Issue 7 August-September 2013

mount
on the
NEWS, PARKS, PEOPLE, DEVELOPMENT, AND BUSINESS

This issue of On the Mount was made possible in part by:

This skyline photo will be used in the forthcoming iPhone app. Photo by Travis Neely

Signs Up on Shiloh; Community-Focused Website, iPhone App in Development

The MWCDC has received a grant to promote Mount Washington businesses. Funding from the PNC Foundation in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development (PPND) will support a comprehensive marketing effort that includes new graphic signage, an iPhone business directory, printed business directory brochure, revamped website, and other marketing materials. Three Shiloh Street merchants received building signs earlier this month as part of the initiative. The largest piece of the grant is being used to develop an iPhone app that will provide a mobile Mount Washington business directory. The interactive map will provide locations and information about businesses in Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights. The package of new and existing business services funded by the LISC grant allows the MWCDC to connect Mount Washington business owners with resources that might otherwise not be in their budget, according to Jason Kambitsis, MWCDC Executive Director.
(continued on page 10)

Block Party Coming to Shiloh Street

Save the date: When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 6-10pm Where: 200 block of Shiloh Street Why: Who needs a reason for a party? Planning is under way for a Shiloh Street Block Party. On Saturday, September 28, from 6-10pm, join us and your neighbors on the 200 block of Shiloh Street for a good old-fashioned party. Well enjoy music by The Pressure, a local 60s-style reggae/ska band, drinks in the open air, and food will be sold by local vendors. Tickets include two drinks and are available in advance for a discounted rate of $20 until September 1; on September 2 the cost becomes $25. For more information, to find out how you can help, or to purchase tickets, go to www.mwcdc.org.

Emerald View Park: Change is Good

Change is good could be Emerald View Parks tagline. Changes can be created both by those who maintain and those who use the park. One change that is occurring slowly but steadily is clearing the former dumpsite located in the valley between Route 51 and Marne Way in Mount Washington/ Dilworth Park. Nearly complete in June 2013, the herculean clearing effort began in 2007 and as of June 2013, is nearly complete. This former local dumpsite was of such a scale that most people, even MWCDC staff charged with managing the clean up, felt it might never be finished. In June a large group of energetic volunteers from American Eagle collected nearly 4 tons of garbage, including 130 tires, and showed everyone how near the end of the project we are. The Emerald Trail Corps is hard at work this summer building better switchbacks and creating connections between trails. Switchbacks and turns have been softened on the trail behind Olympia Park (between Hallock and Sweetbriar Streets) in order to make that trail safer to access. Existing trails are being rehabbed or rerouted as needed and new trails are being constructed to form a loop in Mount Washington/Dilworth Park. And new trail is being constructed in the Saddle, which will connect Sycamore St. to Bigbee Field (crossing William Street), which connects to existing trails that lead to Grandview Park. Unfortunately, the Trail Corps has seen some of their hard work changed by motorized dirt bike riders using the trails as dirt bike tracks. In a moment, the motorized wheels can negate a

months worth of grading and widening work on a trail. Additionally, residents have complained that the motorized bikes pose a distinct hazard to trail users as well as creating noise and pollution. Within the next few months, clearer signage will be posted in key locations throughout Emerald View Park to ensure that all users are aware of the rules. Motorized vehicles, hunting, and dumping garbage or construction debris are prohibited in city parks, and we would ask you to please call 911 to file a police report should you see anyone taking part in any of these activities within the park.

Trail Connector Complete, Celebration Planned

On Sunday, September 15 from 3-5pm, celebrate the opening of Emerald View Parks newest trail! The new trail connector provides a link from Sycamore Street through the Saddle, to Grandview Park, completing a trail that was envisioned in its entirety in the 2010 Master Trail Plan. Timbeleza, an infectious Brazilian percussion band (pictured below), will perform both near the trail and at Grandview Park, where the main celebration will take place. This progressive event will begin at 3pm at Sycamore Street, where those interested will walk the entire trail. The hike will end by 4pm at Grandview Park where Timbeleza will provide beats and refreshments will be available. The celebration will be open to everyone, non-hikers included. Hikers, please pre-register with kathryn@mwcdc.org for parking and shuttle information.

