PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Urban Redevelopment Authority has hired an architect to transform the boarded-up storefronts on Smithfield Street below the park.<\/p>\n
This storefront has been boarded up for years, right in the heart of downtown, below Mellon Square Park. <\/p>\n
But soon it could be a thriving business, store or restaurant. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019d be great for the town,\u201d said Samuel Krichbaum of Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the reaction people had downtown on Friday; they\u2019re excited about the future transformation of the Mellon Square Park storefronts on Smithfield Street.<\/p>\n
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is partnering with a local architect after a $250,000 grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. <\/p>\n
There are a number of possibilities for the space.<\/p>\n
Local officials are exploring opening a restaurant on the first floor that would lead to an outdoor eating space. <\/p>\n
Over the years, we\u2019ve reported on violence, drug use, and other illegal activities on Smithfield Street, but locals think bringing new life to the street could deter crime. <\/p>\n
\u201cWith creating more jobs, and more business at the same time, no\u2026 because people aren\u2019t just hanging around for nothing to do. They\u2019re working, buying and selling, and adds to the commerce to the city,\u201d Krichbaum said.<\/p>\n
This project would be the latest downtown \u2014 earlier this year, we told you about the Market Square renovation and Arts Landing Park. <\/p>\n
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