Arnold building demolitions could create room for new development

The demolition of 10 buildings this spring could lead to new developments in Arnold.

The city is seeking bids to tear down the buildings. Most are located on Third and Fourth avenues, with one on Leishman Avenue and another on Victoria Avenue.

All are vacant residential buildings except for 1905 Leishman Ave. That building had housed The Grottese Club, a social club that closed in the early 2000s. The building was being used for storage when it was damaged by fire in February 2016.

Bids are due by April 7, and city council could award a contract when it meets April 12, community development director Rick Rayburg said.

If a contract is awarded, Rayburg said, the city would expect work to start within two weeks. The contract will require the demolitions be completed within 60 days.

“We’re going to ask them to start as soon as possible,” he said.

Funds from a $300,000 blight remediation grant Arnold received from the state in 2021 will pay for the demolitions.

Another 11 targeted

The city has another 11 buildings it plans to seek bids to tear down in a second phase in the fall. Rayburg did not identify them by address.

How many of the 11 will be torn down depends on how much the first round costs, Rayburg said.

“We’re going to do as many as we can with that $300,000,” he said.

In tearing down buildings, Arnold has sought to create larger parcels that would be more attractive for commercial and residential redevelopment.

Rayburg said tearing down the building at 1339 Fourth Ave. will bring about five lots together, and there are two businesses interested in developing it commercially. He would not identify those businesses.

“That’s what we want down in that area,” he said.

It already has happened on Fourth Avenue, and may again.

Michael F. Whalen Contracting recently completed a new building there by the New Kensington border. The business, owned by a New Kensington family, had been operated out of their home.

The building Arnold plans to tear down this spring at 1362 Fourth Ave. borders the Whalen property.

Michael Whalen said they want to acquire the parcel from Arnold’s redevelopment authority and build a public storage facility.