Report Park Issues to 311

If you see a problem in Emerald View Park such as graffiti, damaged park property, or a trail hazard, please take a moment to call the Citys community response line at 311. Also, check our facebook page for updateswe update daily with news and park updates.

Georgetowne Inn Closes, Renovations Begin for New Concept

Residents of the entire city were saddened to learn that after 39 years, Duquesne Heights institution Georgetowne Inn would serve its last meal on July 6. Michael Budway, executive chef and current owner since 2003, is reported to be looking to the eastern side of the city for a home for a new restaurant concept. While the Georgetowne Inn is already being sorely missed by many locals, plans are quietly underway to transform the building. Partners Bea DeFrancis and Jessica Bauer took over the space on August 1 to begin creating a space for modern American dining in a sophisticated, contemporary space, according to Ms. DeFrancis. The partners currently use the name ALTIUS Modern Bistro for the establishment, meaning higher in Latin, which refers not only to their location, but also their high standards of service, hospitality, and cuisine. This commitment to high quality food and service is the foundation of the duos other restaurant, Bistro 19, located in Mt. Lebanon. With a similar concept, Bistro 19 offers an incomparable dining experience, using the freshest, locally grown, seasonal ingredients, says Ms. DeFrancis. The partners had always planned to open a second restaurant. They had been approached by a few other developers, but it wasnt until the Mazzarinis, owners of the Georgetowne Inns building, approached them about taking over the space that they were sure they wanted to move forward with the idea. Plans for a major renovation

include the faade and strive to create an elegant, modern interior that highlights the world-famous view. Partner Jessica Bauer, also known as Chef Jessica, is a Pittsburgh native who returned from a few years living
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NORTHWOOD
Meet Gregory Panza. Gregory, a long-time resident and community activist of Mt. Washington, understands the importance of quality, trust and community. He lives, works and plays in the very same neighborhood that he serves, and has a passion to help his neighbors. Say hello to the New Face of Northwood.

Say hello to the new face of

- Gregory Panza
Upper St. Clair Office
1797 N. Highland Rd. Office 412.831.0100 Cell 412.657.3375 gpanza@northwood.com

www.northwood.com

Upcoming Events
St. Rocco Festival Saturday, August 17, 12pm-3pm Traditional Italian holiday with mass, food, and music. Grandview Park, 499 Bailey Ave. grandviewparkfriends@gmail.com Venture Outdoors Walk N Talk Monday, August 19, 6:30pm-8pm Stroll along easy terrain through Mount Washingtons parks, overlooks, and business district on this older adult and boomer-friendly walk, while the guide points out historic landmarks and their evolution. $8.00 for nonmembers, $5.00 for members. www.ventureoutdoors.org 4th Annual Farm Dinner Sunday, August 25, 5:30pm-8pm Friends of Grandview Park host their annual outdoor dinner with an incredible view. Grandview Park, 499 Bailey Ave. grandviewparkfriends@gmail.com 412-589-9586 Steel City Sunset Party - Dirty Disco Sunday, September 1, 3pm-8pm Free event with DJs + local artists. Grandview Park, 499 Bailey Ave. www.facebook.com/ steelcitysunsetparties Patriot Day in Grandview Park Wednesday, September 11, 6pm-7pm Ecumenical prayer service to commemorate September 11. 499 Bailey Ave, 15211 grandviewparkfriends@gmail.com Trail Opening Celebration Sunday, September 15 3pm-5pm Walk the trail and enjoy music by Timbeleza, refreshments, and merriment in Grandview Park. 499 Bailey Ave. kathryn@mwcdc.org Community Wellness Forum Thursday, September 19, 6:30pm Local fitness-focused businesses give brief presentations on their programs. Mount Washington Senior Center 122 Virginia Avenue, 15211 christina@mwcdc.org

Upcoming Events, cont.

