Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership seeks more affordable housing

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - April 21, 2009
By Sam Spatter

A $3.5 million program aimed at using vacant upper floors of midsize Downtown buildings for condos or apartments was introduced Monday by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

The program will provide money to help building owners and investors complete financing needed to remodel or convert upper floors of their properties, said Patty Burk, vice president housing and economic development.

The Downtown Partnership's program has been talked about for more than a year, but it was delayed until money became available. The $3.5 million was provided by the Heinz Foundation and the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority. Each contributed half the amount.

"We are excited about the project and are happy to join the URA in providing $1.75 million program investment," said Mary Navarro, senior program director in arts and culture for the Heinz Foundation. "It is part of our Downtown housing strategy, the ability to attract people Downtown who may not be able to afford the luxury housing but can at a more moderately priced unit."

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