By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, September 21, 2006

Taller buildings could be coming to the SouthSide Works now that Pittsburgh City Council tentatively has endorsed a zoning code change to increase building height restrictions.

In a preliminary decision, council voted 6-1 with one abstention Wednesday to raise height limits on five building sites within the popular South Side shopping, residential and retail district.

Three sites are controlled by developer The Soffer Organization between 26th and 29th streets. If council approves the zoning change in a final vote Tuesday, building height limits there will be 165 feet, up from 100 feet.

Mark Dellana, vice president of development, said Soffer wants to build condominiums and a hotel, but a construction start date has not been set. He wouldn't reveal what hotel companies are being courted, but he praised council for clearing the development obstacle of height restrictions.

"It allows us to get back with the community and control the process," Dellana said.

The other two sites include one existing building along Hot Metal Street: the Quantum II building that will be the new headquarters for American Eagle Outfitters. The second area along Sidney Street is the future home of the $60 million One International Center, a 209-unit Asian sales and marketing base for companies from countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan.

Height restrictions for those two structures will increase to 110 feet from 100 feet if council approves next week.

Critics told council that higher buildings could block the view of the rivers.

Rick Belloli, executive director of South Side Local Development Co., opposed changing the height restrictions because it weakens zoning protections and would allow any developer to build on the three highest sites, not just Soffer.

He's encouraged, however, that council members and Planning Director Pat Ford said they would insist developers work with neighborhood development groups before they seek approval.

"You need to have a strong enough series of guideposts so good development takes place," Belloli said.

Jeremy Boren can be reached at jboren@tribweb.com or 412-765-2312.