The twinkling necklace of street lights adorning Mt. Washington's Grandview Avenue is getting a much-needed makeover.
The Mt. Washington Community Development Corp. plans to use a $400,000 state development grant to replace the 85 decorative lights that line both sides of Grandview between Wyoming Street and P.J. McArdle Roadway, Ethan Raup, the group's executive director, said Wednesday.
Some lights don't work. All of them have 30 years or more of wear and do not use electricy efficiently, he said.
"The lights are very noticeable; they're very dated, they're shabby," Raup said. "This is one of the last critical pieces to upgrading the streetscape along Grandview Avenue."
Replacing the lights, which can been seen from many parts of Downtown, the North Side and elsewhere, is part of a string of improvements to Grandview.
Public works crews recently completed renovations of the street's concrete scenic overlooks, which are popular destinations for tourists, newlyweds, prom-goers and others seeking breathtaking views of Downtown.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program money secured by state Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, will be matched with money the Mt. Washington group has raised to improve Grandview, which Raup calls "the showcase street of Pittsburgh."
The city will work with the Mt. Washington group to choose a new energy-efficient design for the lights, said Guy Costa, director of public works.
The department could contribute $50,000 to the design.
Companies will be asked to submit bids to install the lights, which could be in place by next year.
City officials have no estimate yet on the cost of the project.
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