LOWER HILL REDEVELOPMENT

​PITTSBURGH, PA (September 1, 2021) F.N.B. Corporation (FNB), the Pittsburgh Penguins, Clay Cove Capital and The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG) today joined members of the Historic Hill District community and elected officials to break ground on FNB Financial Center, the 26-story mixed-use tower that will kick-start the redevelopment of the historic Pittsburgh neighborhood and serve as the corporate headquarters of FNB, the parent company of First National Bank.
 
With more than 150 years of service to western Pennsylvania, construction of FNB Financial Center further marks FNB as one of the greatest drivers of Pittsburgh’s revitalization through its commitment to raising the quality of life for all in the region. The tower is expected to generate 1,250 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs and $40 million in investments in the Middle and Upper Hill District. It will contain more than 475,000 square feet of Class A office space, consolidate the company’s regional headquarters operations and include open space and terraces for community events at the adjacent Plaza at FNB Financial Center.
 
“Through the dedication of our partners and community, today we commenced a project that will fulfill a vision for transformation in our region that has been years in the making,” said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. “We are proud to continue to grow our Company in our headquarters city and for FNB to be such an integral part of Pittsburgh’s future.” 
 
Construction of the tower at Bedford Avenue and Washington Place will further restore connections between the Greater Hill District and Downtown Pittsburgh and is the first step in an estimated $1 billion redevelopment by the Pittsburgh Penguins of the 28-acre former Civic Arena site.
 
To expand participation by minority and women-owned businesses in the project, the development team hired e-Holdings at the start of the year to boost inclusive procurement efforts.  In June, the Penguins and BPG opened the First Source Center on Centre Avenue as a one stop shop for those seeking assistance with employment and contracting opportunities at the site, which, following construction of FNB Financial Center, will next include a live music venue, parking garage and housing.
 
“The Penguins are proud to be one of the most community-driven teams in professional sports, and while there is still much work to be done, today’s groundbreaking shows that we stand by the promises made to our Hill District neighbors,” Penguins CEO and President David Morehouse said. “FNB too has a long history of supporting our city, and with this project they are providing a tremendous boost to Pittsburgh’s economy and job creation as we rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
BPG is the master developer of the commercial elements of the Lower Hill District.
“We are delighted to achieve such an important milestone for this transformational project – one that’s made possible by the strong partnership behind the FNB Financial Center,” BPG Co-President Chris Buccini said. “This partnership is made up of champions, and this project would not happen without our partners’ love of their hometown and our collective commitment to making Pittsburgh a better place for all its residents. We are excited about the future of this City, this community and this significant investment and look forward to working together to make great things happen in the Historic Hill District.” 
 
Construction of FNB Financial Center will be led by P.J. Dick. Internationally-renowned Gensler is leading the design team for the project. The Pittsburgh office of JLL is responsible for commercial leasing efforts.
 
Construction of FNB Financial Center and the Plaza is expected to be completed in late 2023.

Check out Wealth Building Wednesdays for candid conversations with industry professionals about wealth building, development and capital investing with host Bomani Howze, VP of Development at The Buccini/Pollin Group (BPG). 
New episodes drop the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM.

Upcoming Episodes and Guests: 
July 14, 2021 - Chris Buccini Co-President of Buccini/Pollin Group
August 11, 2021 - Amachie Ackah CEO & Founder of Clay Cove Capital 
September 8, 2021
October 13, 2021
November 10, 2021
December 8, 2021

If there is a topic or subject you'd like to learn about, let us know! Fill out the form below with your questions and feedback. Answers will be posted to the First Source Center page monthly. 

P.J. Dick, in association with Mascaro and Massaro, for the Lower Hill Redevelopment:  G1 – FNB Financial Center (Pittsburgh, PA)  hosted their third and final Bidder Information Session on Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 3pm for the upcoming construction.  Session was held virtually via Zoom and registration was required. 

During the session PJ Dick and the project team reviewed upcoming bid and vendor opportunities, project details and schedule, as well as the bid process requirements.  Businesses of all sizes are strongly encouraged to attend.  Attendance is not required to bid.
​
For more project information visit  www.lowerhillredevelopment.com/construction-bidding.html

Got Questions? You've come to the right place! Please see the list below for answers to  frequently asked questions.  

