This week, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) granted an extension until July 28 for Allegheny City Development Group LLC to close on the former Masonic Temple on North Avenue. The Masonic building will move forward with City of Asylum Pittsburgh as the anchor tenant, and the timetable for the rest of the buildings on the block has been accelerated.

As part of this extension, the Philadelphia-based developer will give up their rights to develop other buildings along North Avenue. These buildings will now be marketed to other developers. Given the strong level of interest in the buildings that the URA is currently accepting proposals on, we expect these buildings will attract interest as well.

Proposals are due to the URA today for 1113 and 1115 North Avenue and the Bradbury on Reddour Street. To date, nearly a half dozen developers have expressed interest.

We’re also pleased to report that construction is nearly complete on the core and shell work for the former Garden Theater. Soon, the building will be turned over to Dominic Branduzzi to complete the fit out of ARDE Restaurant for occupancy in late fall 2014.