The University of Pittsburgh plans renovations to the William Pitt Union building to address the Forbes Avenue side patio’s leaking roof, column reinforcement, and accessibility.
Pitt presented plans at the March 21, 2022 Development Activities meeting. The Historic Review Commission approved the project at its May 4, 2022 meeting. Construction is expected to begin in in summer 2022.
Resources:
The University of Pittsburgh plans exterior renovations to Langley Hall, located at 142 Tennyson Avenue.
Pitt presented plans at the March 21, 2022 Development Activities (DAM) meeting. The Historic Review Commission approved the project at its May 4, 2022 meeting. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023.
Resources:
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh plans improvements to the front entrance area and grand staircase at the main branch located at 4400 Forbes Avenue.
Elagin Architects presented the project at an April 4 Development Activities meeting. The project will next go to the Historic Review Commission and Art Commission.
Resources:
April 4, 2022 meeting presentation and recording
April 4, 2022 Oakland Neighborhood Planner report
Paramount Construction, owners of 346 Joncaire, propose a subdivision of the property to create new lots for development of four new construction duplexes. The zoning for the property is R2-H. A duplex is an allowable use by-right. The minimum lot size per unit in R2-H is 750 square feet. Thus, a lot size of 1,500 square feet would be needed for an as-of-right duplex. The owners are proposing subdivided lots that would each be in excess of 1,500 square feet. Each building would have integral off-street parking.
Tom Chunchick from Paramount presented the project at the virtual Oakland-Wide meeting on May 26, 2020.
The Planning Commission approved a subdivision of the property at its October 26, 2021 meeting. An Oakland resident filed an appeal of Planning’s decision. The Zoning Board of Adjustment determined the project complies with the Codes’s requirement for street frontage at the ZBA meeting on January 20, 2022.
PROJECT RESOURCES
Hudson Companies of Hermitage, PA proposes to build a new 10-story apartment building at 419 Melwood Avenue in North Oakland. Plans include apartments ranging in size from micro to two bedrooms and an indoor parking garage with 93 spaces for automobiles and 68 bicycles.
A representative from Hudson presented the plans for a 128-unit building at the April 27, 2021 Oakland-Wide meeting.
Responding to a resident’s inquiry following the meeting concerning potential detrimental impacts on traffic patterns and residential compatibility standards of the zoning code (see comments section below), Zoning Development Review staff (including DOMI) commented:
A Zoning and Development Review Application has not yet been made, but based on our understanding of the proposed scope, a new apartment building in a UI / Baum Centre Overlay zoning district will require Planning Commission review and approval and a ZBA Hearing for a Special Exception for Use.
Until a formal ZDR application is made, it's unclear if additional Special Exceptions or Variances will be required per Residential Compatibility Standards or 904.07.C.4 - Special Exception for Height in the UI.
DOMI will also require a transportation study to clarify the project's impact on the right-of-way.
OPDC hosted a follow-up meeting with the developers and representatives from the Department of City Planning, Councilman Lavelle’s office, and bordering community groups to discuss traffic and parking concerns on May 19, 2021. Notes from the meeting are linked below.
Hudson Companies presented at the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) on July 8, 2021. The project is now listed as a 10-story, 148-unit development. Gateway Engineers prepared a traffic study in July; the memo is located in “Resources” below.
The ZBA approved Hudson Companies’ request for special exceptions to construct a 10story/116’ tall building with an 8.4:1 FAR. (9/13/21)
The project went before the Planning Commission for a hearing on December 7. Planning approved the building; demolition and construction are planned to start in early 2022.
Resources:
Memo from Hudson Companies to OPDC re: building information changes (June 30, 2021)
Updated design (as of June 30, 2021)
OPDC’s July 7, 2021 letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
September 13, 2021 - ZBA’s decision re: July 8, 2021 meeting
Developer: University of Pittsburgh
Project summary: Walnut Capital proposed to build a 10-story office building (Innovation Research Tower) geared toward technical, medical, and research companies. The building's use complies with the zoning code, but the developers requested variances for height, FAR, and parking. Walnut Capital presented its preliminary plans at a public meeting on January 23, 2019, and hosted a follow-up meeting on February 25, 2019. The project went before the zoning board on March 14, 2019. OPDC executed a community benefits agreement with Walnut Capital that addresses 1) transportation demand management strategies, 2) community-oriented retail space, and 3) investment in Oakland Community Land Trust.
