Last week the City of Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Board of Directors approved a series of resolutions that will allow initial construction work on the former Masonic Temple to move forward. The board authorized entering into an agreement with the Pittsburgh Economic and Industrial Development Corporation, a URA development affiliate, to complete core and shell construction. This will involve work to both the exterior and interior of the building on North Avenue in Allegheny City Central.

“We’re pleased that the URA has taken steps to help move this important development to fruition,” says Andrew Wickesberg, president of Allegheny City Central Association. “City of Asylum’s Alphabet City will help anchor the entire block and further establish our neighborhood as a destination for arts and culture.”  

The URA board also approved entering exclusive negotiations with City of Asylum Pittsburgh for the sale of the Masonic Building.  

Watch ACCA “Weekend Update” for progress reports on the Garden Theater block redevelopment.