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Jewish Federation putting its Oakland headquarters up for sale

Jewish Federation putting its Oakland headquarters up for sale

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has put its longtime headquarters in Oakland up for sale as it eyes a new location for its offices.

Federation officials are seeking $4 million for the two-story, 14,000-square-foot office building at 234 McKee Place and an adjacent 2,000-square-foot house that until last year held the Holocaust Center of Greater Pittsburgh.

The federation has received “multiple offers” for the real estate in the two months it has been on the market, said Adam Hertzman, director of marketing. He declined to identify potential buyers because of ongoing negotiations.

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“We are pleased with the offers that we have received,” he said.

One local developer that has submitted an offer is Walnut Capital, which has been heavily involved in office and apartment projects in East Liberty, Larimer, Shadyside and Oakland.

Todd Reidbord, Walnut Capital president, said the firm sees the federation property as an “opportunity for residential development.” He noted the site is zoned residential.

CBRE and brokers David Koch and Jamie Pivarnik are marketing the real estate for the Jewish Federation. “I think that area and this site are ripe for a redevelopment opportunity,” Mr. Koch said.

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Like Mr. Hertzman, he would not name potential buyers.

PG graphic: The Jewish Federation building
(Click image for larger version)

Before any sale is finalized, Oakland Planning and Development Corp. would like to talk to the potential buyer about its proposal and “how it might fit within the zoning,” said executive director Wanda Wilson. She noted the properties sit in an area that serves as a transition from the commercial corridor to residential.

The federation put the properties up for sale in conjunction with its search for a new home. Mr. Hertzman said the organization has outgrown the current headquarters and is in search of space elsewhere in the city. It is seeking 20,000 to 30,000 square feet.

“We’re looking at locations in a number of different areas,” he said. “We would love to stay in Oakland because of the central location but the options in Oakland are limited.”

Mr. Hertzman said the federation started with a list of more than 20 potential locations for a new headquarters and has narrowed that down to 6. But he stressed nothing has been finalized. Another possibility, he noted, is partnering with another Jewish organization to share space.

Federation officials hope to move to a new location within two years. That depends on a number of factors — when the existing real estate is sold, how long the search for a new home will take, and the timetable for any construction related to a new headquarters.

The federation has been at its existing headquarters, which it built, since 1958. The main building is used primarily for administrative offices. The house donated by the Rudolph family has been used for the Holocaust Center, the Jewish Film Festival headquarters, and library and conference space.

The Holocaust Center opened in October at its new location on Hazelwood Avenue in Squirrel Hill.

Mark Belko: mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

First Published: February 10, 2016, 5:00 a.m.

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