PNC Financial Services Group is hoping to revitalize a corner of Wood Street near its Downtown headquarters by renovating and repurposing two historic buildings as well as one other.
The bank plans to restore the historic character of the Skinny and the John M. Roberts & Co. buildings dating back to the early 1990s while adding gallery and collaborative work space as part of its plans.
“The goal here is to revitalize this corner, being able to bring new commerce here as well as new activities and uses,” said Teresa Bucco, a senior architect with the AE7 architectural firm handling the project.
Ms. Bucco presented the plans on behalf of PNC during a development activities meeting Thursday before the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
PNC is acquiring the Skinny and Roberts buildings at the corner of Wood Street and Forbes Avenue from the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority for $1.3 million.
It also paid $1.35 million last year to acquire a building at 433 Wood next to the two URA structures that also will be part of the upcoming project.
The bank is planning to renovate the inside of the three buildings so that they act as one cohesive unit rather than three separate structures.
In doing so, Ms. Bucco said it is taking care to restore and keep in place the historic elements of the Roberts and Skinny buildings, both of which are currently vacant.
As part of that endeavor, PNC intends to install operational windows at street level on the Forbes Avenue side of the Skinny Building and fill the spaces with retailers or restaurants that will be open to the public throughout the year.
At the corner of Wood and Forbes, the Skinny Building, considered an urban oddity, measures a mere 5 feet, 2 inches wide and 80 feet long. It is considered by its enthusiasts to be the world’s thinnest building.
The biggest changes will take place at 433 Wood, where PNC is planning a demolition and infill as part of its plan to align the floors in the three buildings. Stairs and elevators will be put in at 433 Wood so as not to cause as much disruption to the other two buildings.
At the Skinny Building, as part of its deal with the city, PNC is adding two floors of art gallery space in addition to the retail. It also is planning event and collaborative work space for its employees as part of the project.
The bank has agreed to a 99-year covenant to protect the facades of the Skinny and Roberts buildings.
PNC also has purchased another building at 439 Wood for $2.76 million and is in the process of acquiring another at 443 Wood as part of its plan to revitalize the block.
Mark Belko: mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.
First Published: April 14, 2022, 11:39 p.m.
