\n\tWork began last month at the Quality Inn site along the Boulevard of the Allies, which Pitt has owned since 1963.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe University of Pittsburgh has partnered with Radnor Property Group for the redevelopment of 3401 Boulevard of the Allies. According to a University spokesman, \u201cThe project aligns with Pitt\u2019s dedication to transforming a key gateway site in Oakland into a community asset.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe hotel shut down in 2020, while the Panera Bread on the ground floor recently closed.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe building is being vacated in accordance with the redevelopment plans, the spokesman said. \u201cAs work progresses, scaffolding has been installed around the structure to support ongoing site activities and ensure appropriate safety measures during this phase of the project.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe Board of Trustees agreed last year to lease the property to Radnor Property Group, which has offices in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New Hampshire.<\/p>\n
\n\tRadnor was selected after a national search process. The company plans to develop the site into a 240- to 260-unit apartment building with a 15,000- to 30,000-square-foot grocery store on the first floor.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe University said in 2021 it wanted to build non-student housing at the site for faculty, staff and community members.<\/p>\n
\n\tIt was supposed to be the first project of Walnut Capital\u2019s ambitious Oakland Crossings development, which the company announced it was pausing in January 2023 because of high interest rates and construction costs, and labor shortages. At that time, Pitt began to look for new developers.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe deal with Radnor will not cost the University anything and will eventually provide income from a percentage of the rent on the apartments and grocery store.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u2014 Susan Jones<\/p>\n
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