Text Size:
A|
A|
A
Email
PrintDowntown Pittsburgh has seen dramatic improvements over the past few years. Developments have started that will alter the character of the city core for decades. They were desperately needed -- and reason for all of us to be pleased.
A couple of years ago, I headed a group called the Pittsburgh Task Force, which was set up to help redevelop the Fifth and Forbes corridor. Much has been accomplished, thanks to the work of the Regional Industrial Development Corp., the Strategic Investment Fund, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, The History and Landmarks Foundation, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the Elmhurst Group and many others.
The list of improvements is astonishing.
One has to salute the pioneer, Jack Piatt, for stepping forward to purchase the Lazarus department store building, where he has created a new hot spot for entertainment with the Capital Grille and McCormick & Schmick's and is now constructing luxury condominiums.
PNC, under the leadership of CEO Jim Rohr, is building a magnificent office and Fairmont Hotel complex on Fifth Avenue.
Add to these Mr. Piatt's work on the former G.C. Murphy building, Ralph Falbo's new high-rise condominium building facing the Monongahela River, David Bishoff's renovation of the former Union Bank complex, The Carlyle at Fourth and Wood streets and The Encore, facing the Allegheny River.
More is still to come with the Cultural Trust's planned development of the 8th Street area, which promises 300 more residences.
Last, but not least, the Vacant Upper Floors redevelopment program announced by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is an excellent effort and should be supported.
Also worthy of note are the splendid sports facilities -- Heinz Field, PNC Park and the soon-to-come Penguins arena -- along with the convention center, Heinz Hall, the Benedum, the Public Theatre, all of which provide a magnet to attract people Downtown, making it vibrant and increasingly residential. That's all good news -- why not celebrate?
Three vital ingredients are missing.
• First is the need for a growing, dynamic retail mix.
A walk down Fifth Avenue, before you get to Piatt Place and the new PNC Center, illustrates the problem: wig shops, nail salons and empty store fronts stare at passersby, suggesting urban decay, not renewal. The state, county, city, foundations and private investors need to purchase these deteriorated properties because the first step in attracting quality retail development is to have site control.
Then, a focused effort can take place to lure quality retailers with the promise of making Downtown an attractive place to visit, reside and shop. We are at a critical time when substantial progress is possible, but the current political and economic will of the city and other groups appears to be unfocused.
• Second, we need to keep current quality retail, such as Saks, Macy's, Larrimor's and Brooks Brothers (although we welcome Chicks and other newcomers). One cannot overlook Ross Park Mall's attractiveness now that it has landed Nordstrom and Tiffany's, both of which could have been candidates for Downtown if our efforts had been further advanced. We could lose Saks (its lease runs until 2011) or others if we don't show the promise of building a vital retail sector Downtown.
• Third, to attract and keep quality retail, we need reasonably priced parking for residents, workers, shoppers and tourists. If Downtown is to compete with the malls where parking is free, it must have adequate, moderately priced short-term parking that is convenient and safe.
It is time to go beyond planning and studying. It is time to act -- to work with retailers and developers to see what they would invest in.
Market studies are fine but they would not have revealed a customer base for a Capital Grille or a McCormick & Schmick's in Piatt Place. Personal contact and dynamic salesmanship make the sale.
It is time for the city, county, state, foundations and the investment community to acquire development sites, to work with developers and retailers to build a vibrant retail sector, and to provide moderately priced parking Downtown.
