Convention center to get over $4.6M in upgrades

The owner of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Thursday approved just over $4.6 million to go toward the replacement of the second- and third-floor terraces of the Downtown venue.

The Pittsburgh-Allegheny Sports and Exhibition Authority board members gave the green light on a construction contract with the Albert M. Higley Company with a maximum price of $4,633,934 during their monthly meeting.

The price tag includes approximately $1.2 million for general construction, $2.28 million for roofing and waterproofing, $195,350 for electrical work, just over $145,000 for landscaping, and $85,000 for plumbing.

All of the contractors selected by the SEA are union workers, according to the authority.

The board said construction would begin this month and is expected to be completed by October.

The latest phase of construction comes after the SEA board approved $9.9 million in spending and a host of contracts to replace the center’s fourth-floor terrace overlooking the Allegheny River in 2021 due to roof leaks.

Along with the approval of the multimillion-dollar contract, the board also greenlit a $215,000 agreement for fireproofing repairs to the building, a nearly $22,000 contract for 18 new flameless coffee urns, and a handful of other smaller projects.

The board also approved an authorization to enter into a five-year lease — with a five-year renewal option — with Brave Bean Coffee Company to build and begin its business in the North Shore Garage.

The coffee shop, which has another location in Pitcairn, is set to take over the space previously occupied by Finnigan’s Wake bar and restaurant.

Before opening, the business is expected to undertake an approximately $70,000 construction project on the space. The SEA board did not indicate when the shop is expected to open.