Construction set to start in October on $4 million revival project in Beechview

PITTSBURGH — Big plans are in place, and construction is set to start next month on a project that will change the face of a block in Beechview.

An investment of $4 million is taking four long-abandoned properties and aims to turn them into a thriving and lively part of town, with a not to the community’s history.

"They've been waiting for this neighborhood to become what they wanted. And we're excited to come and partner with them and hopefully make that happen,” said Daniel Berkowitz, a managing partner of Atlas Development Co.

New zoning approval for Atlas Development has set the wheels in motion for the vacant buildings on Broadway to become apartments, hotel rooms, restaurants and a jazz club. While changes will be made, they’ll be done with a nod to history and modern aesthetic.

"It's part of our job, when we think about the redesign of this neighborhood, to maintain as much of the historic characteristics as possible, while still making it a contemporary, modern and friendly place to be,” said Ben Samson of Atlas Development.

Of the $4 million plan, the properties at 1600 and 1602 Broadway will be the most expensive, with renovation costs topping $2.5 million. The property will include a hostel and boutique hotel, diner and jazz club.

Residents raised concerns about parking in the area, but they were quickly calmed. The design includes a parking lot at the back of one of the buildings.

The developers said they hope to create a renaissance in Beechview.

"When I was a kid and watched ‘Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,’ this is Mr. Rogers' neighborhood. We have transit. We have an unbelievable community. It's the second safest neighborhood in the city, so all the ingredients are here. It's just been dormant,” Berkowitz said.

The construction is expected to last about a year, with the finishing touches slated for June and July of 2017.

Cox Media Group