On June 14, 2022, District Six City Councilman, Daniel Lavelle, partnered with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to offer a Hill District celebration of the many activities happening in the Historic Hill District, particularly around development. With a delicious menu and a DJ Blakkstreet aka Adam Lewis on hand, the URA set about informing the community of the many opportunities available for residents through the URA (from rehabbed, afforded houses via the PHRC to façade improvement grants for homeowners to the small contractors’ line of credit program, to the Avenues of Hope, upon which developments such as Catapult’s Galleries on Centre was highlighted, as well as upcoming developments such as Big Tom’s, the New Granada Apartments and Amani Christian Academy apartments), many of which were relatively unknown to residents. Things are happening in the Historic Hill District! Tanika Harris served as host while Greg Flisram and other staff members took the stage to educate the interested audience. The program began with honoring Hill resident birthdays and Charlet Holley became the “birthday girl” at 70. A true family affair, other elder Hill residents in attendance were Marlene Ellis at 85 and her friend, who was 91 years of age and happy to be in attendance at the festive and beautiful meeting. The audience was graced by a singer leading us through James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Ev’ry Voice,” popularly known as the Black National Anthem. The entire audience rose to their feet and belted out the verses in harmony and with dignity, which easily sums up the Historic Hill Community Mixer!
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Kevin Acklin has been named President of Business Operations for Lower Hill Redevelopment Partner, Pittsburgh Penguins. Acklin, 46, is heading into his fifth season with the team, and first in his newly appointed role. As President of Business Operations, he will report to Fenway Sports Group and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, including strategic planning, corporate partnerships, marketing and community outreach. Acklin will also continue to spearhead the development of the Lower Hill District and former Civic Arena site.
After nearly 16 years as President and CEO, David Morehouse announced his retirement in May. Brian Burke will continue in his role as President of Hockey Operations reporting directly to Fenway Sports Group. Acklin has spent the past two seasons as the team's Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, and originally joined the organization in 2018 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, providing strategic advice to the senior executive team and serving as point person on the redevelopment efforts on the former Civic Arena site. Read more here. It’s almost hard to believe but the First Source Center just passed its One Year Anniversary! We held a Grand Opening with members of the Historic Hill District community, elected officials, business owners and operators and a joyous Lower Hill Team! Despite opening during the Coronavirus pandemic, we have some momentum and some solid accomplishments to date!
First, we have witnessed success in the training programs we support, from the Builder’s Guild’s “Introduction to the Construction Trades” to the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s “Breaking the Chains of Poverty” Program to CCAC’s Commercial Driver’s License Program to our newest addition, CARP – the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program. With each new cohort, we are educating, inspiring and encouraging individuals to give themselves another chance to do something different. Many of these programs are great because they accept formerly incarcerated individuals, many of which had been unfairly targeted by biased drug laws. Convictions for non-violent drug offences make up a significant portion of those incarcerated in the United States. We are working to reverse the trend with a career sustaining job through the First Source Center. The Center was initially set up by Pittsburgh Penguins’ Tracey McCants-Lewis before she stepped away from setting up day-to-day operations. PJ Dick held contracting workshops and one-on-one meetings with prospective contractors at the First Source Center and we made construction drawings available for anyone to view. We have partnerships with PA Career Link, who helps individuals navigate their career paths, UPMC, a major partner in the healthcare field, New Century Careers, for those interested in manufacturing, the BankWork$ program, which has been churning out graduates who want a job in banking and, of course, there are construction opportunities, as well as immediate hires with cleaning companies, catering companies and our new, upcoming neighbor, Salem’s Market and Grille, the owners of our new grocery store and eatery. The Cameron Group, run by Kevin and Francine Cameron, are our First Source Center operators and provide us with our concierge, who is on hand to help callers and visitors navigate their way to greater opportunities and life-changing experiences. We do not promote getting jobs, we promote careers! Our most successful operation to date, which gave us the energy we needed in our near post-Covid world, was our first Job Fair and Open House, which occurred on March 30, under the leadership of our Director of Community, Arts and Culture, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis and with the help of The Cameron Group. Dr. Ellis, who came to the First Source Center just before the grand opening, felt strongly that we needed to come together on a singular date instead of having employers waiting in vain on various days of the week. With a full-throttle effort, which included significant advertising in The Soul Pitt Magazine, Brotha Ash Productions Magazine, radio ads on WAMO and more, the First Source Center surpassed its goals and ended with 200 registrants, multiple signups for trainings, jobs, opportunities and the phone kept ringing off the hook since that day. The WAMO ads were particularly successful and we believe it’s because they were written by our playwright-in-residence, Dr. Ellis. There were individuals who said they heard the ad and called in to the First Source Center, immediately. That’s impact! We will keep pushing to exceed our goals in the future, so be on the look out for our new Job Fair and other opportunities at the First Source Center! Our concierge is waiting for you! On May 5, the Pittsburgh Public School’s Career and Technical Education (PPS-CTE) Program held its graduation for Seniors. It was a tremendously beautiful event honoring all of the young people who chose to invest their time in and stay committed to the CTE process. Their teachers, parents, mentors and representatives of their future plans (be it the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Program or LaRoche College), were all in attendance.
