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Molly Brannigans, a 6,000 square-foot Irish-style pub, is expected to open next week in the former Towne Fair building on Washington Road. Neighboring merchants hope the $3 million remodeling project to create the pub and offices will help revitalize the business district.

There will three office spaces on the second floor of the building.

"This is going to benefit all of us," said Melanie Westerfield, owner of Aldo Coffee Company, across the street from the pub. "They are going to be an entertainment destination and drive traffic to the business district."

Molly Brannigans sells beer by the pint and offers an array of traditional Irish dishes, from corned beef to beer-battered fish and chips to lamb shank served on a bed of mashed potatoes.

This is the Erie-based pub chain's first foray into the Pittsburgh area. Molly Brannigans also has bars in Erie and Harrisburg.

"I was really excited when I heard that they were coming here. It's going to be great for business," said Jamie Rohm, owner of Zipper Blues, a clothing boutique. "I'm familiar with their Erie location, and it's always crowded. We hope that the customers they attract would also visit the rest of us."

Molly Brannigans partner John Melody said the chain had been looking for a spot in Pittsburgh for about 18 months.

"We liked what we saw in Mt. Lebanon and felt good about coming here," he said. "It's a great neighborhood with a nice business district."

Commercial district manager Mame Bradley estimated that the 41 properties on Washington Road will feel a 10-percent bump in real estate values. Those properties have an assessed value of $31 million, according to Allegheny County records. Plus, the pub will provided 60 to 70 jobs, most part-time, Bradley said.

The transformation of the old Towne Fair building, which was vacant for more than nine years, started in the fall, after construction crews began gutting the inside and refurbishing the facade.

"The building had become an eyesore in the district," said Melody. "It was a derelict, dilapidated building and we were delighted that we took it on."

Melody said all of the furnishing -- including the back bar, tables, chairs, bar stools, light fixtures and paintings -- were imported from Ireland to give the place the authenticity of an Irish pub.

"The work they have done to the building is top shelf," said municipal Manager Stephen Feller. "It's a beautiful addition to Washington Road."

A new public safety building and Clearview Commons Town Square have been added in the business district in the last 18 months. Also, the municipal building has been renovated, and a new surface parking lot is in the planning stages.

"Between our public and private investments, we will totally transform the heart out of this downtown," said Bradley.

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