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Lexington Technology Park in Point Breeze up for sale
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After 16 years of ownership, the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority is looking to sell the 436,000-square-foot Lexington Technology Park complex in North Point Breeze.
Robert Rubinstein, the URA's acting executive director, said the agency is in discussions with Allegheny County officials about purchasing the 16.5-acre site at 400 N. Lexington St. with three buildings and hundreds of parking spaces.
Rockwell International Corp. donated the property to the URA in 1996. Over the years, the URA has spent more than $4.5 million renovating the structure to accommodate tenants.
The county has become the complex's main occupant. Its 911 center, county police offices, some human service offices and some property assessment offices are located there.
Rather than marketing the real estate to potential buyers, the URA decided to offer it to the county first, Mr. Rubinstein said.
"We approached them to gauge their interest in purchasing the facility, because they are the primary tenant," he said.
It is not known how much the URA is seeking for the building. Amie Downs, spokeswoman for county Executive Rich Fitzgerald, confirmed that an offer had been made but declined to give any details since it was still under review.
She added she was unsure of the extent of the conversations between the two sides.
Asked why the URA is trying to sell the complex, Mr. Rubinstein said the agency's primary mission is to take underutilized or contaminated properties and return them to productive use.
"We have done that at that property," he said. "Our role is not to be a long-term landowner or property owner."
Rockwell purchased the property in 1925 and used it for manufacturing, warehouses and corporate offices before selling it to the URA.
According to reports at the time of the transfer, Rockwell was responsible for any environmental cleanup needed at the site.
First Published August 11, 2012 12:00 am