Are there union requirements?  
PJ Dick is signatory to the Carpenters, Laborers, Cement Finishers, Operators, and Ironworkers (rebar only).  Direct subcontracting with PJ Dick is accomplished through being a union Subcontractor or a non-union subcontractor with a Union Project Agreement.  Zoom meetings on paths for non-union subcontractors were held for the beginning of June.  Please check this website for the recorded sessions. 

Any non-union companies that want to explore union affiliation must discuss it directly with the union(s) that relate to the type(s) of work performed by the company,

Zoom meetings about the perks of becoming a union contractor have been held already by Riverside Center for Innovation (contact Juan Garrett) and can be very helpful in providing insight about both the union and non-union business models.

Are there bonding requirements?  
For the FNB Financial Center project, a Performance and Payment Bond is required for Subcontracts with PJ Dick > $200k

Are there Prevailing Wages?  
Yes the project will require Prevailing Wages.

Will Certified Payrolls be required?  
Yes Certified Payrolls are required.

Is a Certification required for M/WBEs?  
Yes, to count towards the M/WBE Goals a company is required to have a Certification OR be in the process of becoming Certified.  Direct bids to PJ Dick from an M/W business shall include the Certification or letter stating they are in the process of acquiring a Certification with their bid.

What is CCIP?  
Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan which was developed and memorialized September 11, 2014.  The purpose of the plan is to define specific goals strategies and processes for maximizing the inclusion of the Greater Hill District community and its residents in certain aspects of the redevelopment project.  The plan's intent is to represent an unprecedented level of collaboration for the Southwestern Pennsylvania region with M/WBE goals and Local Resident Inclusion across the redevelopment. Read more about it here

Will this project have RACP Requirements?
Yes portions of the FNB Financial Center are seeking RACP funding.  More specific details are included with the individual Bid Packages for the tracking and documentation requirements.

Will this project have a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)?  
No there will not be a Project Labor Agreement.

Plasterers & Cement Union Information Session (6/3/2021) Questions: 

What is the employer obligation in regards to dues in a union relationship and also, when are those funds due?
The employer is not responsible for the dues of their employees. Those dues are the responsibility of the employee. The employer must pay union wages and fringe benefits to all employees working on the job. Fringe benefit payment schedules are agreed upon with the specific union. Generally, benefits are paid 30-60 days behind the work. 

How much of a bond would be required?
The bond is dependent of the total contract value. Cameron stated the highest bond his group had ever required was $40,000.

July 2021 FNB Bid Package Information Session (6/24/2021) Questions:

So who is the agency that approves the mbe plan?
The plan is already approved. These goals are what we are using to evaluate bidders to ensure we achieve our goals.
 
As a minority women business does my company qualify for 45 of the goal?
A minority women owned business could qualify for either goal, but not both. The advantage is that you can be placed into whichever category needs more representation.
 
What is the SEAS Function?
They are helping to look at our diversity goals in a different way. The diversity and inclusion goals will now be evaluated 3 different ways.
 
Will there be any opportunities for food/caterer vendors?
That would be an opportunity you would need to speak to the developer, BPG about. Olivia would be happy to speak with you.
 
Does DBE qualify for MBE or WBE?
DBE is a category used by different agencies. On your certification it should state whether you are a MBE or WBE within that DBE category.

The URA Board held a Virtual Special Meeting on May 26, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. The purpose of the Special Meeting is to brief Board Members and the community on the redevelopment of Lower Hill Block G-1 (FNB Tower), Block G-4 (Public Open Space), and the Lower Hill LERTA District. No votes on Lower Hill items will occur until a later date.
After the presentation by The Lower Hill Development team public comments were addressed. Voting will occur during a public hearing June 10, 2021.

Watch the full meeting recorded by the URA below. For more information including additional translations, live and written public comments go to: URA Board Meetings 

​PJ Dick, in association with Mascaro and Massaro, will be hosting a bidder information session for the upcoming construction of the G1- FNB Financial Center.
The session will be virtual and registration is required. During the session PJ Dick and the project team will review upcoming bid and vendor opportunities, project details and schedule, as well as the bid process. Businesses of all sizes are strongly encouraged to attend. Attendance is not required for bidding. 

​The Buccini/Pollin Group, PJ Dick, and E. Holdings Inc. are hosted a virtual MWBE construction information session for diverse businesses to learn more about current and future opportunities for the Lower Hill Redevelopment Project(s). This session provides more information to minority and women owned businesses interested in construction related work, as well as outline resources available to support current and future business growth. It covers ways to get help with bidding, the bid submittal process, and opportunities for subcontracting with larger firms.

Watch the full presentation below: