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African American project lands site
"Obtaining the land is a significant step toward bringing an internationally acclaimed African American Cultural Center to Pittsburgh," said Neil Barclay, the center's president and chief executive officer.
"This project will create an eastern gateway to the Cultural District, and we are very excited about the notion of expanding the reach of the Cultural District and adding a dimension to its offerings," he said.
The city paid about $6 million to acquire the 1.43-acre site, said Joe Gariti, the redevelopment authority's general counsel.
Demolition of structures on the site -- which includes buildings that housed an adult bookstore and a bar that featured nude dancers -- is expected to begin this summer.
Construction of the three-story, glass and steel center on a triangular piece of property along the 900 block of Liberty Avenue near William Penn Place is expected to begin in January. Completion is slated for Fall 2007.
The 80,000-square-foot center will offer permanent and temporary exhibits on the cultural history of African-Americans in the region; a 400-seat theater; galleries; classrooms; a bookstore; a cafe; and areas for community events.
Barclay said the center has obtained about two-thirds of the financing needed for the project, which is receiving technical assistance from Oxford Development Corp.
The Heinz Endowments in December gave the center a $4 million grant -- one of the largest grants Heinz has made to an arts or cultural group.
Last month, the Eden Hall Foundation donated $1 million toward the project. The state also has earmarked about $10 million in this year's budget for the project.
In other business:
= Plans are moving forward on a proposal to turn a 40-foot wide section of the Mon Wharf parking deck -- between the Smithfield Street Bridge and Point State Park -- into a hiking and biking trail.
The redevelopment authority yesterday entered into a cooperation agreement with the Riverlife Task Force, which is developing the Mon Wharf Landing. About 100 of the wharf's 750 parking spaces will be eliminated.
Work on the first phase of the project -- scheduled to begin by the end of the year and to cost about $2 million -- will include removal of the asphalt deck, installation of a drainage system and installation of a paved walkway.
Future phases will involve installing benches, lighting and a ramp system from the Smithfield Street Bridge to provide accessibility to people with physical disabilities.
= The redevelopment authority also approved the selection of A.M. Rodriguez Associates as the developers of the former South Hills High School in Mt. Washington.
Plans call for turning the vacant 220,000-square-foot school building into 94 units of senior housing, with rent ranging $450 to $650 a month; and 24 "market rate" units, with rent from $900 to $1,100 a month.
The cost of the project is pegged at about $20 million.
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