Who We Are
The EastShore is
Pittsburgh at its best
Our community is comprised of the neighborhoods of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale. We are an area steeped in tradition and bursting with potential. We have strong community associations, vibrant and emerging retail quarters, quick access to the core of the region and miles of riverfront on the Monongahela River. And we are right in the middle of Allegheny County.
Check out more NEWS from the EastShore https://eastshorepgh.com/news-in-the-eastshorepgh/
#VisitEastShore #VisitEastShorePgh #Braddock #NorthBraddock #RankinBorough15104 #Swissvale #LiveWorkPlay #GreatPlaceToLive #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #SmallBiz #ShopEatPlay #EZCB
2024 EZCB Annual Meeting
The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock was held on February 13. Vice President Michael Aldrich and Treasurer Michael Tobias retired from the Board of Directors. Danielle Vasquez of Triton Holdings in Rankin and Chelsea Burket, owner of the Swissvale Dari Delite were elected to replace them on the Board. Mary Manges of the Braddock’s Battlefield History Center was elected as a non-profit organization representative. Rob Parker returns as a Board Member representing Braddock Council.
Subsequently, the following Executive Committee officers were elected:
President: William J. Pfoff
Vice President: David Gumpher
Secretary: Deneen Swartzwelder, Mayor of Swissvale
Treasurer: Charles Bennett
EZCB has been successful in securing substantial funding to implement the EastShore Report. This strategy document was undertaken in conjunction with the Urban Land Institute based in Washington, D.C. At the February 13 meeting, the Board of Directors authorized funding various initiatives and other actions to support community and economic development in the boroughs of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale. According to EZCB President William Pfoff,
“We’re seeing new investment taking place in the neighborhoods and business districts. At the Carrie Furnace site, one new building is nearing completion and a second one is planned. The goal of the EastShore Initiative is ‘Improving Prosperity in the EastShore!’ We look forward to working with our local government partners, private sector representatives and the non-profit groups to transform the area.”
BRADDOCK ARTS AND MEDIA (BAM) BUILDING
Please won’t you be our neighbor!
The historic Carnegie Cooperative building (built by Andrew Carnegie himself) at 818 Braddock Avenue, is being rehabilitated!
This magnificent structure is being transformed into the BAM Building and the new home of Pearl Arts, a nonprofit dance and recording studio that will occup the entire 5,000+ sq ft. third floor. See the exciting announcement here: https://www.pearlartsstudios.com/newfuture.
As of November 2023, the 1st and 2nd floors are available for elease, have open floor plans, 15-foot ceilings, and long-term low rent leases available.
The $17 million renovation of the Braddock Carnegie Library and Theater is just up the block.
If you are interested in learning more or touring the property, please contact Robert Ketcham 412-863-6646 or ketchamphotography@gmail.com.
Heritage Highlands – Rankin
The Grand Opening for the Heritage Highlands neighborhood and the Michael F. Doyle Community Center dedication in Rankin was held on November 1st. The 54 unit, $20 million first phase of the development represents a transformation of the Hawkins Village site.
Many local and state elected officials along with representatives for the many government agencies were in attendance. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr. introduced the dignitaries. Dr. Slaughter is very familiar with the area as he was a banker in Braddock and served as Treasurer of the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB).
Former Congressman Doyle and a native of Swissvale, who recently retired, was honored for his 28 years in the U.S. Congress and his support for the Heritage Highlands development and the many projects and initiatives he supported.
The Mayor and members of Rankin Council were cited for their cooperation in helping the project move forward.
The master plan will be completed in two phases. The $20 million first phase which broke ground in June 2022, is now available for new tenants. The $22 million second phase will provide an additional 51 units.
- Pictured: Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mike Doyle at Heritage Highlands.
- Pictured in front of the Michael F. Doyle Community Center are (Left – Right) Bill Pfoff, Rankin Council Member and EZCB President, Rankin Council Vice President Faye Powell and William (Lucky) Price, Rankin Council President.
Carrie Furnace Development
First panel going up at Carrie Furnace. (September 19, 2023) #crepgh
SWISSVALE DARI DELITEWe were back at the Dari Delite to visit with Chelsea Burket and she fills us in on her 3rd season at the Swissvale Dari Delite, support from the Enterprise Zone & how she partners with local businesses. She makes a sundae with fudge brownies from the Triangle Grill (Bread Co) and fresh whipped cream from Turner’s Dairy. (This past spring she worked with Braddock’s Brassero Grill for a churro sundae.) The Dari Delite is always busy so the video is loud. It’s a good reminder that when you stop by, make sure to speak up so the best ice cream preparers in the EastShore can hear you! #VisitEastShorePgh #Braddock #NorthBraddock #rankinborough #Swissvale #LiveWorkPlay #GreatPlaceToLive #EconomicDevelopment #smallbusiness #ShopEatPlay #supportlocal #EZCB |
Rankin Borough Exits Act 47
“Rankin Borough’s celebration of exiting Act 47 has been a labor of love for our community. I commend the current and past council members, mayors, our staff and residents. Their commitment and persistence to stay on course to reach this moment is a wonderful reflection of each and every one of us. The new development within the borough and fiscal independence just proves that when you stay focused, committed and work together all things are possible. This is the beginning of endless possibilities for Rankin, “ – Council President Price.
Carrie Furnace – RIDC
Construction has begun at Carrie Furnace! This has been more than 20 years in the planning. Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) has a couple of videos on the site availability and history. You can also see stories on how this project evolved at the RIDC website Home – RIDC: Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
https://youtu.be/5WYczDL4d1Q
https://youtu.be/cX2ALGbxtCs
RIDC catalyzes and supports economic growth through high quality job creation, real estate development and financing of projects that advance the public interest – developing real estate to capture emerging and existing growth opportunities across diverse industry sectors.
Pittsburgh Business Times article Construction underway at historic Carrie Furnace site – Pittsburgh Business Times (bizjournals.com)
And coming soon The Pittsburgh Film Office. Carrie Furnace – Pittsburgh Film Office (pghfilm.org)
EZCB Business Loan Program Guidelines
Enterprise Zone Corp of Braddock, serving Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale, offers low-interest loans that stimulate business development and create new jobs. Projects can include acquiring land and buildings, renovations and infrastructure improvements, purchase of machinery and equipment, and building inventory and working capital.
The number of jobs to be created, especially for local residents, will be a factor in determining the amount of the loan. Loans can be up to 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum of $100,000. The loan must be secured with adequate collateral. The fixed interest rate is 4%.
10/14/22 – Carrie Furnace Groundbreaking
Federal, State and Local Officials along with interested parties were on hand for the RIDC groundbreaking at the historical Carrie Furnace in Rankin and Swissvale.
Attending at the Carrie Furnace Groundbreaking: (from left) Rankin Council President Lucky Price, Swissvale native and United States Representative Mike Doyle, Swissvale Mayor and EZCB Secretary Deneen Swartzwelder and Rankin Councilman and EZCB President Bill Pfoff.
2022 – EZCB worked with the Urban Land Institute to create a Strategic Plan for the EastShore area. EastShore is an initiative of EZCB to promote the assets and opportunities and the many events and activities taking place in the communities of Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin and Swissvale – ULI Advisory Services Panel Strategic Planning Report for EZCBs.
ULI’s Advisory Services Program has decades of providing assistance to cities, towns and organizations throughout the United States and the world.
This 3-day panel completed work the week of June 6, 2022, here in the EastShore area. During that time the panel, directly and through its staff, studied the designated area; consulted with public and private officials, representatives of other relevant organizations, and other individuals familiar with the problems involved; and prepared its conclusions and recommendations. The report was presented to the EZCB in oral form at the close of the on-site assignment.
On September 20, 2022, the EZCB announced the EastShore Plan. Approximately 50 people heard former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy, a Senior Fellow with ULI, review the plan and discuss initiatives to improve the EastShore area.
Mr. Murphy encouraged the group to “dream big” to transform the area. He cited the success of groups that have revitalized their communities. He said he can see similar success taking place in the EastShore.
Check out our YouTube channel for videos of some of our great businesses and what our four communities have to offer. EastShore Pgh – YouTube
OUR BACKGROUND
The EastShore is an initiative spearheaded by the Enterprise Zone Corp. of Braddock (EZCB), along with its public and private partners. Over the past 30 years, the EZCB’s activities in the communities it supports have resulted in over 100 development projects, $400 million dollars of private investment, and nearly 500 new jobs.
OUR GOALS
Reintroduce the neighborhood to the Pittsburgh region through an extensive marketing and outreach effort…
THIS WILL INCLUDE
- A website showcasing EastShore businesses, restaurants, real-estate and other attractions
- Neighborhood signage with our logo
- Deepening our connections with local municipalities and small business owners in order to build on the community’s economic momentum
- Building on the area’s existing events and attractions
WE ENCOURAGE
- Small businesses to relocate and expand within the EastShore
- Individuals to move to our communities and put down roots
- Visits to our historic sites
- Growth in our retail corridors, through marketing them as a regional destination
- Large-scale revitalization along both the riverfront and in the heart of the community
Interested in Becoming a Partner?
Adding your information is easy just click here to fill out our form.
OUR COMMUNITIES
