Why East Liberty might change even quicker than you think (Pittsburgh: cinema, organic)

[pman]

Originally Posted by selltheburgh

Some interesting mapping from the WSJ article:
Urban Renewal in Pittsburgh - Map and Photos - WSJ.com

if I'm not mistaken, that map indicates that CSX is two years behind on their property taxes related to the panther hollow tunnel

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by selltheburgh

Some interesting mapping from the WSJ article

Th 360 photos of East Liberty are cool too.

[Blackbeauty212]

PM me for full article

East Liberty hotel puts Parkinson in mood Indigo

The last time Parkinson’s company raised a public face with its East Liberty project was in June 2007, when what was then called the Montrose Exchange was expected to be a key component of a $40 million redevelopment of Broad Street in conjunction with local businessman Ed Lesoon, who acquired and redeveloped a stretch of other properties on the street — a pedestrian-scale, four-block commercial district tucked behind Penn Avenue. Now, he pledges full confidence in getting started again. Besides a commitment from InterContinental Hotels Group to bring its boutique Indigo flag to the project, Parkinson said it is fully financed from a source he declined to disclose.

“This is going to be the best street in East Liberty,” said Parkinson, very much in campaign mode to spread the word about a development that Pittsburghers haven’t had any reason to think about in years. “I believe in it.”

East Liberty hotel puts Parkinson in mood Indigo - Pittsburgh Business Times

[FreightTrainRunning]

I really am going to have to break down and buy a Pittsburgh Business Times online subscription.

[BrianTH]

Lots of interesting information in the article. One big piece of news is they are also looking to renovate across the street (maybe as much as this whole block):

126 n highland pittsburgh - Google Maps

[Evergrey]

I'm quite impressed that this developer persevered with this project through the Little Depression. I expected it to disappear.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Evergrey

I'm quite impressed that this developer persevered with this project through the Little Depression. I expected it to disappear.

Me too. But I suspect there are a lot of developers in places like DC, Philly, and so on who have a good understanding of how much money they could make in Pittsburgh if things keep going along their current path.

[Blackbeauty212]

I would love love love to see Broad Street transformed into an MSQ style pedestrian plaza....

Originally Posted by Evergrey

I'm quite impressed that this developer persevered with this project through the Little Depression. I expected it to disappear.

Now that's someone on a mission, you can't question his determination at this point.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty212

I would love love love to see Broad Street transformed into an MSQ style pedestrian plaza....

I agree that would be amazing. I assume they are talking about the block just west of Highland, but I'd love to learn more.

[wpipkins]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty212

I would love love love to see Broad Street transformed into an MSQ style pedestrian plaza....



Now that's someone on a mission, you can't question his determination at this point.

If you have not been to Broad Street lately, you will be very surprised. All of the store fronts have been renovated and the street trees and lighting are beautiful at night. As of this year, the storefronts along that stretch are beginning to fill up. Everything from furniture stores to barbershops and West indian restaurants. The demolision of the Jafusic's Styles Salon building gave way to a historic structure that was hidden from view. The historic building will be used as the main entrance to the Indigo hotel. It will also serve as a link between the new construction and the main hotel. Its quite amazing watching the transformation.