Pittsburgh Dish

Chocolate factory coming to the North Side?

New neighbor for the Garden? Sweet.

Owners of a prominent Upstate New York chocolate factory were in town over the weekend for a look-see at a building on West North Avenue on the North Side. The large building is located next to the Garden Theater and part of a cluster of buildings the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) hopes will attract new businesses.

The chocolatiers, who Dish will not name at this time, were extremely interested but apprehensive about renovation costs. But, they said, they had taken a chance on their present location --a city that has gone through an impressive revitalization -- which proved to be a smart business move for them and their community.

Their factory supplies private label and custom chocolates to upscale department stores and grocers (including Whole Foods). A Pittsburgh location would include wholesale as well as a retail shop.

Keep fingers crossed. Dip them in chocolate for extra luck.

Would you care to make love to this home?

Seductive marketing technique applied to Deutschtown residence

This brightly lit space beguiles you with its brick façade. One could swear that its windows are winking at you and you are drawn to its porch light like, well, like a moth to a porchlight.

You must run your hands through its luxurious carpet, climb its stairs toward ecstasy. The classical guitar swells, as do your loins. Shall you surmount the third floor, press your cheek against the Home Depot commode, caress the recently updated gutters? Do you dare?

The answers are all in this video.

Marching forth?

Progress reported on North Side nuisance bar

Things are finally moving forward on the demise of the bullet-riddled Manitka bar at 1410 Monterey in the Mexican War Streets. Sources say that an architecture firm has been hired to help birth a purposed café and bookstore and that firm’s lackeys have been seen taking measurements.

Susan Meadowcroft, the Howard Hanna realtor who brokered the deal, is now an agent at Coldwell Banker. No word yet on who will represent the property. Sources say despite the glitch, progress will be visible by summer.

Owner Henry Reese intends to transform the Mantika into a cafe with a liquor license and outdoor seating. He also plans to renovate the neighboring house at 1406 Monterey (1408 Monterey is a vacant lot that will accommodate the cafe's outdoor seating) into a bookstore. Apartments and office space are planned above these businesses.

Neighbors have been on pins and needles since last July, when the sale of the troubled bar was announced. Since then there have been numerous incidents inside or on the sidewalk involving the police, most recently a stabbing on February 21.

Stay tuned for further developments.

Comparison shopping

What does a cool half-mil get you on the North Side?

A newly built, three-bedroom Loft or a historical three-story firehouse.

Which is the better buy?

A decision? You bet!

The Gaming Control Board's about to make the call. What are the odds?

UPDATE: We were totally wrong. It's PITG. Still, read our predictions. They are marginally amusing.

We'll tell you. At this late date, within an hour of the GCB's announcement, Dish has obtained the odds, freshly posted in Vegas, for each of the three contenders hoping to make serious bank off the citizens of Pittsburgh and its environs.

Pull that lever and hope for three bars.

Forest City Enterprises (the Station Square proposal):
About that of a one-legged man winning an ass kicking contest.

PITG Gaming (the North Shore folk):
Equivalent to a snowball maintaining its frosty integrity within the less-than-chummy confines of the sulfurous pit known as Clairton. Just kidding, Hell.

Isle of Capri (Mario Lemieux's last hope to become a multi-multi-multi-millionaire rather than just a run-of-the-mill multimillionaire):
Nick Perryesque. In the neighborhood of the Pennsylvania Lottery coming up 666 on April 24, 1980.

Ignore the signs, says realtor

Neighbors' fears put to rest.

Despite new Howard Hanna "For Sale" signs, the sale of a bar located at 1410 Monterey Street in the Mexican War Street on the North Side is still pending. Susan Meadowcroft, the agent for the property, said the buyer, Henry Reese, has not pulled out of the deal.

Neighbors are concerned that the new signs are indicators that the deal fell through. Not so, said Meadowcroft.

"Tell them to take a deep breath," said Meadowcroft. "All is well." Asked when the sale will close, Meadowcroft said, "Henry Reese will disclose the details when he's ready." Reese plans to open a cafe and bookstore in an adjoining property.

