Spring Groundbreaking Eyed for Riverfront Park in Aspinwall
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
8 January 2012
By Alex Nixon
Construction could begin this spring on $100,000 in improvements
to an Aspinwall marina that a nonprofit group wants to convert
into a public riverfront park.
Aspinwall Riverfront Park Inc. has asked for proposals from
landscape architects and designers for transforming the 8-acre
Aspinwall Marina along the Allegheny River. A second nonprofit
group, Friends of the Riverfront, raised $2.3 million and
purchased the property in October.
"Aspinwall Riverfront Park property is a truly rare piece of urban
property that has the potential to be a community treasure and a
key link in Pittsburgh's spectacular trail system," said Susan
Crookston, a principal of Allegheny Development Partners, a
consultant to the project.
Crookston led efforts to raise money and buy the marina property
upon learning in 2010 that UPMC St. Margaret hospital was
interested in buying the land and using it for parking. Former
marina owner David Kushon had put the property up for sale for
$2.5 million.
Aspinwall Riverfront Park officials have said they want to hire a
design team that will develop a master plan for the space in
coordination with the public and community groups. Design teams
have until Jan. 18 to answer the group's request for proposals. A
selection committee will review proposals and identify five
finalists to interview. One design team from the group of
finalists will be chosen to begin the project.
Officials expect a two-phase development project, with the first
phase beginning in May and addressing "immediate needs," such as
adding pathways and lighting and making the park more attractive
and useful. The estimated budget for the first phase is $100,000.
A second phase could begin in December and, with a budget of $2
million, would include full implementation of the master plan,
including renovating existing buildings and constructing new
buildings, Aspinwall Riverfront Park officials said.
They want to keep the existing marina operation and add a
restaurant, coffee shop and retail space while improving green
space and adding trails around the property.
Funds for the improvements would be raised from the public and
foundations, said Bob Oltmanns, a spokesman for Aspinwall
Riverfront Park.
Alex Nixon can be reached at anixon@tribweb.com or 412-320-7928.