Saturday, September 13, 2003

By Janice Crompton, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

A development team unveiled plans yesterday for a $100 million overhaul of the city of Washington.

Lucas Piatt of Millcraft Industries Inc. in Cecil said the project, dubbed "The Crossroads," would encompass 14 city blocks. His father, Southpointe developer Jack Piatt Sr., spearheaded the project, along with the City of Washington and the Washington County Redevelopment Authority.

The project, slated to begin in four months, will be coupled with infrastructure improvements. It will focus on the historical character of the city, Lucas Piatt said.

The first phase calls for construction of townhouses and loft apartments, an 84-room "boutique" hotel, an office building, two parking garages, an outdoor park with amphitheater and 120,000 square feet of retail. More office, retail, parking and residential space is expected in coming years, Lucas Piatt said.

Nationwide Appraisal Services agreed to occupy much of the 160,000-square-foot office building, expected to be completed in about 16 months.

The company, now based at Southpointe in Cecil, will employ about 500 at its new corporate headquarters.

Planners anticipate phase one of the project will create more than 1,200 permanent jobs, along with 300 construction jobs.

State Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, said the project would be a boon for the region.

"This region took a lot of time and healing to get out of the manufacturing mindset," he said. "We're anxious to see this happen."

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