The bar has been a trouble spot for years. Bullet holes in the door are an indicator of its checkered past. Police repeatedly respond to noise complaints, fights and alleged drug deals. One neighbor fended off a mugger across the street last month.

Neighbors hope its checkered past will be be replaced with checkered tablecloths.

Breaking new ground on the North Side

Federal Street development project begins Monday.

From the Central Northside Neighborhood Council:

There will be a groundbreaking in the 1300 block of Federal Street on Monday, November 20 at 11:00 a. m. to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Federal Hill Project. The Federal Hill Project will build a total of 60 new homes on Federal, Jacksonia and Alpine Streets and is a project of the Central Northside Neighborhood Council (CNNC) and S&A Homes of State College. The architect on the project is Rothschild Doyno Architects and the homebuilder is S&A Homes. The Federal Hill Project is being funded through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Homeownership Choice program, the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The plan calls for the construction of 60 homes to provide home ownership opportunities for a diverse population of community members. Sales prices will be in the $130,000 to $220,000 range, offering a mix of market-rate sales as well as purchasing opportunities for low and moderate income families. Additionally, the plan calls for infrastructure improvements that will bring new curbs, street trees, and a center planting median down the middle of Federal. These improvements will help to return Federal Street to the pedestrian friendly residential boulevard it was for decades before blight and deterioration produced large-scale abandonment of the street, said CNNC Development Specialist Rebecca Davison-Wagner.

In addition to the 60 new homes being built, this project also includes affordable flats or condominiums and a rental portion that will create between 39-42 new low income rental units scattered in the project area.

As Joan Kimmel, CNNC board member and Federal Hill Committee chair states, "Unfortunately, Federal Street now serves as a poor reflection of all that the Northside has to offer. The current blighting conditions of this gateway gives an impression that is neither representative of the   strength and character of the diverse Central Northside neighborhood nor does it project a positive reflection on Pittsburgh in general. While the need for redevelopment along this stretch is obvious, the potential for renewing Federal Street as a grand residential/commercial boulevard can happen. The Federal Hill Plan is part of a larger initiative to revitalize the core of the Federal Street/North Avenue gateway into a vibrant mixed-use urban neighborhood."

"It's been 10 years of hard work and nd persistence but this is finally moving forward, allowing us to dramatically reverse the course of disinvestment in this area, create housing opportunities for a mix of income levels, build a tax base for the city, eliminate blight, and make much-needed road and infrastructure improvements," says CNNC board president Claudia Keyes.

For more information about the Federal Hill Project, contact Rebecca Davison-Wagner at 412-231-7742.

Old market demolished

New mayor visits site of new condos.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl stood on the corner of Brighton Road and W. North Avenue on the North Side this morning. There were no cameras, no press (except for Dish, which drove by but couldn't pull over to take a photo or scribble quotes) and no peach fuzz cracks.

Flanked by a small group of Allegheny West neighbors, the Mayor showed up to celebrate the demolition of an eyesore once occupied by an A & P grocery store. The building was bought by real estate developer J. Andrew Wolfinger, who recently converted an adjoining eyesore into luxury lofts. Like the Brighton-Beech lofts, his new housing project will include condos with upscale footage aplenty.

"I plan on three to four buildings with 15 to 16 single floor units each 2500 to 3000 square feet. Garage parking for all units, all units serviced by an elevator. Of course all this is subject to change based on demand and building costs."

This project will be grander in scale, but Wolfinger won't be footing the entire bill this time.

The Allegheny West Civic Council (AWCC) loaned Wolfinger money which was used to cover the purchase price and closing costs, with interest payable quarterly at current rates. In return, AWCC required that the new construction to begin in five years and to adhere to historical guidelines. They group also required demolition begin in two years.

"I thought two months would be better," Wolfinger said.

Wolfinger's recent investments underscore a commitment to building up the neighborhood. Yet he doesn't want to fixate only on luxury housing.

"I have had suggestions for a small gourmet grocery store, a day care, a coffee shop, a small restaurant for neighborly gatherings, a fitness club and many others."

But his ideas have been shot down by some neighbors who want to preserve the historical integrity of the neighborhood. He was met with opposition by some who felt that a market would deface its strict Victorian code, even though most turn-of-the-last-century neighborhoods had markets.