Grandview Park Bark Saturday, August 28, 12pm-2pm A celebration with our four-legged friends. Booths, activities, pet costume contest, prozes, walks, blessing of the animals and more! Grandview Park, 499 Bailey Ave. grandviewparkfriends@gmail.com Shiloh Street Block Party Saturday, September 28, 6-10pm The MWCDC hosts this outdoor party on the 200 block of Shiloh Street with music by The Pressure, local vendors, and drinks under the stars. Tickets may be purchased in advance through www.mwcdc.org. christina@mwcdc.org Pillar of Light Exhibit at Phipps Conservatory April through September 2013 View our glass mosaic pillar, featuring Emerald View Park. www.phippsconservatory.org Redeemer on the Mount Church Service in Grandview Park Sundays, June 2-August 25, 10am Come enjoy fellowship and free donuts. 499 Bailey Ave, 15211 Movies in Grandview Park Saturdays, June 8-August 31, at dusk 499 Bailey Ave, 15211 8/3: ParaNorman (PG) 8/10: Dr. Seuss The Lorax (PG) 8/17: Jumanji (PG) 8/24: Jack the Giant Slayer (PG-13) 8/31: Chimpanzee (G) Yoga in Olympia Park Mondays, July 22-August 26, 7-8pm All levels are welcome for this gentle yoga class! Bring a mat, water, and a friend. Suggested donation of $10 per person, $15 per couple. Olympia Park, Virginia Ave/Olympia Ave. hayleybethyoga@gmail.com A Beautiful Night in the Neighborhood: National Night Out Tuesday, August 6, 5-8pm Celebrating National Night Outs 30th anniversary with a variety of fun and family-oriented activities Carnegie Library of Mount Washington www.clp.org

Upcoming Events, cont.

eTools eNewsstand: Free Magazine Subscriptions Thursday, August 8, 7pm Saturday, August 10, 2pm Discover the secret to accessing more than 300 free digital magazines with your library card. Carnegie Library of Mount Washington www.clpgh.org If you would like to submit your event for a future newsletter or to our online event calendar, please send a detailed description to christina@mwcdc.org.

Upcoming Meetings
MWCDC Board Meeting Thursday, August 1, 6:30pm Mount Washington Senior Center 122 Virginia Ave, 15211 Mount Washington Community Forum August meeting cancelled Thursday, September 19, 7:30pm Potential new MWCDC board members will present to the community. Mount Washington Senior Center 122 Virginia Avenue, 15211 MWCDC Park and Conservation Committee Meeting Second Wednesday of each month, 5:30pm MWCDC Offices 301 Shiloh Street, 15211 MWCDC Economic Development Committee Meeting Fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00pm MWCDC Offices 301 Shiloh Street, 15211 For a complete list of events and meetings, visit mwcdc.org/calendar.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

Thank you to the following individuals, organizations, and businesses for their valuable time and services!
Altria Group American Eagle Doug Vernon Friends of Grandview Park Gloria Ostermeyer Grace Church Jessica Downs, MWCDC Intern Mark Heckmann Mowgli Weaver Pittsburgh Cares Redeemer on the Mount Church Travis Neely Photography Sharon Yeager Wesley Spectrum High School

Friends of Grandview Park would like to thank Foxs Pizza and Shop n Save for their generous donations to the Bigbee planting. Also, a huge thank you to Shop n Save again for their donation at the Friends of Grandview Park Childrens Festival.

Connect with Your Community

Have you liked the MWCDC on Facebook yet? Or followed us on Twitter @mtwashingtoncdc? We post business and community news, daily updates of our programs, pictures, and anything else relevant to the Mount Washington community.

412-381-7299

17 Southern Ave
21 years experience

New Restaurant Concept

(continued from p. 3) in Michigan to attend the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. She credits her cooking for her family as sparking the passion that she would turn into a career. Her resume includes The Boca Raton Resort & Club and Pittsburghs Carlton Restaurant, where she quickly moved up to Sous Chef. Jessicas appreciation for fine food fuels her passion to create innovative menus and outstanding cuisine. ALTIUS Modern Bistros menu will be Chef-driven, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, sustainably farmed whenever possible.

