Apartment complex proposed at former Irish Centre site in Squirrel Hill
The former Irish Centre complex in Pittsburgh’s East End could see a new apartment development.
The former community center was put up for sale a few years ago, and has long been out of use, and housing developments have been proposed for the site before. It is located on 6886 Forward Ave., beneath the Parkway East, near the Nine-Mile Run entrance to Frick Park in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
Toronto-based Craft General is proposing a 162-unit apartment complex that will stand eight-stories. Most of the units will be two bedrooms, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI.
The complex is also proposed to include a pool, fitness center, outdoor space, and 182-space parking lot.
At a community meeting in Squirrel Hill last week, Raymond Baum of Craft General said the neighborhood “is in need of more housing and this will provide more opportunities,” according to WPXI.
The proposal has garnered support and opposition.
David Vatz of the advocacy group Pro-Housing Pittsburgh said he supports the proposal because increasing the housing supply on a vacant lot in a popular neighborhood like Squirrel Hill should help keep housing prices down in the neighborhood.
“Building more housing in neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill is critically important if we want to keep housing affordable for our residents,” he said.
Some neighbors, however, are concerned the additional residents could have a negative impact on traffic and crowding in Frick Park.
“This would absolutely change the character of the scenic ribbon of park that we have that extends from Regent Square to the river. That’s my concern,” resident Tony Indovina told WPXI.
The proposal is seeking a variance from the city’s zoning board. The current zoning for the area for parks only, and would need to be changed to residential.
The sale of Irish Centre property has not been finalized, and Craft General said the sale is contingent on zoning board approval, according to WPXI.
The cost of the sale has not been announced.
A zoning board of adjustments meeting is scheduled for June 1.
Ryan Deto is a TribLive reporter covering politics, Pittsburgh and Allegheny County news. A native of California’s Bay Area, he joined the Trib in 2022 after spending more than six years covering Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh City Paper, including serving as managing editor. He can be reached at rdeto@triblive.com.
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