Strip plan receives green light
URA to transfer control of produce terminal
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A Chicago developer’s plan to turn the Strip District’s iconic produce terminal into the “go-to” place in Pittsburgh filled with a food-centric market, restaurants, brew pubs and outdoor space to sell locally grown produce and other goods edged a step closer to reality Thursday — but not without conditions.
Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority board members tentatively approved a deal to transfer control of the Strip landmark to McCaffery Interests, but not before taking steps to try to protect one of the terminal’s longterm tenants, the Society for Contemporary Craft.
In response to concerns raised at the meeting about the nonprofit’s fate, the board conditioned the transfer on the start of talks with the group on a new lease. It also authorized a 25-day public comment period on the agreement and the plans for the terminal’s revitalization, leaving open the possibility of more changes at its April meeting.
The last-minute conditions mean that McCaffery Interests will have to wait at least another month to complete its four-year quest to gain control of the historic Smallman Street warehouse, now nearly vacant and in poor condition.
“I’m almost numb to it,” CEO Dan McCaffery said of the latest delay. “What’s 30 days after four years?”
Mr. McCaffery told the board Thursday that he wants to keep the nonprofit in the building at a reduced rent, but acknowledged that the group might have to make some concessionsas well.
“They’re going to get a very good deal. But I’m also saying there will have to be a level of reasonableness on their side,” he said.
Janet McCall, Society for Contemporary Craft executive director, said Mr. McCaffery on Thursday offered the group the opportunity to stay in the building as a long-term tenant at a rate that gives consideration to its nonprofit status.
She described the offer as a “good place to start negotiations,” adding that the group supports McCaffery’s redevelopment plans and wants to be part of them.
City Councilwoman Deborah Gross, who represents the Strip, urged the URA, as owner of the building, to extend the group’s lease before transferring control of the terminal to McCaffery.
“Are you going to support commercial gentrification or are you going to protect community spaces, community market space, community nonprofit space?” she asked.
Before the vote, Mr. McCaffery laid out his vision for a massive overhaul of the terminal, one that would include a “food-centric” locally owned market at its western end closest to Downtown. The market would feature a chef incubator kitchen, grab-to-go foods, and coffee and cocktail bars. There also would be an adjacent community space that could be used for special events and may include a wine and music lounge.