FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contacts
For RIDC: Steven Alschuler, salschuler@ridc.org, 917-647-2151
For URA: Tanika Harris, tharris@ura.org
Ferguson ribbon cutting at Fairywood, pictured (left to right): Senator Wayne Fontana, Representative Dan Deasy, Council Member Theresa Kail-Smith, County Executive Sara Innamorato, Ferguson Area Manager Jay Ray, Mayor Ed Gainey, RIDC President Donald F. Smith, Jr., and URA Chief Development Officer Tom Link.
RIDC and URA Welcome Ferguson to Fairywood;
Public-Private Partnership Brings Economic Activity to Long-Dormant Site
Pittsburgh, February 22, 2024 – The Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern PA (RIDC), the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) and other community and governmental leaders cut a ceremonial ribbon and welcomed Ferguson, a project success company providing expertise, solutions, and products from infrastructure, plumbing, and appliances to HVAC, fire, and fabrication, to the Fairywood neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
This new 150,000-square foot building is a public-private partnership and joint venture between the URA and RIDC, with the governmental entity and the private nonprofit developer both contributing equity to the project and working together on a successful strategy. The project also received support from the Commonwealth: $3.5 million in the form of a grant and a loan from the Business In Our Sites (BIOS) program and a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant. The balance of the $23 million project was financed commercially through TriState Capital Bank.
Ferguson began moving into the facility last month. The new location promises to expand the services available to contractors and skilled trade professionals in the region, ensuring swift inventory access and various delivery options including the convenience of Pro Pick-Up services in as little as one hour, same-day or next-day delivery options.
Ferguson Area Manager Jay Ray said: “At this location, we’re positioned to better serve the evolving demands of trade professionals with our comprehensive supply range and strategic shipping capabilities, all while forging deep community connections and contributing to local growth. By establishing our roots in Fairywood, we aim to invigorate the local economy and set a precedent for other businesses to discover the potential here. Our focus remains on exceeding our customers’ expectations by enhancing our service offerings and delivery capabilities in this dynamic region.”
RIDC and the URA entered into their partnership agreement in 2022. The site previously was a public housing development that has been vacant since it was damaged by a hurricane over 15 years ago. The building is the first of two planned by RIDC and URA for the 25-acre site, targeting industrial and distribution uses.
“I am never surprised by the power of partnerships and intentional collaboration,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “We are seeing that power unfold in the Fairywood community, as we celebrate the opening of the Fairywood Development Site. The work RIDC and the URA have been able to accomplish together only further solidifies Pittsburgh as a hub for economic development, all while moving us towards the vision of a city where every resident can thrive. I’m proud of the work RIDC and the URA have done and will continue doing to ensure a flourishing economic ecosystem for everyone in Pittsburgh.”
“I am grateful to Ferguson for seeing the value of continuing their investment in the District 2 area,” said Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith. “I also appreciate the collaboration between our City, Allegheny County and State leaders over the past four or more years as we worked on this industrial site and a residential site across the street, which is bringing jobs and housing to Fairywood. A special thank you to the residents who provided guidance for both plans in their community.”
URA Chief Development Officer Tom Link said: “The URA is proud to have partnered with RIDC to deliver this important project and new investment to Fairywood. Thank you to Ferguson for their commitment to bring substantial new job creation to our city. This project demonstrates the URA’s and the City of Pittsburgh’s commitment to create new jobs through support of our region’s industrial, manufacturing, and distribution industries.”
“This partnership with the URA was an excellent opportunity to bring economic development and jobs to a site that hadn’t seen activity in many years,” said RIDC President Donald F. Smith, Jr. “We hope Ferguson’s presence here sends a signal that Fairywood is open for business and enables us to keep the momentum going – bringing job creating companies to this community.”
“Ferguson’s occupancy will not only give the Fairywood site purpose again, after sitting vacant for more than 15 years, it will bring jobs to the community,” said Tim White, RIDC Senior Vice President. “This public-private joint venture between RIDC and the URA is an example of how to marshal resources and expertise to spur new development – and we hope development of Fairywood’s second parcel will be able to take place very soon.”
State Senator Wayne Fontana commented that: “This project is a great example of how thoughtful and targeted state investments can turn vacant and blighted areas into attractive locations for businesses to set up shop and create jobs for all kinds of workers with a variety of skill sets.”
“RIDC and the URA of Pittsburgh have done a tremendous job in revitalizing the Fairywood neighborhood of the City,” said State Representative Dan Deasy. “I am proud to have supported the $3.5 million in state investment into this industrial park development. The total investment and the completion of this first phase with the signing of Ferguson will lead to much-needed jobs in the area. I look forward to the next phase of commercial development in Fairywood and the completion of the City’s first senior-only residential housing community in the West End.”
About Ferguson
Ferguson plc (NYSE: FERG; LSE: FERG) is a leading value-added distributor in North America providing expertise, solutions and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more. We exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful and sustainable. Ferguson is headquartered in the U.K., with its operations and associates solely focused on North America and managed from Newport News, Virginia. For more information, please visit corporate.ferguson.com or follow us on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/ferguson-enterprises.
About RIDC
The mission of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation is to catalyze and support economic growth and high-quality job creation through real estate development, finance of projects and public policy advocacy that advances the public interest. A not-for-profit entity, RIDC has developed over 2,800 acres in 15 industrial and innovation parks and manages over seven million square feet. More about RIDC can be found at www.ridc.org.
About URA
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh’s economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.
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Media Coverage:
Pittsburgh Business Times – Official opening of new West End project welcomes HVAC distributor to Fairywood
KDKA – Pittsburgh leaders cut the ribbon at site of Fairywood revitalization project
WPXI – Leaders celebrate new building, jobs at former housing site in Fairywood
