The ribbon-cutting today at the newly renovated Sperling Building is just one of several projects that signal positive change to the Wilkinsburg business district.

At the end of May, Giant Eagle opened a GetGo superette and gas station at 408 Penn Ave., and prior to that, ground was broken for the long-awaited Save-A-Lot supermarket on the 700 block of Ross Avenue.

Bright murals decorate walls near the busway and the Wood Street gazebo, and the first edition of the Wilkinsburg newsletter is widely available. A possible tax-forgiveness program could put abandoned properties back on the tax rolls.

The latest effort, a $1 million renovation of the historic Sperling Building, at 1007-1011 Penn Ave., will provide eight residential units on three floors, ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments for low- and moderate-income tenants.

On the street level, two commercial units are available for lease, and a single-family house at nearby 1008 Taylor Way is also part of the development.

"We're going through a major revitalization," said Wilkinsburg Neighborhood Specialist Loretta Rose. "We're working hand in hand with local leaders and grass-roots organizations to make a difference."

Ms. Rose has worked with residents and local officials for the past year to pinpoint and solve problems with litter, abandoned buildings and various quality-of-life issues that plague Wilkinsburg.

The Sperling Building, built in 1902 for John Sperling, was renovated by Renaissance 3 Architects and DiNatale Construction Inc.

The developer/owner is Tot-Props LP.

Funding came from the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency.

Original details include tin ceilings, tall windows in each unit, built-in cabinets and decorative moldings.

The morning dedication of the Sperling Building marked the beginning of Wilkinsburg Community Days, which feature family fun, music, games and food and run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday.