About Pittsburgh's Northside

Part bike shop and part museum, Bicycle Heaven, opens July 2nd off the North Shore bike trail in the RJ Casey Industrial Park. It features the worlds largest collection of Schwinn Stingrays and the oldest bike is a 1862 Bone Shaker, made entirely of wood. I can't wait to check it out. For more information click here.

Temple University School of Medicine has announced a new campus to be housed at Four Allegheny Center on the North Side in conjunction with the West Penn Allegheny Health System. This should be good news for the North Side with a high profile program and residents coming to the area for 3-year stints looking for convenient housing near the hospital. The program is scheduled to begin in 2013. Read more >>

Looking to buy or sell a home on Pittsburgh's Northside? Get more information on the Northside here or Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Calvary United Methodist Church in Allegheny West, Pittsburgh PA

The photo above is of a church located in the Allegheny West neighborhood on Pittsburgh's Northside, in truth; this photo doesn't even begin to show just how amazing this building is. Terrifying gargoyles, spires that reach to the sky, St. Andrews Crosses and faces carved into the structure of this building are truly amazing to behold. Inside the gleaming oak ceilings and plasterwork are illuminated by Tiffany stained glass windows. Nestled on Beech Avenue among majestic trees the building is a true masterpiece.

Interestingly, it is just one of hundreds of architectural masterpieces that are common in the city of Pittsburgh. Some, like Calvary, have been restored to grandeur and others dilapidated and in danger of disappearing. That is a shame.

As a real estate agent I have the opportunity to spend time exploring all the nooks and crannies of our city and I am amazed at the beauty of the turn-of-the-century buildings that make up the landscape. I wonder if others realize the potential of our city?

Pittsburgh is old, and was built by some of the original captains of industry, it was the city that built and fueled America with its steel and glass and coal. And the money that poured in was used to build amazing buildings, amazing communities and amazing places. For a long time Pittsburgh had a reputation of a smoky city, but that is not the case anymore, now that the skies are blue, it is up to us that live here to look at our city anew. Pittsburgh should not become a homogenized suburban city, not that it really ever could, with its twisting roads that climb over mountains, around rivers and across bridges.

We are a city of towns with lovely main streets, walkable communities and lush green spaces. We are a city of Victorian row homes, stone mansions and tree-lined brick streets. For Pittsburgh it is very possible that the best potential for the future is the same buildings and neighborhoods that were so much a part of our past. We just need to open our eyes and look around.

Buy or sell historic homes in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

Official announcement to be held at the Paramount Pictures Film Exchange on May 6th.

Pittsburgh, PA, May 4, 2011 – The Young Preservationists Association (YPA) of Pittsburgh has named the Stables Building, in the Allegheny West Neighborhood, as one of 2011’s Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area. Built in 1895, the Stables Building was once home to Allegheny City’s team of working horses. Now it is the only public building remaining attributed to Allegheny City, and a prime development opportunity in a prime location on the Northside.

The YPA’s list is released annually and includes endangered historic sites in the Pittsburgh area that are good candidates for preservation and reuse. Since YPA released its first Top Ten List in 2003, more than $80 million has been invested into properties placed on YPA’s List, including the creation of an estimated 12,454 construction and trade-related jobs, 230 housing units, and $750,000 in additional annual wage tax revenue. The list will be officially announced at YPA’s annual Historic Preservation Month Celebration on Friday, May 6, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Entitled “Celebrate Historic Treasures in Southwestern Pennsylvania,” the event takes place at the Paramount Pictures Film Exchange, located at 1727 Boulevard of the Allies.

The 20,400 sq. ft. Stables Building has been designated as city historic structure and is a cornerstone of the Allegheny West Civic Council’s (AWCC) Loft District Master Plan. “AWCC’s goal is to preserve and transform the late nineteenth century industrial corridor along W. North Avenue by guiding its transformation into an exciting mixed-use area that will include new green spaces, gardens, lighting and street landscaping.” explains Timothy Zinn, President of AWCC. “The Stables Building is one piece of a very exciting future for our neighborhood.” Two other parcels in the neighborhood, the Hipwell and Value Added Foods buildings are already beginning the residential development process.

The Northside Leadership Conference has been working with AWCC to lay the groundwork for development of the site. “Our objective was to establish a blank canvas for a developer or individual to step in and bring the space to life,” explains NSLC’s Director of Real Estate, Nancy Noszka. “We have completed site clean out and most preliminary evaluations of the site. The high ceilings, arched windows and brick walls make the building well suited for lofts, a modern live/work space or artist studios.”

The turn-of-the-century Romanesque building also benefits by its location in historic Allegheny West, one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful, walkable and conveniently located neighborhoods. Renewal efforts, which will be completed this summer on Western Avenue, have paid off with a welcoming atmosphere and new business activity, and the neighborhood is within easy walking, biking and subway distance of Downtown, CCAC, Allegheny General, and a multitude of sporting, entertainment and family venues. Watch A Video Tour of Allegheny West.

The Stables Building is for sale at $325,000. Numerous tax credits and development incentives are available. Information can be found online at http://www.thestablesbuilding.com. The Stables Building is being marketing by RE/MAX Select Realty, agent Christa Ross 724-933-6300 x214, christaross@remax.net.

About Allegheny West Civic Council: is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and development of a vital Allegheny West neighborhood.

About Northside Leadership Conference: NSLC is a coalition of Northside community-based organizations, committed to addressing mutual concerns through a united approach in order to promote and enhance the vitality, quality of life and image of Pittsburgh’s Northside.

About The Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh:YPA is a regional provider of value-added preservation services that encourage the participation of young people in historic preservation.

About RE/MAX Select Realty: RE/MAX Select Realty is a full service, real estate brokerage ranked #1 in per agent productivity in Western Pennsylvania.

Knowing what the real estate market is like in Pittsburgh is vital when it comes to making the decision of whether or not to develop in one area.

Consider several important factors, the value and opportunity to make money varies from one area of Pittsburgh to another. Some places may seem very appealing, but when the area is examined more closely and effectively, the potential income is just not there to be made.

How is the real estate market in your area?
Unlike some areas of the country, Pittsburgh has a stable real estate market that allows for a safer investment environment with modest returns. If you are planning to develop a property, you will want to properly research the area and gather all the information you may need. Finding a Pittsburgh real estate market that is in the initial stages of re-development and growth is a market with the potential to earn money. Also, you should have a general idea of the types of properties that are selling the fastest and for the most. Ask for this kind of information from your real estate agent. You can find good resources online to help in your review of different areas for development. One of these is City-Data’s Pittsburgh forum.

Get assistance
When you are looking at purchasing a Pittsburgh property for development there is much more to it than what meets the eyes. You should contact a Pittsburgh real estate agent for assistance.

What kind of neighborhood is it?
Choosing a property that is within an area of growth and development in Pittsburgh will raise your chances of success. Look for things like new structures, developments, and renovations when choosing the right Pittsburgh neighborhood for a real estate investment. Having the ability to choose the right property to develop is something that may not seem simple at first glance. Enlisting the help of an agent, knowing the kind of real estate market you are in, and studying the area in Pittsburgh for economic growth and potential is the groundwork laid for all sound real estate investments.

Investing in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.