15 Rippey St

Built in 1908 by Thomas Hannah, the 50,000-square-foot YMCA property will feature up to 36 for-sale loft-style condos ranging in size from 700 to 1,500 square feet. The $6 million project will also include underground parking. The five-story property's exterior will be restored. First-floor retail may include a bookstore, coffeehouse, jazz club, or fitness center. ELDI is working with Denver-based MEIZ Development Co., which is also renovating the adjacent Laughlin building. Both projects are being designed by mossArchitects.

$1.1M investment assists mixed-use projects in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood

If you aren't sure what building it is, click the link, it's beautiful.

[guylocke]

The Cork Factory is doing well!

The Cork Factory has leased seventy percent of its retail space in the Strip District. Among its first retail tenants will be an upscale 10,000-square-foot wine-cigar bar and restaurant, and a 22,000-square-foot specialty grocery store.


The Cork Factory, which features 295 rental lofts and opened in May of 2007, has reached eighty-seven percent occupancy. Plans are underway to bring a full-service marina to the development’s riverfront property.

“We’d love to see a spa, cookware shop and dry cleaner. We’re talking to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board about a spirits shop,” adds Pliscott, who says the remaining 10,000 square feet of retail may be divided. “We have ample parking, the built-in cushion of 300 residents at our doorstep, plus the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Cork Factory leases 70% of retail space, adds upscale wine bar and specialty grocer