The ZBA approved Walnut Capital’s request for a new 10-story office building with ground-level retail and 100 accessory parking spaces on May 9, 2019 (see decision below).
Walnut Capital presented a detailed review of building design at an Oakland-Wide Community Meeting in August 2019.
The City Planning Commission approved the project on October 22, 2019.
Walnut Capital plans to start demolition of existing structures in May. Two years of traffic restrictions are set to begin on May 26, 2020, reducing inbound traffic to two lanes between Chesterfield Avenue and Robinson Street. Left turns onto Halket Street will not be allowed; detours will be in place.
The project, originally expected to be completed by July, is now set for September 2022 due to a product delay.
The University of Pittsburgh’s board of trustees voted to purchase the Innovation Research Tower from Walnut Capital at their June 17, 2021 meeting. Pitt announced that they would review programmatic needs and design for the project.
Walnut Capital requests a Special Exception to permit the University of Pittsburgh to use a portion of the project for educational space. Walnut presented at the August 9, 2021 Development Activities Meeting. The project went before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) meeting on September 16, 2021. They requested a special exception in the OPR-C zone for the educational space and they did not receive any objections.
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Supporting Documents:
Community Benefits Agreement presented to Zoning Board on March 14, 2019
August 9, 2021 Development Activities Meeting presentation, recording, and notes
Wexford Science + Technology
Proposed new construction for commercial development. Reviewed at the March 27, 2019 Oakland-Wide Community Meeting. Developer returned to the Oakland-Wide Community Meeting on May 29, 2019 to present updates.
Per input at the two Oakland-Wide Community Meetings, OPDC and a group of community members discussed a package of potential community benefits with Wexford. The community’s requested community benefits package and Wexford’s response are linked below.
Wexford’s ZBA hearing was schedule for July 11, 2019. Council President Bruce Kraus, at the request of OPDC and community members, requested that the hearing be postponed in order to further consider impact and community benefits. ZBA granted this request.
Wexford was scheduled to appear again at ZBA on July 25, 2019, however, the hearing was rescheduled for August 15, 2019 at 10:50 a.m. This occurred because they were unable to confirm a quorum for the hearing.
Following a July 22 meeting convened by Council President Bruce Kraus, plus feedback we received through community input that we’ve gathered, there is not support for a community benefits agreement. OPDC’s position on the project is to oppose the requested variances due to the potential negative impacts on the community. Wexford appeared at ZBA on August 15, 2019.
Findings of fact and conclusions of law statements were due on September 27th. OPDC submitted a document expanding on our opposition to the project.
On October 24, 2019, the ZBA denied Wexford’s proposal as presented at the August 2019 hearing (see the decision below). On November 22, 2019, Wexford filed an appeal of the ZBA decision in the court of common pleas of Allegheny county.
At the status conference on January 28, 2020, the parties discussed whether there was a possibility of reaching an agreement. Councilman Kraus convened a meeting to discuss the project on Wednesday, February 12th to try to reach a compromise.
At the status conference on Tuesday, February 25th, the judge once again encouraged parties to discuss a settlement agreement and also established a schedule for parties to submit legal briefs. Parties in the case are continuing to discuss the possibility for reaching an agreement before legal briefs.
On March 25, 2020 we added an update on the process and details on Wexford’s final CBA proposal here. We appreciate all those who viewed the information and provided feedback via our online response form. We published the responses below. During the time that the courts extended deadlines due to COVID-19 and when OPDC was in the process of determining a course of action based on community feedback, three Oakland residents submitted a petition to intervene in the case. A virtual hearing regarding this petition took place on June 9, 2020. On June 10, 2020, Judge James denied the petition to intervene and issued a briefing schedule. Briefs are due July 10, 2020.
As of January 4, 2021, the local legal case has concluded, and a settlement is in place. Issues remain in front of the Commonwealth Court, however, regarding a petition to intervene. OPDC and Wexford Science and Technology, parties to the local litigation, have executed a Community Benefits Agreement.
As described on this project page, upon Wexford’s filing their appeal, OPDC's Board of Directors calculated risk to the community of Wexford winning their appeal of the Zoning Board decision. The risk was significant; thus, we pursued a CBA and negotiated building height lower than what they originally proposed and may have been awarded through their appeal. OPDC appreciates the community feedback received in March and believes the agreed-upon CBA offers substantial benefits to the Oakland community.