At the beginning of the program, two persons close to our hearts were honored with an “Industry Partnership Award”---the Pittsburgh Penguin’s David Morehouse (represented by Tracey McCants-Lewis) and The Buccini/Pollin Group’s Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis. It was a great day for the Lower Hill District! Morehouse was honored because forming a partnership with the CTE Program is something he had always wanted to do and had mentioned to State Representative, Jake Wheatley, many years ago. A former welder who took the helm of a Stanley Cup repeat-award-winning hockey team has been no small feat for David Morehouse. After she was hired by The Buccini/Pollin Group, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis too the dreams of Morehouse, Wheatley, Howze and more, added to it and made the CTE Partnership and Mentorship Program a real, living development. “I’m delighted to be doing some of the things my mother did,” said Dr. Ellis, who always speaks fondly of Freda C. Ellis, a beloved member of the Pittsburgh community. Now, Ellis has become a beloved member of the CTE Program and certainly The Buccini/Pollin Group. Congratulations and thank you for representing us so well, David Morehouse and Dr. Kimberly Ellis! Thursday April 28th, 2022 the Lower Hill Redevelopment Team kicked off a partnership with Pittsburgh Public School's Career Technical Education program at PPG Paints Arena (Pittsburgh's Lower Hill District) with a behind-the-scenes look at the arena and career opportunities / pathways as part of the Lower Hill Redevelopment. Student's from schools - Allderdice, Milliones, Westinghouse and Carrick, some of which had never been to the arena, were abuzz as they filed into the Highmark entrance and were greeted by members of the development team before receiving their VIP credentials. Following introductions by Penguin's COO and general counsel, Kevin Acklin, BPG's VP of Development, Bomani M. Howze, BPG's Director of Community, Arts and Culture, Dr. Kimberly Ellis and CTE Executive Director, Angela Mike the student's dispersed for career-path "walk and talks", informational guided tours from executives working in collaboration on the Lower Hill Redevelopment project. Student's from all schools - Carpentry, Engineering, Entertainment Technology, Finance, RHVAC and Business regrouped at the FNB Club landing to hear concluding key speakers Chris Buccini, Co-President of the Buccini/Pollin Group (LHR master developer) and David Morehouse, long time CEO of the Pittsburgh Penguins (LHR development project partner).
Stay tuned for more pictures from the event as well as programming updates in this ongoing partnership! If you are interested in getting involved with the CTE Program, contact the Lower Hill Redevelopment by emailing us at lowerhillopportunities@gmail.com The Lower Hill Street Team underwent two different trainings during this quarter and we are out and about in the city of Pittsburgh!
