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| BDAC's MISSION |
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To serve as a an action-oriented community -based group, committed to advising and supporting the Township through a comprehensive initiative to revitalize Stowe's central business district.
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| ALLEGHENY TOGETHER |
Allegheny Together endeavors to encourage well-planned, well-designed and geographically-focused investment in the established, urban commercial districts of Allegheny County while respecting the unique history, character, and built environment of each. The program aims to help organize and empower each community to fulfill its collective vision. |
 A PROGRAM OFAlleghenty County Economic Development |
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Downtown Recognition Award
John R. Rybka has been chosen as the Third Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient by the Stowe Business District Advisory Committee. He is the owner of Lynn's Cafe building at 800 Broadway and several others in town. He is a long-time resident and property owner and has a long history of service to the community. John also has a wonderful record of well-maintained and managed properties. Currently, he is exploring a partnership with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) to restore the 733 Broadway building, which is located at the key intersection of Dorman and Broadway avenues.
The BDAC committee thanks John for his commitment to Stowe and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.
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Allegheny Restores Success Story
Dr. Claudia Wendel, a prominent Stowe optometrist recently renovated her facade through the assistance of the Downtown Facade Restoration program available through Allegheny Restores. Here is her story:
I remember coming home from optometry school in the 80's and seeing downtown Broadway being transformed into "Main Street USA". It made West Park attractive and welcoming.
Over the years, like most towns, it has slipped into disrepair and I am happy to see the Allegheny Restores program returning. I am also happy to see that today's program, even though there are restrictions, leaves room for creativity and diversity. I was pleased that our ordinance officers worked with me and Town Center Associates to modify the ordinances to meet today's changing technology and styles.
Although there were a few bumps along the way, the end result speaks for itself. I believe I have a sign that will, hopefully, not only bring in new business but also adds to the beauty of Stowe. I hope other business owners/ property owners take advantage of this program and together we can restore our town to its original luster.
Narrative by Dr. Claudia Wendel
Dr. Claudia Wendel's "eye gotcha"808 Broadway Avenue
(For more information on Allegheny Restores, please see below.) |
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Downtown Façade Restoration Assistance
The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) is offering assistance to business owners and building owners who wish to make physical improvements to their building façades through the Allegheny Restores Program.
The following criteria will be used to determine whether an applicant is eligible for a façade renovation grant.
- LOCATION: Businesses must be located in an Allegheny Together community that is in year two or beyond of the program. Projects located within the core business district boundary will be given priority.
- TYPE OF BUSINESS: Eligible businesses include commercial establishments with street-level storefront entrances.
Note: Preference is given to structures fifty years old or older.
- OCCUPANCY: Unoccupied buildings are eligible, but buildings currently occupied by eligible businesses will be given priority. Owner occupancy is not required; approval of tenant-initiated projects is contingent on the property owner's agreement to adhere to program requirements.
Eligible Activities Include:
1. Architectural Services
2. I mprovements to the Façade of an Existing Building. Examples include:
-Repointing and cleaning brick
-Painting walls and trim
-Repairing or replacing woodwork or other decorative architectural elements
-Installing canvas awnings
-Fabrication and installation of signage
-Installation of exterior lighting
-Restoring or rehabilitating an existing storefront
-Removing incompatible or historically inappropriate exterior finishes
-Replacing or repairing windows and doors
3.Construction of the Façade of a New Building, where the design of the façade is compatible with existing architecture in the business district.
4.Roof repair is not eligible for this program.
The next round of applications is due by September 25, 2009.
For more specific information, please visit www.alleghenytogether.com and click on "Allegheny Restores" under Special Programs in the left-hand column.
Allegheny County encourages you to please call and discuss your project with them prior to completing the application. For questions or clarification regarding the program or application please contact:
Jessica Mooney (412) 350-3300
Lance Chimka (412) 350-1018
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DowntownProperties.Net 
DowntownProperties.net is a new business recruitment tool being offered to communities by Town Center Associates. The website is a central source of information of properties available for sale or lease in your downtown. Properties in the business district can be listed on DowntownProperties.net at no charge to building owners and/or real estate professionals.
Please visit www.downtownproperties.net for an easily accessible listing of property availability in Allegheny Together communities as well as other downtown-based Western Pennsylvania communities. If you have a property located in your community's downtown which does not already appear on the site and you would like to have it listed, please call Town Center Associates at 412-577-7447.
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PHLF UPDATE
The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) has been pleased to be able to help Stowe's downtown revitalization effort by working on a special project that the Business District Avisory Committee has identified as a high priority. This initial project is focused on the 733 Broadway building, which sits on the corner of Broadway and Dohrman streets. The first floor has been vacant for over a year now. Most recently it was home to a bar. The upper floor residential units have been vacant for many years.
The condition of the building has been deteriorating. The roof is in poor condition and there is substantial water damage inside and to the masonry on the exterior. It is in poor enough condition that there has been talk of demolishing it to avoid any possible safety hazards. Earlier this summer, PHLF inspected the building along with local Borough and Fire Department officials so that we could give our advice on whether or not the building was too far gone to be saved.
While the building does require substantial work, we are recommending against demolition. The building is in similar condition to many that we see and work on in southwestern PA. Structurally, the building still seems in solid condition, though that may change if the roof is not repaired soon. With a new roof and some exterior masonry work, the building would be stabilized and even ready for first floor occupancy. The second and third floors are another matter: they will require a complete gutting and restoration.
Demolition would leave a missing gap and street-face along the 700 block of Broadway Ave. Right now, we believe one of the most important assets of downtown Stowe is the sense of place created by the intact historic buildings on Broadway. The stylistic unity is striking. It is what differentiates Stowe. We would hate to see that start to unravel.
Since our site visit, we have been working with the Business District Advisory Committee and the borough on ways to possibly get site control of the building and begin, at least, to
stabilize it for future re-use.
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| This e-newsletter was created by Town Center Asociates for the Allegheny Together Program of Allegheny County Economic Development. For more information about the Allegheny Together program, please visit www.alleghenytogether.com. |
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