Abney: $23.5 million in state grants for local projects

Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney November 1, 2022 | 9:45 AM

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 1 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that seven local projects have been awarded a combined $23.5 million in state grants.

“The projects mark a major state investment in our community,” Abney said. “Whether it’s construction, renovation or conversion, all these endeavors will improve the welfare of my constituents in multiple ways.”

Projects awarded today include:

$3 million for construction of a multi-story parking garage at the Pittsburgh Technology Center. The garage will feature high-tech electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle infrastructure and a multimodal connection to the Port Authority of Allegheny County's bus service.

$2 million to renovate and update all common spaces, kitchen, member fitness facilities including the wellness floor, pool area and locker rooms, and meeting rooms at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. Rental units will also be renovated on the third, fourth and fifth floors with a new configuration that replaces shared bathrooms with private facilities and provides a community room. Rooms and corridor renovations will include flooring, painting and ceilings. Additional work includes replacement of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and installation of a sprinkler system, air-conditioning and elevators.

$2 million for Phase 1 preparations at the future site of Centre Avenue Avenues of Hope.

$10 million for Phase 1 preparations at the future site of the Esplanade. The project will include infrastructure improvements that will enhance the neighborhood's connections to the riverfront, public transportation and surrounding area by creating a mixed-use redevelopment of several brownfield and under-utilized industrial parcels. Phase 1 of the project will include: a Ferris wheel, experiential retail and restaurants, housing, expansive public open space, a marina and public pier, all surrounding the Current -which will feature a welcoming courtyard/four season open space, restaurant, a fresh food emporium and other experiential programming. The exterior will feature sun-shaded areas for seating and gathering, an outdoor performance amphitheater, a splash park, ice skating trail and other amenities.

$3 million to the brownfield at Hazelwood Green for completion of remaining soils remediation, installation of in-ground utilities and sitewide stormwater management.

$1 million to renovate the Crawford Grill and add additional buildout for a larger capacity full-service restaurant and an enclosed event space and stage. It will stabilize and restore the original Crawford Grill building. It will include the reconstruction of the large mural in the original bar room rumored to have been created by Andy Warhol, a frequent visitor to the Grill. Connected to the original structure will be a new one-story building to accommodate a full-service state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, bar and dining room. Also sharing a common wall with the original Grill, will be a '4-Seasons Courtyard', a covered indoor area with operable windows and full HVAC. A stage will be constructed in the courtyard.

$1.5 million to demolish non-historic, non-structural fixtures to allow for the construction of flexible spaces for companies focusing on workforce training, energy innovation and incubation at Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center. Construction will include the installation of new fixtures, highly efficient, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and other infrastructure.