Our first event for the Summer was tabling at the August Wilson Birthday Block Party, at which there were 7,000 persons in attendance over the course of the day. The purpose of this gathering is to honor and celebrate the birth of the Historic Hill District native and inestimable playwright, August Wilson, who is the winner of many Pulitzer Prizes, Drama Critics Circle Awards, and whose plays have won Tony Awards. Wilson was posthumously nominated as a screenwriter for the Paramount Film’s production of “Fences,” starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis; and he is the first and only African American to have a Broadway Theater named after him. It was an honor to table at the Birthday Block Party! The newest street team members were delighted by the crowd and signed up followers for the Lower Hill newsletter, while the senior members canvassed the Block Party, to spread the word about the opportunities at the First Source Center. This was also the first time the Street Team was able to display their freshly-labeled T-Shirts, produced by Hill-based company, Prints of The City PGH, so they were excited! Street Team trainings were lead by BPG's Development Marketing Manager, Rachelle Pownall-Brown, and Director of Community, Arts and Culture, Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis. During the first training - a comprehensive onboarding - Street team members were by joined First Source Center concierge, Dayna Wilson, and Program Coordinator, Brittney Gardone. If you see the street team out and about this Summer, come and say hello! We may have something special for you! We are still hiring, so join the team if you are outgoing and ready to meet and greet the public! We also welcome our new street Team Manager, Denna Zenmon, who joined the team this Summer! The August Wilson Birthday Block Party is a pre-cursor for the upcoming Grand Opening of the August Wilson House, the weekend of August 13, 2022. Rochelle "Missy" Johnson, has been welding since the age of 14, and was the first female minority to enroll at her vocational school graduating at the top of her class. Back in March of 2021, she ran a small local firm and was signed only as a Millwrights Union company. Through discussions with PJ Dick, she was encouraged to talk to other unions and to utilize the log of the non-minority companies that was developed through bidding for the FNB Financial Center, for her own outreach and development of relationships Throughout the balance of 2021, Missy signed on with six (6) other unions and joined the NMAPC, which allows her to work anywhere in the country, pulling in union workers in the trades she needs. She has been afforded opportunities locally and in Philadelphia and has even turned down some work (in cases that builders or larger contractors wanted to just use her company as a Broker and not let her firm self perform work). DiVerse Industrial Solutions has secured a contract commitment in the field of Miscellaneous Metals as part of the final buyout for FNB Financial Center and her story is truly amazing. This brief glimpse into her past highlights her path to where she is now, 36 years later. How does your background in construction tie into what you're currently doing with the project? During my 25 years in Mobile Maintenance, I had the ability to work in many different fashions from boiler work to structural steel and many things in between. I can remember building platforms, setting grading, doing handrail and kickplate. All of these things now tie into the package that my company has received at the Lower Hill. How has your role evolved working on the Lower Hill Redevelopment project? There are 2 development projects for me at the Lower Hill. The first project is developing DiVerse Industrial Solutions as a competitive company for the future. The second project is to obtain work at the FNB. I found them both at the Lower Hill. In working with the people on that project, it opened up avenues and suggestions to be able to do both. They not only gave me an opportunity for work, they gave me pathways to build my company outside of this project for the future. What do you like most about what you do? The people. All the people come from different walks of life to participate in the end goal of finishing whatever project they are encountering. They bring their highs and lows, strengths and weaknesses. You find encouragement from them and give back encouragement. When it is all finished, you and a bunch of strangers are no longer strangers having achieved a common goal of a job well done. Do you have a mentor or advisor that has helped you along the way? (Personally, or professionally) Alternatively, do you do any kind of mentoring, coaching or teaching? I have had many mentors along the way both personally and professionally. One that stands out specifically, was a man of little words but his actions spoke volumes to me. He was always proud of who he was in every job he laid his hands on. He did not care if he fit in. He only cared about the pride he carried home at the end of the day by doing the best that he could with what he had. I try to use what I learned in life to mentor and guide people. Life is hard. If it wasn’t for the people who helped me, I would not have the will or determination to do what I do today. I give back in the same way it was given to me. Somebody gave me a job; I want to give a job. Someone gave me encouragement; I want to give encouragement. Do you have any words of encouragement for other women currently in or considering entering the construction field? Welding field? Whatever you do, don’t quit. Fight until you get it right. Every step you take in life, God is preparing you for another level. Find out more about DiVerse Industrial Solutions here To learn about contracting opportunities with the Lower Hill Redevelopment visit the First Source Center Hosting community members in the Lower Hill Suite at PPG Arena has been a fantastic affair, led primarily by Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Buccini/Pollin Group’s Director of Community, Arts and Culture.
