News

$4M redevelopment proposal could bring new building, businesses to Beechview

PITTSBURGH — Where some see disappointment in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, architect and developer Ben Samson sees opportunity.

“This is actually the crown-jewel of our redevelopment here. We’re taking the existing building you see and wrapping an addition, an L-shape, all the way around it tripling its size,” Samson, of Atlas Development Company, told Channel 11 News Monday.

The company has big plans for the community’s Broadway Avenue, including an Italian restaurant, jazz bar, micro-hotel and apartments. The ambitious $4 million redevelopment project could become a reality if its approved by the city’s zoning board.%

INLINE

%

“A lot of people moved away, but a lot of people have waited and are ready,” said Phyllis DiDiano, a lifelong Beechview resident and the head of the Beechview Area Concerned Citizens group.

She said she sees the proposal as an opportunity for her community to be the next Pittsburgh neighborhood to make a comeback.

“We have a small area here. It’s a small amount of space, but there could be a lot of different venues in one space. And I think that’s going to be the mix to bring people here,” DiDiano said.

Samson said once the T station reopens this fall, it will provide the catalyst to revitalize Beechview.

“We hope so, we really do. We put all of our eggs in this basket,” he said about the project.

Pittsburgh councilwoman Natalia Rudiak said the project has been many years in the making, and she’s excited for the possibilities.

The zoning board is expected to make its final ruling on the project in early August.