Big company announcement as master developer renews hope in Hazelwood green project – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Hazelwood Green is a huge development – 179 acres in the city of Pittsburgh – but it has been mostly vacant for many years. But with the announcement of a major New York company as the lead developer, the hope is that it can finally deliver on its promise and bring much-needed jobs to the neighborhood.

The vision is to turn empty fields into high-tech mecca filled with robotics, artificial intelligence and life science companies. But after 20 years of planned development, almost all of them are still undeveloped, except for the shell of a steel mill and a renovated rotunda.

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Over the past two years, the development and growth plans have evaporated. But with the announcement of New York real estate firm Tishman Speyer as lead developer, the hope is now that the original vision will finally be realized, becoming a major attraction for companies. 21st century while developing houses, parks, shops and restaurants.

“This is a very ambitious project. It was never about developing 170 acres. Heinz Endowments’ Grant Oliphant says it’s done it in a unique and good way, and we believe Tishman has the ability to do it in a way that puts Pittsburgh on the national map.

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Pittsburgh campuses and their partners at Carnegie Mellon have worked with Hazelwood’s community to ensure the development is not a stand-alone stand-alone site but integrates a resurgent area, alongside the promise of thousands of new jobs, both construction and permanent jobs.

“During the construction and tenant selection process, it’s important to have great jobs that define Pittsburgh’s future but also great jobs for the neighborhood that people in Pittsburgh can take advantage of. use,” said Oliphant.

Community leader Tim Smith said organizations are working to develop job training programs to fill them.

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“So whether they’re construction sites or they’re high-tech in robotics or in the driverless car industry, we’re working with everyone. And that’s an encouraging part of this,” he said.