Strip District could get long-awaited grocery store
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A grocery store with housing above it could come to Railroad Street. Image: Courtesy of Indovina Associates Architects
The city's fastest-growing neighborhood may be getting its grocery store back.
Why it matters: The Strip District has exploded in population over the years — now home to over 3,200 residents and growing — and it still needs a full-service market.
Driving the news: New York-based Midwood Investment & Development proposed a mixed-use property with housing and a grocery store last month to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission.
Flashback: Marty's Market, a high-end grocery that sat at a site now occupied by Coop Deville, closed in 2016.
- The neighborhood has lacked a full-service grocery store since.
The details: The proposal includes two buildings — one five stories and the other seven — that would include 464 housing units, replacing the Consumer Fresh Produce warehouse on Railroad and 21st streets.
- It includes a garage with 344 parking spaces and 100 bicycle spaces.
- Public restrooms are expected to be a part of the project, which abuts the Riverfront Trail, project architect Ryan Indovina told the commission last month.
- The proposal includes a 37,000-square-foot grocery store for the first floor of the shorter building, on the southwest corner of the structure.
Yes, but: Midwood senior vice president Scott Hayner told the commission on Nov. 18 the company has had conversations with many potential grocery tenants, but does not yet have a signed commitment.
Context: Consumer Fresh Produce is moving its facility upriver to Lawrenceville.
What they're saying: "It's going to change this section of the Strip District for the positive. It is going to make the Strip District more of a livable neighborhood," said Bill Sittig, an attorney representing Midwood, at the meeting.
State of play: The neighborhood historically was a warehouse hub and weekend attraction, but has been evolving over the years, adding new restaurants, breweries, tech offices, apartments, and pedestrian- and bike-friendly infrastructure.
What's next: The planning commission unanimously approved the development last month.
- A timeline for construction has not yet been provided.