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Pittsburgh Schenley High School developers present plan
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The developers who would like to turn the former Pittsburgh Schenley High School in Oakland into luxury apartments tonight publicly presented their plans and replied to neighbors' concerns the building would be turned into student housing.
Jerry Novick, executive vice president and general counsel of PMC Property Group, said the firm has no agreements with any universities and would be using expensive finishings in the apartments that would make tenants more likely to be young professionals along with some graduate students.
While he said the company cannot legally refuse to rent to students, Mr. Novick said, "We never had intent to do student housing here."
Mr. Novick said the exterior of the building would remain the same. He anticipates about 75 exterior parking places and 50 interior ones, with an entrance off the current parking lot.
The $36.9 million plans call for up to 178 units, but Mr. Novick expects the number will be smaller because he expects historic renovation requirements will restrict changing the width of the hallways.
PMC/Schenley HSB Associates, L.P., which is associated with PMC Property Group of Philadelphia bid $5.2 million, the highest of four bids received and the one recommended by a review panel. The school board is expected to vote on Feb. 27 but has retained the right to reject any and all bids.
In 2011, PMC Property Group of Philadelphia was the unsuccessful bidder for Schenley at $2 million. PMC entered the Downtown market in 2010, and its work includes 201 Stanwix Place, a reuse of the former Verizon building.
Education writer Eleanor Chute: echute@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1955.
First Published February 18, 2013 8:26 pm