“It’s such a pleasure to give people the opportunity to be spoiled and catered to while in the suite,” Dr. Ellis said, “They really feel special and appreciated.” Her journey began by being treated, herself, in the Mario Lemieux suite, for her birthday in October and for which she is still grateful to Kevin Acklin, especially. She then began activating the Lower Hill Suite for ticket giveaway winners on social media and experiencing her first, ever, hockey game. “I’ve lived in the Hill my whole life and have never been to a hockey game,” she said, shaking her head, “and it’s been the same for my brother, Paul, who is now a major hockey fan.” Next, were the Harlem Globetrotters, more hockey games, Simone Biles, Disney on Ice, more hockey and Justin Bieber! We have had a full “Making Black History” program (noted earlier), small business owners, our partners such as Tammy Thompson, head of Catapult, decorator and business owner, Montia Robinson, head of DEI at Master Builder’s Association, Lance Harrell, owners of the Cameron Group, Francine and Kevin Cameron, and our own street team manager, consultant and business owner, Naomi Ritter, and her street team; and ticket winners for the various games and events! On April 2, one day before Justin Bieber performed at the Grammy Awards, the First Source Center team took the chance to enjoy his fabulous band in concert. Jaden Smith opened for him and performed a variety of songs, including his smash hit, “Icon.” We were delighted to be able to treat Daniel Anderson, our iconic First Source Center hire, who now works at Rycon Construction, as well as Janise Zenmon, who works at PPG Paints Arena and was stationed at Burgatory before coming up to the Lower Hill Suite to enjoy the rest of the concert with her street team. Justin Bieber sang fan favorites such as “Lonely,” and four-time Grammy nominated, “Peaches.” It was a fun night for all! “I really look forward to continuing to activate the Lower Hill Suite and bring together members of the community. It’s also my job, a pleasure and an honor to do so,” says Dr. Ellis. Would you like to have the Lower Hill Suite experience? Stay tuned for more ticket winners from the First Source Center Job Fair and Open House and follow us on our social media, so you can be the next winner! March 31, 2022 - Catapult’s “Gallery on Centre” had its ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location 1840 Centre Avenue in the Hill District neighborhood. The opening was made possible with a collaboration between the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and a 10 million dollar contribution by PNC Bank. The 1,422 square-foot space will house six businesses from the Catapult Hill District cohort, with shelf space available for future Hill cohort participants and graduates.
“This is an amazing opportunity for new entrepreneurs from the Hill District or those wanting to start a business in the Hill District," said Catapult Executive Director Tammy Thompson in the official press release. "Participants will get access to retail space to sell their products, technical assistance, and opportunities to participate in collaborative events. The URA was instrumental in helping us launch our Catapult: Startup to Storefront and Gallery on Penn programming in East Liberty, so now the opening of our second location in the Hill District is just very exciting. We hope that the residents of the Hill District will be proud to have our programming and these new businesses operating in their community.” The beautiful event was introduced by the soon-departing URA Deputy Director, Dr. Diamonte Walker, who was followed by the host, newly appointed Executive Communications Strategist, Tanika Harris. The entrepreneur graduates of the program were all in attendance, with a speech by both Nikki’s Magic Wand creator, Nicole Narvaez Manns and Aquene Wise-Watkins of Royally Fit; and they were all present in celebration of their Director, Ms. Tammy Thompson, who has gone through an organizational name change, from “Circles” to “Catapult Greater Pittsburgh” and sought to honor Maelene Myers -Executive Director of East Liberty Development, Inc., who gave her the space to work on her “crazy” ideas, in East Liberty. Catapult Greater Pittsburgh engages in emergency resource distribution, peer-to-peer support, wealth building, trauma-informed financial counseling, and policy advocacy to ensure systematically disenfranchised communities can meaningfully achieve economic justice and lead dignified and equitable lives. Also in attendance for this festive event were elected officials State Senator Wayne Fontana, Mayor Ed Gainey, Chief of Staff, Jake Wheatley and City Councilman, Daniel Lavelle. To support these entrepreneurs go online or stop in their store location! To learn more about Catapult's programs, email: info@catapultpittsburgh.org March 9, 2022 - Chef Cheyanne Bronzell of Phat Girlz a Cookin’, who is a current participant in the Catapult business accelerator program, “Startup to Storefront”, catered lunch for PJ Dick and other members of the Lower Hill Team. This was the first time Chef Cheyanne catered for the group and she came to impress. The menu was shrimp toast for appetizers, honey salmon, her award-winning greens (which we paired with vinegar and hot sauce), mac and cheese, cornbread and peach cobbler for dessert. It was delicious and we are sure Chef Cheyanne will be spreading her soul food around the Lower Hill, as she has done in the Middle, Upper Hill and all around the city.
Book Phat Girlz a Cookin here Find more information about Catapult's programs here On March 25, 2022 the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) announced that Deputy Executive Director Dr. Diamonte Walker will depart the organization in Spring 2022 for an opportunity in the private sector. We say thank you to Dr. Walker and celebrate her tireless contributions to the redevelopment of the Lower Hill District and vibrancy across the entire City.
