FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Desiree Niccoli, desiree@alschulerpr.com, 412-535-5701
RIDC Names PJ Dick Construction Manager for First Phase of Carrie Furnace Construction
Pittsburgh, PA—February 14, 2023—Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) announced that it has engaged PJ Dick, one of the region’s largest construction companies, as Construction Manager for the first phase of construction at the historic Carrie Furnace site.
Phase 1, which consists of 13+ acres, includes the main access road into the site and utility extensions (water, sanitary, electric, gas, fiber, storm, lighting, and traffic signalization). The road infrastructure and utility work, which is expected to be complete summer of 2023, is currently being performed by Mele, Mele, & Sons.
PJ Dick has been awarded the single-story, 60,000 square foot Phase 1 Tech Flex Building, which is currently being marketed to potential tenants. The project will consist of core and shell construction with flex/office space, mechanical and electrical spaces, loading docks, and associated parking lots, hardscaping/ landscaping, and site lighting.
At the same time, plans are also being developed and design work is underway for a film studio at the site. RIDC is working with the Pittsburgh Film Office and other interested parties on creating The Film Furnace – a film studio campus with purpose built sound stages and other amenities.
The entire site – 55 acres of developable land which would accommodate an estimated 550,000 to 600,000 square feet of construction – has as a backdrop the existing furnace structures, managed by Rivers of Steel as a national historic site.
Also, the County plans to create a riverside pedestrian and bike trail along the Monongahela River and connect the Carrie Furnace Hot Metal Bridge to the Great Allegheny Passage, as well as to the Westmoreland Heritage Trail via the Turtle Creek Valley.
“It’s great to see these initial signs of progress as we move forward in transforming this long-vacant site into a center of jobs and economic activity,” said Donald F. Smith, Jr., RIDC President. “We look forward to Carrie Furnace being not only a historic site, but an important node in our region’s economic future.”
“We’re grateful to be partnering with the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County and to receive continuing support from Congress, State and County,” said Timothy White, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy. “Massive, catalytic, revitalization projects like this one don’t happen in isolation, and they don’t happen without government support.”
“Having recently successfully completed RIDC’s green tech-flex building, Mill 19C at Hazelwood Green, we’re grateful to continue our partnership on another exciting historic project,” said Frank Babik, PJ Dick Vice President, Division Manager. “We look forward to being a part of the community’s transformation.”
About RIDC:
The mission of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern PA is to catalyze and support economic growth and high-quality job creation through policy advocacy, real estate development and finance of projects that advance the public interest. A not-for-profit entity, RIDC has developed over 2,800 acres in 14 industrial and innovation parks and manages over 7 million square feet. More information is available at www.ridc.org.
About PJ Dick:
PJ Dick is one of the industry’s leading construction management firms, planning and building some of the region’s most prominent projects for major universities, hospitals, businesses, sports teams and industries.
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Media Coverage:
Pittsburgh Business Times – RIDC announces PJ Dick to build first project at Carrie Furnace site
