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Construction on complex proposed by Penguins for Civic Arena site could begin in July
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Work on roads and utilities at the 28-acre former Civic Arena site could begin in July as part of an office and residential development proposed by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority board accepted a $5 million state redevelopment capital assistance grant this morning to help pay for the work, estimated at nearly $40 million.
SEA executive director Mary Conturo said the $5 million would help to fund the first phase of the work, most likely some combination of roads and utilities.
She said the agency is still trying to figure out how to most efficiently use the money.
The SEA hopes to bid the first phase in June, with plans to start the work a month later.
She said the agency is still trying to identify other sources of funding for the rest of the improvements. Those could include federal or state transportation, commerce or environmental-related dollars.
She said the new development would be a green neighborhood with sustainability features to prevent storm water runoff and provide energy efficient lighting.
The Penguins proposed 1,200 units of housing, 600,000 square feet of office space and 200,000 square feet of commercial development at the site, which sits across the street from Consol Energy Center.
The team hopes to complete a master plan for the development by late summer or fall, Ms Conturo said.
Part of the infrastructure work would include a new street grid for the lower Hill District, reconnecting the site with the rest of the neighborhood.
First Published March 14, 2013 12:00 am