OPDC will engage the community in an extensive public process regarding the deployment of and expected outcomes for the $400,000 neighborhood grant (see bullet #3 in the CBA). Wexford will pay the neighborhood grant upon construction completion, so we have ample time for community discussion.
Please click here for terms of the CBA.
March 2, 2021 statement on OPDC's work related to development:
OPDC seeks to mitigate impacts of development in order to protect the community.
While OPDC never sought a contribution, Wexford Science + Technology ultimately proposed a holistic, win-win agreement that would benefit the entire community. This agreement is unique in that the parties reached this compromise to resolve a legal dispute and does not represent OPDC providing carte blanche approval of the development.
OPDC is proud of this transparent, community-focused resolution to protracted litigation. OPDC’s priority is the residents of Oakland, especially those lower-wealth individuals who can be left behind when development pressure raises prices in the neighborhood and squeezes people out of opportunity.
Judge Joseph M. James of the Court of Common Pleas issued an order of the court on October 19, 2021, reversing the ZBA’s decision and hereby permitting Wexford Science and Technology to build to 153’.
In November 2021, Caroline Mitchell, attorney for Coltart Area Residents Association, South Oakland Neighborhood Group, Oakcliffe Community Organization and three Oakland residents, filed an appeal of Judge James’s ruling; the case now goes to commonwealth court.
2023 update: Wexford has demolished the old structure and are preparing for construction. They participated in a Development Activities Meeting on May 8, 2023.
Supporting documents
Presentations, reports, and minutes:
July 10, 2019 Transportation Impact Study (received: July 19, 2019)
July 19, 2019 Open Space update (received: July 19, 2019)
Zoning Board of Adjustment decision (October 24, 2019)
OPDC update on Wexford’s final CBA offer (March 25, 2020)
Community benefits agreement (CBA) negotiation:
CBA requests to Wexford (sent: July 3, 2019)
Wexford response to CBA requests (received: July 9, 2019)
OPDC response to Wexford's proposed CBA package (sent: July 12, 2019)
Wexford revised CBA package (received: July 16, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.)
Wexford updated transportation demand management offer (received: July 19, 2019 at 3:00 pm)
CBA (agreed upon January 4, 2021)
Feedback summaries:
Survey results on Wexford’s intitial proposal, submitted between 3/27/19 and 7/23/19 (last updated: 3/24/20)
Feedback summary on final CBA proposal (last updated: 5/06/20)
Carnegie Mellon is constructing a new, 160,000-square-foot student health, wellness, and athletics center. The building will border Schenley Park and feature both renovation of existing parts of the gym as well as a new home for public entrances to accommodate different student needs. In addition, Carnegie Mellon plans to target LEED Gold certification standards.
Feb 27, 2023: Construction on the project is well underway with anticipated occupancy in the summer 2024. Steel is fully erected and the enclosure of the building is underway.
October 2021: demolition is underway at the Skibo Gym/new construction site.
July 27, 2021: Planning Commission meeting—the commission approved the project.
June 8, 2021: CMU presented the project to the city’s Contextual Design Advisory Panel (CDAP) on Tuesday, June 8.
April 27, 2021: CMU presented about the project at an Oakland-Wide community meeting. This project is scheduled to by done by August 2024.
Developer: University of Pittsburgh
Project summary: Preservation Pittsburgh and the Croatian Fraternal Union nominated the property for historic designation. The nomination was accepted by the Historic Review Commission.
Preservation Pittsburgh added the Croatian Fraternal Union building to its “2020 At Risk” list of endangered historic places.
The University of Pittsburgh presented an historic preservation and early re-development plan for the building at the May 25, 2021 Oakland-Wide meeting. The University presented the plan at a required Development Activities Meeting (DAM) hosted by OPDC, the Oakland Business Improvement District, and the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning on June 21, 2021. This project had a briefing at the Planning Commission meeting on July 27, 2021. Though pieces of the property have been carefully denoted as historic, the rest of the building is set for demolition.
The University of Pittsburgh returned to the Planning Commission on September 14, 2021 for a hearing regarding the building’s demolition. While finalized plans for the site have yet to be determined, the commission approved the building’s demolition without dissent.
Project resources:
Feedback summary (updated on June 21, 2021)
Elmhurst Group
In November 2017, Elhurst Group began drafting a proposal to the URA for a tech research/light manufacturing development. In Spring of 2018, they entered into an exclusive negotiation for the site. They reached out to the community to collect feedback. In Fall 2018, the developers submitted finalized plans to the URA and the Department of City Planning.
A few minor architectural updates have since been made to the proposal. Elmurst Group presented at Planning Commission for approval on May 7, 2019. The two-building, 156,000 square foot project will contain tech-flex commercial space. See below for the winter 2018 presentation on building materials and space composition.
The URA voted at its December 2020 board meeting to approve the plan and financing. Elmhurst expects construction on the “Elmhurst Innovation Center” to start in March 2021. Depending on the weather and other factors, they expect a 12-month duration on the project.
This project is under construction.
Project design presentation - 12.11.18
UPMC plans to restore exterior walls, replace the roofs, and add an elevator machine room to the Children’s Hospital office building/Oakland medical building at 3412 - 14 and 3416 Fifth Avenue.
They presented the renovation at the February 23, 2021 Oakland-Wide meeting as a required Development Activities Meeting (DAM), to the Planning Commission for a briefing on May 4, and at a Planning Commission hearing on May 18, 2021.
Project resources
Developer: University of Pittsburgh
Project Summary: Pitt proposed to tear down the auditorium portion of the structure that sits at Lothrop and Terrace and rebuild a 110,000 gsf addition. The proposal also included renovation of the existing structure to add more academic and lab space. Pitt solicited community feedback on this project in conjunction with their meeting on the IMP in February 2019. The project was presented again at an Oakland-Wide Community Meeting in May 2019. They presented the proposal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in July 2019 and the Art Commission in October 2019. Pitt received the necessary approvals to move forward with construction. Construction is currently underway.
After early pandemic-required shutdowns on construction projects, contractors resumed work. As of spring 2021, framing is about 1/3 complete, and the entire addition is scheduled to end in August 2022.
Project resources:
Click here for photos and more details about the development
Project summary: The owner will be renovating 2846 Boulevard of the Allies into flex office spaces. The renovation will include contemporary improvements to the facade. There is sufficient parking existing on the property. The building is by right and has an existing occupancy permit.
The start of the pandemic in 2020 delayed the permit process and halted work. The team resumed work in the first quarter of 2021 and estimate that an additional year of work is needed before work is completed.
Supporting documents:
Clark Street Holdings/CA Ventures, a nation-wide multi-family developer with particular expertise in off-campus student housing, hopes to develop a mixed-use project on the site of the former Marathon Oil gas station at 3500 Forbes Avenue.
The development site is approximately 1.2 acres in size and is bounded by Semple St. Forbes Avenue and McKee Place. The proposed building will be designed and constructed to meet LEED certification requirements and will be 102 feet tall, as permitted by the Zoning Code using the Code’s sustainable development bonus. Stormwater controls will include, among other things, a green roof design that will capture and use a significant amount of stormwater that would otherwise leave the site.
The project will be marketed to young professionals, medical workers, students, and others looking for modern, well-appointed apartments in Central Oakland. The building will provide office, retail, and amenity space along Forbes Avenue. The building will be designed and constructed with an integral parking garage for tenants and visitors. There will be approximately 300 residential units on the site with a mix of studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, and 3 bedroom units.
Residential units with ground-floor entrances are planned along McKee Place. Importantly, the site plan for the building includes a twenty-foot wide publicly accessible pedestrian connection between Semple St. and McKee Place.
CA Ventures made a preliminary presentation at the virtual Oakland-Wide meeting on August 25, 2020. A subdivision of the site went to the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission on November 24, 2020.
CA Ventures presented updates at the December 15, 2020 Oakland-Wide meeting and the January 26, 2021 City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission meeting. CA Ventures re-scheduled the project’s February 9 return to the Planning Commission for February 23, 2021. The commission issued a continuance for the project.
CA Ventures returned to the Planning Commission on March 23, 2021. The commission resumed the hearing for the proposed apartment building, which they continued earlier; testimony was closed and they did not hear a full presentation of the plans as this was done previously and was also provided to the commission in advance for their review.
The developer presented one image of a change to the rear of the property to address community concerns and concerns from the adjacent property owner, Family House. The revised design steps back the portion of the building at the rear of the property, reducing the height by two stories for part of the building at the Semple side. Representatives from CA Ventures and Family House stated that the two organizations reached an agreement on the project; the Planning Commission approved the project.
The site is currently under construction.
Updated renderings (12/14/20)
Letter regarding building line (follow-up to question posed at 12/15/21 meeting) (1/26/21)
Revised presentation from March 23, 2021 Planning Commission meeting
