PITTSBURGH — The owner of a black owned business in the Hill District is hoping to revitalize his community with a redevelopment project that will bring an expansions to his business and more affordable housing to the area.
Big Tom’s Barbershop has been around for about 16 years. The owner, Thomas Boyd Senior, recently purchased the building that used to house the iconic Hamms Barbershop, and will be transforming the building into something that will help revitalize this area.
“Every chance we get, we want to give back,” he said.
The purpose of his business goes deeper than the art of cutting hair. For years he’s given jobs to those who need them. He’s served his community in others ways and now he is taking it a step further.
“Here on Centre Avenue, the community has been crying out for redevelopment because it dilapidated. There was no redevelopment,” he said.
Boyd has rented his property for more than 10 years. He’s worked a longtime to own property in his neighborhood and it’s finally paying off.
“I get a chance to own the property and be an anchor in my community. I can still be here. I don’t have to leave,” he said. “Hamm was there for maybe 34 years and he was a pillar in the community and I always looked up to him.
Boyd’s proposal to purchase and relocate his business was recently approved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. It’s part of their Centre Avenue Corridor Project under the Avenues of Hope Initiative.
“Hill district residents are getting a chance to do development projects. To be owners and developers, so I think that’s the big win,” Boyd said.
Governor Tom Wolf just put $500,000 dollars towards the rehabilitation project. Boyd says he couldn’t have done this without help from community members and leaders.
“A lot of people have been helping. Jake Wheatley, Mayor Peduto and even Gov. Wolf. I mean I really appreciate all the support the letters people wrote.”
Once it’s developed, Boyd’s barbershop will be on the first floor. He’s hoping to move something this September.
“Upstairs there will be four 1-bedroom apartments and we will have another space for a business to lease in the back of the building on the first floor,” Boyd said.
It’s a project this community is looking forward to.
“There are so many empty and vacant building it will make our city look bad so he’s trying to revamp everything and having it alive again,” Hill District resident Raynell Legrande said.
This browser does not support the video element.