Frankel: Nearly $11.3 million secured for multiple District 23 projects including Tree of Life renovations
Will also support mixed-use housing, building improvements, playground overhaul
Rep. Dan B. Frankel November 1, 2024 | 11:15 PM
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 1 – New funding of $11.25 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major construction and renovation projects in the 23rd Legislative District, state Rep. Dan Frankel announced today.
Frankel said part of the funding will be used for renovations to the Tree of Life.
“These dollars show our commonwealth’s commitment to the historic Tree of Life project,” said Frankel. “I am proud to help ensure that the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in America will stand as a monument to tolerance, education and resilience.”
“As our community has found ways to heal and grow in the aftermath of the Tree of Life shooting, it has been a humble honor to share in the work to support our Jewish friends and neighbors,” said Sen. Jay Costa. “The funding Representative Frankel and I secured will continue to enforce our commitment to safe, vibrant spaces for the Jewish community as they gather to educate, volunteer and worship.”
Other funding will support work that Frankel said will lay the groundwork for new, mixed-used affordable housing and commercial space and will fully transform the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s playground.
“It’s crucial to children’s development that they have access to facilities that exercise their bodies, minds and social skills,” Frankel said. “I look forward to hearing the giggles of children and the sounds of feet and wheels racing through a brand new playground designed to bring joy and activity to kids of all abilities.”
The funding includes:
- $6 million to Walnut Capital McKee LP for the first phase of the Oakland Crossings mixed-use affordable housing and commercial space project, with work to include land acquisition, site preparation, mobilization, excavation, foundations and supportive infrastructure.
- $4 million to Tree of Life for Phase II renovation and construction work that will include preserving the historic spaces, including the stained-glass windows and iconic structure at the corner of Shady and Wilkins; modernizing the main sanctuary to serve as a flexible space for worship, celebrations, educational programming and communal space; designing an innovative and interactive Holocaust and modern anti-Semitism exhibit; and adding flexible and modular classrooms.
- $1 million to Temple Sinai for maintenance and repairs to the temple’s 5505 Forbes Ave. building, including replacement of antiquated HVAC system; roof replacement work; tuck-pointing the stone walls of the original building; and possible repair or replacement of a 40-foot-high retaining wall, which is leaning.
- $250,000 to the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh for complete renovation of the existing, 1-acre playground into a fully accessible play environment with six zones specially designed for children of different ages and abilities, following ADA guidelines. The playground will also include a walking track with exercise stations, a basketball court, and terrace area for flexible recreation. Construction includes significant concrete, masonry, carpentry and fencing.
RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.