This historic seven story structure is being renovated to include one and two-bedroom apartments and first floor retail space. An integral garage will house 91 parking spaces.

“This project could not have happened without the support of the Mayor and the URA’s active involvement,” said Jim Scalo, President & CEO, Burns and Scalo.

Burns & Scalo began the construction phase of this $34 million project in January of 2012. As of August, the project is approximately 60 percent complete and leasing is expected to begin on September 1. Occupancy is targeted for January 2013.

The URA assisted in securing a $5.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for core and shell work. The project was also able to use $6 million in historic tax credits.

The national register historic building at one time was home to the J&L Steel mercantile store, the largest of such east of the Mississippi River and most recently occupied by Goodwill Industries. A new ALDI grocery store will be built adjacent to the site on Goodwill’s parking lot as well as on the site of a smaller building that has been demolished.

The architects for this project are TKA Architects. Amore Management Company will handle operations and leasing. Leasing for the apartments and retail space begins on September 1.

For information about residential leasing go to: brixat26.com or call 855-858-4963.

For more information click here.

The URA's successful pilot Business Energy Savings Program will be expanded Citywide.  As part of the expansion, the program will provide $20,000 in funding for 50 energy audits of small- to medium-sized businesses. Read more here and here.

Owners of 61properties in the Golden Triangle have committed to cut energy, water and transportation consumption by 50 percent over the next 18 years as part of a national campaign to conserve resources.  Read more.

GETTIN' TECHY WITH IT

The Life Science Start-Up Accelerator Program targets early stage life science innovations in the pre-commercialization stage (between the conclusion of research and the beginning of commercialization). The initiative is a partnership between the City of Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority, the University of Pittsburgh and Idea Foundry to provide resources at this early stage. The ultimate goal of the program is to form up to 15 start-ups over two years and assist inventors in pursuing the most feasible commercialization path forward. Read more here.

Register Now!  September 27 - the 2nd Annual TCOMM is back at the Holiday Inn in Oakland.  The TCOMM (technology commercialization) event is a fast-paced, interactive conference designed for small businesses and innovators who want to create and commercialize new technologies.  Learn more.

PowerUp Pittsburgh now on Facebook! Like us :)

In May of 2012, Tazza D’oro came to the URA for help with their rapidly growing business and received a $130,000 Pittsburgh Business Growth Fund (PBGF) loan to assist in the purchase of equipment, inventory and working capital. 

“We grew so fast, but unfortunately we were undercapitalized.  If the URA would not have stepped in and helped us out, we may not have been able to sustain our growth.  We were not a business that was struggling.  We were a business that grew so fast we could not keep up.  We tripled our employees and our inventory,” said Amy Enrico, owner.

In addition to financial assistance, the URA provided Tazza D’oro with technical assistance through one of our consultants. The consultant assisted with mentoring and managing growth, and currently is functioning as CFO. 

“If it weren’t for the URA I would not have been able to have access to these resources.  The URA did not just throw money at us, but understood the bigger support I needed to manage such a fast growing business,” Enrico said.

“The fact that we do more than just provide loans is something that a lot of small business owners don’t know,” said Rochelle Lilien, URA senior business development specialist.  “With the technical assistance provided by the consultant, Tazza D’oro received help with things like budgeting, marketing, pricing and how to more efficiently run the business.”

Enrico continued, “I think there is this perception that working with an agency like the URA takes a long time.  Nothing could have been further from the truth.  The URA turned around the loan faster than the bank did.  In addition, the willingness to help us was pretty amazing.”

“Rochelle was my biggest cheerleader and a fabulous resource for me.  She found out what loan programs would be best for my business without costing me more money. She was a great liaison between the URA and the bank.  She had my back big time, like she was a real partner in this and had my best interest at heart.  I can not tell you how helpful Tom Link and Rochelle were.”

URA Investment: $130,000

Total Investment: $333,500

Jobs: 19 current, 7 new

What you actually do: Coordinate business district revitalization programs, including the new Biz Buzz program. I also help with the Pittsburgh City Living initiative. 

Years at URA: 4.5

Best thing about working at the URA: As I travel throughout the City, I can see the positive impact that our work has had on the growth of Pittsburgh.  Also, I love working with creative, competent, professional coworkers.

Most satisfying moment in career: Most satisfying would be knowing that the work of the URA has a major catalyst in helping Pittsburgh to gain a national reputation as the place to be. 

Education:  Bachelor’s from Kent State University, Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Pitt (GSPIA)

Where you were before the URA: Principal Planner at the Department of City Planning

If you were boss for the day:  Serious: I would schedule a whole day in which all URA staff could learn about what each other does.  Silly: I would install free chocolate vending machines in every department. 

The Boss says:  "I defy you to ask her a question about any neighborhood in the City she doesn't have a long thought out and fact based answer to.  Pure Pittsburgh." - Kyra Straussman, URA director of real estate.

If you weren't at the URA you'd be ...  hiking in the woods. 

First job: File clerk at a pharmacy/medicare supply store.

Favorite athlete: Current: Andrew McCutchen, Sidney Crosby.  All time: Roberto Clemente

Favorite restaurant: Kaleidoscope in Lawrenceville. Although, I love ALL of the restaurants in ALL of our neighborhood business districts!

Favorite thing to do when not at work:  Hike with my dog in the woods, work out with my family at the YMCA

Secret vice: Chocolate (any kind), Jerseylicious

What three words describe you best: Strong, creative, dedicated

Favorite TV show when you were young: Emergency

Three favorite foods: Chocolate, pie and chocolate pie

Three people (living or dead) you’d like to have dinner with:  Robert Kennedy, Pat Summitt, Michelle Obama

Actor/actress who would play you in a movie: Geena Davis

People would be surprised to know that I .... was the executive director of an environmental education center for 2 years

Family:  Husband (Dale), Daughter (Elizabeth), Stepson (Dale, Jr ) Daughter-in-Law (Nicolle), 2 Granddaughters (Dixon,Kinsley)

Pets: 1 dog (Allie), 3 cats (Keisha, Bella, Smokey)

Contact Info:  Josette, 412-255-6686

Pittsburgh is once again one of the World's Most Livable Cities.

Mayor tells Pittsburgh's success story at White House forum.  Read more.

From the National Post: Pittsburgh, once industrial, now chic

Meet Tess, the winner of the Experienced Dreamers contest, as she receives the keys to the City in this video by WQED's Rick Sebak.

U.S. News and World report says Pittsburgh is a great place for retirees and AARP also lists Pittsburgh as one of the best places for retirees.

Kudos to the folks at the Coca-Cola Foundation for donating $100,000 to a mentoring program for Pittsburgh youth called Promise Coaches.  Read more.

CNN money calls Pittsburgh the new Tinseltown of the East.  Read more.

Bloomberg.com highlights Pittsburgh's economy in this piece about our City's transfomation and future.