Titled Corner Grocery, this photo from July 15, 1926 captures a former Virginia Avenue grocery. The photograph looks east and is credited to Pittsburgh City Photographer. Many historic neighborhood photos were taken by City photographers to document public works projects. This photo is shared with permission from Historic Pittsburgh, the digital image archive of the University of Pittsburgh.

Friends of Grandview to Host 4th Annual Farm to Table Dinner

The Friends of Grandview Park will hold their fourth annual Farm Dinner on August 25, 2013 from 5:30pm-8pm at Grandview Park in Mount Washington. The Farm Dinner is an unforgettable local food experience, highlighting exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views of the city. Host Chef Ricci Minella, Founder/ Chef of The Burgh Bites Cart, will present a 5 course menu featuring rustic Italian fare to include local wines and fresh baked bread from an on-site wood fired oven. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce, the menu for the evening will also include a vegetarian option. Chef Michael Mercurio, owner of Mercurios in Shadyside, Chef Micah Maughan, Sous Chef at Root 174, and Chef Jon Tryc, Chef at Il Berloni in the South Hills, will also present entrees based on the theme. Special appreciation goes to Pittsburgh Urban Garden Project, its co-founder Brett Wilps, and Joe Hilty, Chef at The Burgh Bites Cart, for assisting with producing the dinner. Only 100 tickets are available to this exclusive event. Tickets may be purchased for $90 from any member of the Friends of Grandview Park, grandviewparkfriends@gmail.com or by calling 412-589-9586. Proceeds will benefit Friends of Grandview Park to support their continuing improvements to the Park. Grandview Park in Mount Washington is located at 499 Bailey Avenue, 15211.

Project Breathes New Life Into Former Prospect School

In June the MWCDC finalized the sale of the former Prospect School building to developer a.m. Rodriguez Associates, Inc. Their plan is to create a 67 unit apartment complex along with a community fitness facility that will be available for lease when The Lofts of Mt. Washington is completed in May 2014. On the National Register of Historic Places, this structure is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the City of Pittsburgh. The school was constructed in 1933, with an addition in 1941, and closed in 2006. The MWCDC purchased the historic building with the intention of finding a developer who would be able to perform the type of thoughtful repurposing this building and its neighborhood deserved. Working with the MWCDC, the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and First Niagara Bank, approximately 112,000 square feet of the structure will be brought back to life as a sustainable project with 67 market rate apartments. A welcoming entrance is planned along with comfortable and practical common areas that will include a courtyard and rooftop deck. An 11,000 square foot fitness facility is also planned for the reuse of the former gym and pool areas. The existing small art deco auditorium will be available for tenants and the local community for special events. The project is being developed by a.m. Rodriguez Associates, Inc., an award winning developer with 10 properties in the Pittsburgh area. The Lofts of Mt. Washington will be designed and renovated by an expert team with extensive experience in adaptive reuse of old structures to provide very attractive and sustainable rental housing. a.m. Rodriguez and Sota Construction Services have worked on similar housing projects and plan to use energy saving and green building features that will reduce operating and maintenance costs. Completed in 2010, a.m. Rodriguez trasformed the South Hills High School into the South Hills Retirement Residence. Built in 1923, the Residence is now a green building offering 80% of its apartments to low income seniors Prospect Schools other amenities include an auditorium, outdoor terraces and green spaces that will provide opportunities for socialization with friends, fellow tenants and neighbors of the community. With the Prospect School consisting of almost an entire city block and representing one of the largest buildings in the Mount Washington area, the return to life of this important historic and cultural element of the neighborhood will have huge impact on the immediate neighborhood and the larger Mount Washington Community. For more information, or to have your name placed on the waiting list, please contact 412-231-3691.

An artists rendering of the exterior of Prospect School once construction is complete.