Still, Wolfinger plans to press on, despite the Victorian Ways & Means Committee.

"The neighborhood has great potential and so does Pittsburgh," said Wolfinger. "Someone has to start fulfilling this potential. It is a balancing act, keeping what we have that is worth keeping, and adding new, which sometimes means getting rid of the old."

Seems fitting, then, that Ravenstahl was there.

Lofty vision on the North Side

Would you pay $325,000 to live in a condo on the North Side?

J. Andrew Wolfinger thinks so.

The real estate developer is banking on his $2 million renovation of transforming a shabby office building (in photo below) into six luxury lofts. He bought the Brighton Road property last spring, which is located at the corner of Beech Avenue (one of the tonier North Side streets) for $280,000 and hopes to sell the condo units for $325,000 and up. The Smith Barney financial advisor believes he can lure in potential buyers from the suburbs with rooftop views of downtown and Saveur savvy kitchen appliances.

"It's a huge leap of faith to leave the suburbs," said Wolfinger. "We need [to attract] people from out-of-town who can see the value of living close to the city, of being able to walk everyday and to appreciate seeing the lights of the city at night from your home."

Wolfinger, who owns a loft downtown, looked at buildings in the Strip District but was turned off by loud bars. "I've been visiting the North Side for years and while progress is slow, I think things are going to happen."

He's not blazing any new trails, as pricey renovations in the Mexican War Streets have made the neighborhood resemble turn-of-the-century Greenwich Village. Historic, multi-level homes-- complete with original woodwork, multiple fireplaces and yes, upscale appliances--are currently on the market for over $300,000. So why pay that much for a new condo?

"No maintenance," said Wolfinger. They won't have to spend afternoons at The Home Depot or jostle for on-street parking during Steelers games as each unit has a garage.

"Buyers who enjoy loft living will get a 2,000 sq. ft. rooftop deck with 15 ft ceilings and all glass facing south, said Wolfinger. "And since I'm going to live there I wanted it done just so."

Just so means Wolf, Sub-Zero and Beech Avenue. After he bought the Brighton Road property, he changed the address to match the appliances.

For further information and floor plans, go to JudiSayHay.com

Breaking News: Mexican War Streets home not listed with Howard Hanna

Howard Hanna Real Estate, the Charles Foster Kane of the Central North Side, lost out on a listing on North Taylor.

The event has caused a magnetic shifting of the atmosphere over the lovely three bedroom, two bath single family with central air. Allegheny General Hospital's Lifeflight helicopter will reroute all flights one mile north for fear of engine malfunction.

Why the brave homeowners chose to sign with a HH competitor is unclear. HH dominates the Central North Side real estate market in a really big way.

Coldwell Banker could expect pugilistic retaliation by Howard Hanna, resulting a catastrophic KO.

Bottom photo: One of many, many Howard Hanna signs.

What Steeler Game?

Only Green & Gold here.

Clusters of folks who paid $20 to root around other peoples homes milled about yesterday during the Mexican War Street Society House & Garden Tour. Monterey Street between North Ave. and N. Taylor was closed off to traffic and served as a makeshift food court and retail alley.

But the MWSS wasn't the only organization responsible for showing (off) homes.

Local real estate company Howard Hanna used the opportunity to jump on the open house band wagon with, well, open houses. Homes on the MWSS tour were specified with colorful banners while HH pitched open house street signs and tied their signature gold & green balloons to their listed properties. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the neighborhood was an open door clusterf*** inside and out. A homeowner under contract with HH caught one visitor rooting through her panty drawer and another swiping all the info pamphlets off the coffee table.

On Friday night, a $50 a head black tie gala kicked off the weekend. On Saturday, ladders littered the sidewalks as tour participants spit-shined, buffed, fluffed and folded their fancy facades.

But not all the homeowners who participated on the MWSS tour did so to ostensibly flaunt. While HH's "Million Dollar Seller" Karl "New New New Everything!" Owens handed out business cards and red apples, an owner on the war-torn Alpine hoped visitors to his renovated home might choose a  home instead of an impressive address.

