What once was a repository for books and whispers could soon become another building block in Hazelwood’s revitalization.
The Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority issued a request for proposals Tuesday to transform the former Hazelwood branch of Carnegie Library into a mixed-use complex that would complement other activity in the neighborhood.
In its solicitation, the URA stated it is looking for a “high quality, residential, community or special purpose facility” that would preserve the historic character of the old library.
The vacant red brick building accented with stone or terra cotta closed in 2003 after a 103-year run.
Designed by Alden & Harlow architects, it featured a mahogany circulation desk and stained glass dome, the only one of its kind among the Carnegie Library branches, as well as a 250-seat auditorium.
In a statement, city Councilman Corey O’Connor said there is a commitment to preserve the city-owned structure, which was designated a local historical landmark in 2004.
“We have a unique opportunity to bring a new use to a building that has been vacant for many years while investing in a historic asset,” he said.
The URA has set a $109,000 sales price for the library and several adjacent parcels. Proposals for its redevelopment are due Dec. 16, with the URA hoping to select a developer at its March board meeting.
In the request for proposals, the URA said any proposed reuse should be in keeping with the concepts and principles contained in the Greater Hazelwood Neighborhood Plan, which was unveiled Monday night but still has to be finalized.
That 138-page plan seeks to align potential development with residents’ priorities of preserving affordability, ensuring economic opportunities, and fixing longstanding transit issues.
The goal is to “develop without displacement.” Housing and job opportunities are among the top concerns of residents. The final plan is expected to be released this fall.
Sonya Tilghman, executive director of the Hazelwood Initiative, said there likely would be interest within the neighborhood in keeping at least a portion of the old library open for public use.
“It is very much a community asset,” she said. “Having some community accessibility would be important.”
The former library’s proximity to the Gladstone School, which is being targeted for housing, and the 178-acre Hazelwood Green redevelopment, makes it “a valuable site for changing people’s perception of the community,” Ms. Tilghman said.
While the Hazelwood Initiative does not plan to submit its own proposal for reusing the structure and the adjacent lots, it would be open to partnering with another developer, she said.
“We definitely want to see it preserved,” she noted. “It’s been vacant for a while. It can use the attention.”
The URA also has issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment of 30 properties it or the city owns on Second Avenue and surrounding streets, mainly between Hazelwood and Flowers avenues, at the west end of the neighborhood
It is seeking a “high-quality, mixed-use redevelopment project” at the critical neighborhood gateway about a block from Hazelwood Green, a former coke works plant. The proposals are due Oct. 17.
Mark Belko: mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.
First Published: September 17, 2019, 8:46 p.m.