We are saddened by her departure as we have enjoyed working with her and meeting the mutual goals of the city government and administration. Prior to her exit, she was interviewed by Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Director of Community, Arts and Culture for Buccini/Pollin Group. How do you feel about the work you accomplished during your tenure as Deputy Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority? I'm extremely proud of what we have achieved at the URA during my tenure. It's been such an honor to work on behalf of the City, and in partnership with the broader Pittsburgh community, to shift the organization's focus more toward inclusive and equitable economic development. Where are you going next and what can we expect? I'm thrilled about the next chapter and to share that I am going to serve as the inaugural CEO of a new economic mobility platform designed to support income eligible adult learners with children achieve post-secondary degree attainment. My new focus will be working within higher education to address income stagnation issues as a part of a broader, inclusive prosperity strategy, as it relates to economic development here in the city. An official announcement will be released in a few weeks with more information. What do you hope to see from the Lower Hill Redevelopment? I hope to see the Lower Hill emerge as a model of equitable community revitalization based on how much restorative benefit it returns to the greater Hill District. I often said no one project can solve all of what ails a neighborhood. However, it is also important to acknowledge that no other project is as significant to the Historic Hill District's history, or its destiny as the Lower Hill's redevelopment, and it must be regarded as such. There are economic, institutional, and human-centered implications which present a transformative opportunity to chart a new course for the neighborhood, while honoring and incorporating the people and practitioners who already present. As a resident and stakeholder, I wholeheartedly believe a development of which we can all be proud is achievable, if all parties material to the Lower Hill's redevelopment uphold the CCIP Community Benefits Agreement, as a sacred social contract with the interests of Historic Hill District residents at its center. Read more here The Lower Hill Redevelopment's First Source Center hosted a remarkably successful Job Fair and Open House on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at the Historic Hill House Association, 1835 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh PA. With over 25 stellar companies participating, 200 registrants, signups for career-creating trainings and some on the spot hires from Prestige Cleaning and Salem’s Market and Grill. With over 200 registrants in attendance there was a solid flow of job seekers and employers eager to participate in the event.
The energy was palpable, as WAMO broadcast live from the front of the Hill House Association with interviews and ads broadcast weeks in advance and during the day. Offering free, professional headshots from Rick on The Run Media was the hit of the day. Over 50 people took their free headshots. Hill-based Finesse Group Communications (led by Naomi Ritter) helped build awareness and momentum by canvassing businesses, faith-based organizations, and even door-to-door flyer drop-offs to local residences. As the day heated up, employers were given a chance to speak about their companies, positions offered and a range of salaries. With goals of signing up 50 persons for various jobs, at least 10 trainings and 10 hires, the First Source Center Job Fair and Open House superseded expectations. First Source Center operator, Hill-based Cameron Group, instituted the organization of the five hour event with refreshments provided by Salem’s Market Grill and only made possible by the generous sponsorship by First National Bank Corporation (FNB), who also participated in the fair. Opening its doors in June 2021, The First Source Center (FSC) is a project of the Lower Hill Development in collaboration with the Hill District Community Collaboration and Implementation Plan (CCIP) and intended to serve existing and former Hill District residents. The purpose of the Job Fair and Open House was to build awareness about the First Source Center's support services and give exposure to job and training opportunities available through organizational partners. The phone line has been ringing off the hook before and afterwards and the FSC looks forward to hosting another event again in the Fall. Learn more about the First Source Center here. See all the photos from the job fair here. Thank you to all of our partners for helping make this event a success: First National Bank A. Philip Randolph Institute Aramark BankWork$ Builders Guild Intro to the Trades Union Reps Cameron Professional Services Group Catalyst Connection Catapult Greater Pittsburgh Chef Claudy Chef Cheyanne Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Duquesne Light Company EAT Initiative/ Eminent Hospitality International Union of Painters & Allied trades District Council 57 Liken Home Care Literacy Pittsburgh Macedonia FACE New Century Careers PA Careerlink PennDot PJ Dick PPG Paints Arena Prestige Cleaning Rycon Construction Salem's Market & Grill Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh Workforce Development UPMC Pathways to Work Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) WAMO Radio Station Theresa Giacomino, CCS, LEED AP is a recognizable face for most people working on the Lower Hill Redevelopment. With experience in both architecture and design she supports construction development efforts in her role of Project Manager and CCIP Manager for Lower Hill Redevelopment. Serving in this capacity, her time is currently focused on FNB Financial Center, the new 26-story office tower anchoring the 28 acre redevelopment. She has been with PJ Dick Incorporated for 11.5 years. Hear from her in the Q & A below:
