Almost a decade ago, Pittsburgh nonprofit ACTION‐Housing decided to focus its new development efforts in communities of opportunity, where low-income households and those in need of supportive services easily can access transit, fresh food, medical care, education, jobs, and other amenities.
Last year, it completed its second development in the city’s desirable Squirrel Hill neighborhood, transforming the site of a landmark theater that had become an eyesore since its closing in 2010 into the Flats on Forward.
The urban infill development comprises 43 units of affordable housing for households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income, with 11 units set aside for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities. In addition, the first floor includes 10,000 square feet of office space for Supportive Housing Management Services, the property management arm of ACTION-Housing, and the second floor offers parking and storage.
“The project required a mission-driven developer, such as ACTION-Housing, to balance the community’s need for more affordable housing with redeveloping this key gateway to the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh,” says Lena Andrews, CEO of the nonprofit. “As a result, the project has revitalized an iconic intersection while maintaining affordability and promoting economic diversity in the neighborhood.”
Flats on Forward is within walking distance to numerous community resources and near several major public transportation routes, connecting residents to the rest of the city. An on-site coordinator also connects residents with social services as needed.
Courtesy ACTION-Housing
The development team, which included architect Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, general contractor PJ Dick, sustainability firm Iams Consulting, and engineer Morris Knowles, overcame numerous site challenges on the infill development, including the repair of a failing city street built on top of an underground vault filled with asbestos and the relocation of a gas-regulating station to another private site in the neighborhood. The development serves as an innovative model of energy efficiency and utilizes elements of passive house construction. Other highlights include outdoor public space on the ground floor and a community room on the top floor that offers sweeping views of the city.
“The feedback from residents and the community has been positive,” adds Andrews. “Many have welcomed the revitalization of the area, appreciate the affordable housing options available, and value the mixed-use aspect that contributes to the local economy.”
The $25 million development was financed with 9% low-income housing tax credit equity provided through National Equity Fund. It also received soft loans and grants from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. Additional financing was provided by BNY Mellon, Bridgeway Capital, the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Treasury Department’s Capital Magnet Funds.
