Tree Pittsburgh buys Lawrenceville property from Pittsburgh's URA

Tree Pittsburgh is buying the Lawrenceville property that it’s been renting from Pittsburgh’s Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The nonprofit — which focuses on protecting and growing the city’s urban forest through education, advocacy and community tree planting — is purchasing the site for $365,000.

The narrow, five-acre parcel sits along the Allegheny River between the water and railroad tracks, according to information provided by the URA.

Tree Pittsburgh began leasing the property for a tree nursery in January 2015, the authority said. In 2020, the nonprofit completed a $2.7 million project that brought office and classroom space to the site.

“They’ve been a wonderful neighbor in Lawrenceville and a great partner to community organizations and municipalities throughout this region in really strengthening our tree canopy and helping us address climate concerns,” said state. Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Lawrenceville, a URA board member.

The URA board unanimously approved the sale Thursday.

“It’s been a long journey,” Tree Pittsburgh Executive Director Danielle Crumrine said. “We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. I’m really excited.”