Signs, App, and Website (continued from page 1)

Additionally, the grant will allow the MWCDC to feature the interactive map on their redesigned and more community-centered website, www. mwcdc.org, this summer and will also be available in print form. A business recruitment package is also in development, which will collect and distill pedestrian and other business district data into a marketing piece to provide to potential Mount Washington businesses. Heather Nally, owner of Micro Diner, says that the signs were designed so that just about anyone speaking any language could look at the sign and easily understand what the business does. And the app and website will help us connect with more potential customers. The signage program will be open to all businesses as funding becomes available. Mount Washington was one of six communities nationwide selected through a competitive process for the Corridors of Retail Excellence (CORE) program. CORE provides selected sites with experienced technical consultants, data reports, and market analyses to identify needs and opportunities, better integrate commercial corridor work within comprehensive plans and begin to implement action plans to drive the economic growth of the commercial corridor and surrounding community. Working in conjunction with the MWCDC and LISC consultants, the CORE effort supports revitalization and the promotion of the Shiloh Street business district. Every year, 1.5 million visitors ride the incline to take in views of Pittsburgh; however, many of these visitors simply make the return trip down without patronizing local businesses. By implementing marketing strategies and decreasing retail vacancies, the program aims to increase the visibility of Shiloh Street and attract the interest of tourists and local residents to the businesses currently operating in the area. The improved signage, the iPhone

business directory, and marketing material made possible with support from PNC Community Development Banking will work to entice visitors down Shiloh, helping ensure a thriving business district while also creating a better quality of life for Mount Washington residents, said New Yorkbased retail consultant Larisa Ortiz, the CORE technical consultant.

Free Disco Party in Grandview Park

On Sunday, September 1, visit Grandview Park for another Sunset Party. Coming off of the success from last years Sunset Party, Sunset Events plans to entertain your eardrums, arouse your senses, and stir the passions in your soul with body vibrating music and a one of a kind dirty disco themed event with the amazing view at Grandview Park. Leave the kids at home, grab some friends, let your inhibitions go, and spend the afternoon dancing and feeling alive. Running from 3:00pm to Sunset, expect some fantastic and original art by local artists and unique house music selections mixed by some of Pittsburghs most talented local EDM (Electronic Dance Music) DJs including Sunset Events own resident DJ Chris Nature. This is one event not to be missed. The event is free and open to the public, but bring your wallet if you want to take home some art while feeling good about supporting your local community.

Local Photographer Begins Mount Washington Photo Journal Project

Travis Neely, owner of Travis Neely Photography, recently approached the MWCDC with the idea of creating a Mount Washington photo journal project. This project will capture the people, landmarks, and businesses that make Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights unique. Mr. Neely began his project in late June, and plans to continue indefinitely. This first series of photographs features iconic images from Grandview Avenue. The MWCDC will be featuring his photographs on facebook at least weekly. Additionally, Mr. Neely is generously providing the MWCDC with high quality photos for use in the iPhone app, on our website, and in our marketing materials. We hope you enjoy his photographs as much as we do!

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

301 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211 Serving the Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights neighborhoods with a mission to cultivate growth, development and community investment. Total circulation: 7,000 copies 6,000 mailed 1, 000 dropped. To advertise, contact Christina Howell at 412.481.3220 x 206 or christina@mwcdc.org. Deadline for the October-November On the Mount is Thursday, September 5. MWCDC Staff Jason Kambitsis, Executive Director Ilyssa Manspeizer, Director, Park Development and Conservation James Eash, Director, Economic Development Kathryn Hunninen, Manager, Park and Community Sustainability Christina Howell, Coordinator, Marketing and Outreach Alphonso Randolph, Administrative Assistant Thomas Guentner, Emerald Trail Corps Leader Diane Schmidt, After School Coordinator Joshua Jones, After School Assistant 2013 MWCDC Board of Directors Jon Lusin, President Ed Preston, Vice President Breen Masciotra, Secretary Andy Spanoudakis, Treasurer Tom Brady Victor Cianca Marilyn Caye Justin Cipriani Darla DAnna Phil Delmer Gloria Ostermeyer Eric Horwith Peter Karlovich Terry Moss Mike Tabachnick

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