Change in Wilkinsburg: Business district undergoing boom
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Things are getting brighter in Wilkinsburg, and the recent addition of newly refurbished, old-style streetlights in the borough's business district is just one part of the town's revitalization. Some of this resurgence can be attributed to the concerted efforts of Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp., merchants there say.
Headed by executive director Tracey Evans, the development agency has been helping to turn the tide in the struggling business district, Kenyon Jewelers co-owner Doug Duffus said.
"I've seen a lot of plans come and go, but I'm optimistic. I think we're in the middle of a cycle that's on an upward trend," he said.
Mr. Duffus should know, since he's been working in Wilkinsburg's downtown for decades at his shop at 711 Penn Ave. The retail jewelry store has been a borough landmark since 1924 and was bought from Kenyon family members by former employees Mr. Duffus and David Virostek.
While longtime businesses such as Kenyon, Wonday Film Service and others have hung in through the business district's tougher times in recent decades, parts of Penn Avenue and Wood Street still are pocked with abandoned or unkempt buildings. To some of the thousands of daily commuters who drive through, the place feels unsafe.
The development group is turning that perception around, with efforts including a business façade renovation program and Art in the Park events in a parklet along Penn Avenue. Formed in 2008, the agency's Green, Clean & Safe initiative is its first focus of attention.
An effort to improve image and identity also is underway and is being marketed through the organization's website. A Wilkinsburg neighborhood page soon will be up on Pop City, and the agency has created a business district real estate website that is getting the attention of developers. An unidentified, high-profile national developer that has done projects in Pittsburgh is eyeing parts of downtown Wilkinsburg for redevelopment.
With the refurbishing of the streetlights in the business district, the agency is following a decidedly greener perspective towards redevelopment. Part of that view involves beautification efforts, including an ongoing $65,000 streetscape improvement program. An ongoing agency project will add more street trees and bring more renovations of lighting in the business district, with improvements totaling $500,000.
First Published June 30, 2011 5:16 am