How does your background in construction tie into what you're currently doing with the project? Over the past 25 years I’ve worked in both the design and construction industries. During that time, I’ve established strong relationships with a variety of subcontractors, including many owned by underrepresented groups (MWBE/SDVO/DBE). As the CCIP manager for the FNB Tower project, I’ve built on these relationships during the FNB project, fostering open and honest conversations with each on how to work together, form partnerships, and think outside the box to create opportunities for MWBE companies and establish goals for hiring craftspeople from diverse backgrounds. How has your role evolved working on the Lower Hill Redevelopment project? The role began like any other project, diving into the drawings and specifications, getting your bearings, talking to people and creating a plan. Quickly I learned how important the role was, and all it could become. This was the opportunity to help change how we all do business and contracting in the construction industry. I began thinking outside the box of how we can make these connections between MWBE and Non-MWBE companies even in the midst of a pandemic. We created virtual networking opportunities. These included Bidder Information Sessions, dedicated sessions where Subcontractors and Suppliers could learn about the project as well as learn more about MWBEs and the services they could offer and held dedicated sessions for non-union companies to discuss the path from non-union to union. Connecting firms and the people working for them has been very rewarding, both professionally and personally. What do you like most about what you do? By far the most gratifying is talking to people and learning that what we have done differently on this project has made a difference in their careers and businesses. When I hear that an MWBE company was awarded a scope of work for FNB or for another regional project, it really hits home that this project – and my role in particular – is making a difference. Do you have a mentor or advisor that has helped you along the way? (Personally, or professionally) Alternatively, do you do any kind of mentoring, coaching or teaching? My first mentor was the late Janet McCarthy. She was a strong, intelligent and ambitious woman who helped me see that I can grow and learn in the industry as a woman, regardless of my education. She was both my employer and my friend. It’s important that we all help those around us to succeed by sharing experiences and encouraging words. There are many men and women that I learn and grow from, every day. I take any opportunity I can to encourage others to grow, learn, and be the best version of themselves. Do you have any words of encouragement for other women currently in or considering entering the construction field? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. That is the best way to learn. And if anyone doubts your abilities, prove them wrong. You can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. March 17, 2022 - Buccini/Pollin Group's Bomani M. Howze, Vice President of Development was joined by panelists, Tracey McCants Lewis, Deputy General Counsel & Director of HR, Pittsburgh Penguins and Dr. Diamonte Walker, Deputy Executive Director, URA for an exciting update about the Lower Hill District project at the monthly NAOIP Pittsburgh Chapter meeting, Thursday March 17, 2022.
Panel Discussion was moderated by Marita Garrett, Founder & President, Civically, Inc. (Former Mayor, Wilkinsburg Borough) About NAOIP NAIOP Pittsburgh is the regional association of developers, owners, investors and professionals of commercial real estate - a leading industry resource to foster business relationships, promote responsible development and support growth of the region through education, leadership and advocacy. NAIOP Pittsburgh is the regional chapter of NAIOP. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP comprises 20,000+ members and provides strong advocacy, education and business opportunities through a powerful North American network. Learn more about NAIOP Pittsburgh membership here. Read the full Developing Pittsburgh Fall 2021 Magazine here Click here for all the photos So far, the new development of the former Civic Arena site and the early work on the new 26-story FNB Financial Center has translated into $25 million in contracts to minority-owned businesses and $5 million to woman-owned businesses.
That's according to Bomani Howze, a vice president of development for the Buccini/Pollin Group, during a panel discussion update on the major Lower Hill redevelopment at a monthly breakfast event by NAIOP Pittsburgh. "We dig deep," he said before the local real estate organization's breakfast audience at the River's Club downtown. "We don't just put numbers in the air." The development of the new FNB Financial Center is expected to cost in the range of $240 million to build. While the city requires 12% MBE and 7% WBE contract values, Howse and Pittsburgh Penguins Deputy General Counsel and Director of Human Resources Tracey McCants Lewis, a fellow panelist, said the standards for the Lower Hill redevelopment are for 30% and 15%. They're standards aimed and achieving broader goals of overcoming the systematic disinvestment, redlining and discrimination with past development on the site and the rest of the Hill District and building wealth in Pittsburgh's minority- and woman-owned business community. It was a panel discussion in which Diamonte Walker, the deputy executive director of the URA, joined as a third panelist on a major public-private redevelopment strategy in which her agency has played a key role. Read more in Pittsburgh Business Times By Tim Schooley – Reporter, Pittsburgh Business Times Mar 17, 2022 Updated Mar 18, 2022, 9:29am EDT |
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