INITIATIVES
Highlights from our journey of revitalization, creative events, partnerships, and community engagement that bring Wilkinsburg together.
2016
Granted conservator of 900 Wood St and began renovations to the building.
The front street level windows were used as an art exhibition with Martha Rial.
2017
Hosted and participated in Launch Wilkinsburg facilitated by New Sun Rising from January - December.
Received occupancy for second floor offices on August 23, collaborating with the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce and Mansmann Foundation to bring a business resources center to the central business district.
Carnegie Mellon University graduate students hosted Coffee & Conversation to connect with the community and have conversations with residents to survey what they want to see in their business district from Oct 30 - Nov 23.
2018
Participated in the Wood St 2-way Street Festival in May and as a Mindhunter location for holding extras in September.
Ping & Pong Juice Bar pop-up worked with Learn & Earn local students who were interested in service industry job training.
Placemaking sidewalk art and mural installed by Center for Civic Arts, Yo Dawgs hot dog cart engaged with the community during the pandemic and riots, renovated the front street level space for future food business.
2019
9 Cafe opens in the front street level space having a grand opening on April 27 2019 with a ribbon cutting by the Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce on May 21.
The Love More mural by Shane Pilster was installed during the back street level space facade renovation.
From September through the lockdown of 2020 the back street level space engaged with the community with special events and indoor/ outdoor coworking seating.
2020
Jameelah’s Creations transformed the center street level space in March and EMERGE pop-up utilized the back street level space during the holiday season.
2021
The treescape was sponsored by Earth Volunteer Fund in December 2020, solving the parking issues that continuously occurred in the Ross Avenue bus lane with Spring installation of planters and plants.
Workshops included The Rite Of Passage facilitated by Violet Scott, an ongoing discussion of the redevelopment of Wilkinsburg and Comedy Underground facilitated by James Mullins, an amateur comedians group that met to try out new material.
2022
May 3 arson attempt to second floor offices.
May 27 Revive & Thrive block party.
June 12 arson of 9 cafe.
Fire remediation began to the front street level space at end of the year.
2023
Repaired second floor offices and continued planning the street level spaces buildouts.
2024
Hosted the Government Study Commission bi-weekly meeting
Journaling workshops facilitated by Violet Scott and Business Development workshops facilitated by Tamara of Rochelle Design.
Began working with eos Studio to finalize street level plans and to apply for permitting.
2025
Second floor offices utilized as a green room for Amazon Studios production filming.
On going collaborations with private investment, landlords, contractors, and local business owners to accelerate revitalization.
2026
Build out street level storefronts
Lease spaces to businesses that will benefit the community
LOOKING AHEAD: NEXT DECADE VISION
“Over the next decade we are excited to be a part of a thriving Wilkinsburg owned by its residents, with businesses owned by residents who employ residents which serve its residents’ needs and wants.”
“Strengths of the community include the express busway and public transportation, proximity to the City, access to major roadways, and having a smaller Borough government out way the perception of the area, the high school taxes, the real estate vacancy rate, and lack of business incentives.”
“RW focuses on activating vacant real estate in viable areas that cluster around the busway and central business districts, while collaborating with other local organizations that help in beautification, homeownership, and responsible rental housing.”
– Gerald Gaudi Jr, RW
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – HIGHLIGHTS
