Hay Dobbs Tapped for Pittsburgh TOD

Hay Dobbs, a recognized leader in Transit Oriented Development planning and design, has been retained to work with fwd |A+U, NY, to provide consulting, planning and design services for the Mellon’s Orchard Strategic Plan. The plan will provide a TOD framework for redevelopment of key parcels in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Located near the East Libery Station of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Busway, Mellon’s Orchard is a key development site in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. As one of the last remaining super-blocks in the district, Hay Dobbs will help to define how Mellon’s Orchard fits into East Liberty’s growing market and adds to the success of its commercial core. It is anticipated that private investment at this location will also spur public amenity and infrastructure investment that will add to the success of the district as a whole.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) requested proposals from urban design, architecture and economic development professionals for this strategic planning study. The project was awarded to the team comprised of: fwd |A+U, Hay Dobbs, HR&A, Trans Associates, Walker Parking and VJ Associates.

This study will provide a road map for private development and public infrastructure and amenity investment. Expected outcomes for this study include:

  1. Market-based development plan including land use options, recommended density scenarios, and zoning recommendations for implementation;
  2. Strategic plan for investment that provides for the increased demands that new commercial activities and residents bring; and
  3. Overall framework for how the development and public improvements fit into and enhance the East Liberty commercial district as well as adjacent residential and commercial districts

The project will be completed by late, 2015.