FYI: FOI MIA (RIP)

Coinkydink or do you smell a rat?

WDUQ reported this morning:

Allegheny County Councilman William Robinson wants to shut down a county website that allows users to track down assessment information about properties throughout the county. The site allows anyone to find property assessments for entire streets or single properties by using addresses or owners' names. Robinson says posting the information online jeopardizes the property owners' security and privacy. His legislation would limit the availability of the information by requiring people to request information in writing.

Now to reporter Rich Lord at the P-G:

Pittsburgh Public Schools and the city of Pittsburgh have filed suit against 41 property owners for around $1 million in back taxes, in what they bill as an aggressive new effort to collect overdue property levies.

The lawsuits represent a tactical shift for the city and the school district, which had previously placed liens against tax-delinquent properties and sold the liens to collection agencies. Now they're going after the personal property of delinquent taxpayers, particularly landlords.

"They're making money off of these properties and not paying taxes, and that's a double slap in the face to the city," said city Treasurer Rich Fees. "This will send a message to other property owners that we're really getting serious."

Let's pause, reflect and yes, play a little conspirator hop scotch.

On the same day it's reported that Robinson wants to ixnay public information via the Internet it's also reported that the city is aggressively hunting down delinquent tax payers, citing names of some prominent business owners. One of the features of the county website is to snoop on whose checkbook hasn't been cracked in a while listing the amounts owed on specific properties (images included). Dirty bloomers of said prominent business owners are hung out for public sniffing. Robinson is introducing legislation at a council meeting tonight.

Previous unsuccessful threats to shutdown the Website cited protecting the privacy of public officials, chiefly police officers and judges. However Robinson's comments on DUQ today pertained to protecting the rights of the general public, not just John Q. Law and Judge Judy.

This might be a reason to actually read Seen, the P-G's society column. Keep your eyes peeled for Prominent Business Owners hobnobbing with County Officials. Those rubber chicken dinners might be paying off.

A press time, Robinson's voicemail box is full.

Photos: Two properties with deliquent taxes according to the county website.

Fenced Art

"People either love it or hate it," laughs Jim Genstein standing outside the Northern Light Tower. "But everyone's noticing it."

"It" is a curvaceous structure which skirts the definition of either fence or gate. The edifice which neither pens in nor keeps out is the front entrance which leads into the recently renovated Western Avenue office building formerly home to Buhl Optical.

Optical, indeed.

The 32,000-square-foot building in Manchester was developed by NS Property, in conjunction with the North Side Development Fund and is located within a technology zone established by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. Genstein, and his partners at NS Property bought the building in 2003 from Buhl, which was a leader in optical technology.

Their first tenants, Bookminders Inc., which provides contract accountants to other businesses, moved in today.

One of the hurdles regarding the structure was Genstein seeing eye to eye over the fence. "The URA wanted to see through it to the building and I wanted to hide it," said Genstein. In pursuit of a compromise, Genstein came across corrugated steel and felt the material suited both tastes.

Genstein and architect Brian Viehland of Lami Grubb created the heavy metal screen which looks more like an art piece than a boundary maker. "Brian is responsible for bending and snaking the steel," said Genstein, "and the material is continued into the lobby and throughout the building."

Unbeknownst to the developer and the architect at the time, the "fence" would later revel itself as a fitting tribute to Buhl. "Depending on how the light shines on the fence you can either see through it or it completely shields the building," said Genstein.

"It's an optical illusion."

Commission Dishin'

Buzzards were seen hovering over the Mexican War Streets yesterday carrying "For Sale" signs and wearing little green and gold pins. Oh wait; those predatory beasts were real estate agents. Silly us.

It seemed that on almost every tree-lined block there was an open house signaled by three perky balloons, an agent bearing a striking resemblance to Bella Abzug and glazed-over couples standing on stoops attempting to calculate sewer fees and mileage to Home De(s)pot.

The self-proclaimed Queen of the North Side was motoring hither and yon in her Mercedes Benz SUV (the Ad Captandum Vulgus Edition). After all, there are oodles of houses to peddle for her empire. ...