It’s not easy getting older: the wear and tear, the aches and pains; gravity is nobody’s friend. But the historic Produce Terminal in Pittsburgh’s Strip District just got a new lease on life: after five years of negotiations, developer McCaffery Interests has started renovation work.
“New roof, replacing windows, masonry repairs, there’s a lot of masonry restoration cause there’s been water infiltration,” said Pamela Austin, senior project manager for McCaffery. “Of course there will be the docks and stairs and ramps all the building of the structures outward from the Produce Terminal on the Smallman Street side.”
The city will begin its work to overhaul Smallman Street in September. The planned features include the addition of sidewalks, public plazas, and bike lanes.
McCaffery Interests expects to finish its basic renovations by summer 2020, but tenant build-outs will take longer. Plans include a food hall and room for local and regional retailers.
The company will work simultaneously to overhaul another building across the street at 1600 Smallman. First floor retail will be accompanied by office space and a parking garage at the former warehouse.
“We’re just thrilled that we closed on both projects and we can get going,” said Austin.
McCaffery’s leasing team is already working to sign contracts with tenants for both buildings.
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority completed its water and sewer line replacement work along Smallman Street, its largest such project to date, but has to wait for warmer temperatures to pour concrete to refinish the street.
