Bakery Square

The Bakery Square development transformed the former NABISCO site into a high quality mixed-use development creating a burgeoning technology hub in the Pittsburgh’s East End.

Background

In 1998, National Biscuit Company (NABISCO) closed its 6.5-acre cracker factory in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood. URA investment facilitated the rehabilitation of this iconic symbol of Pittsburgh’s industrial past; and paved the way for Pittsburgh’s new technology economy. This development capitalized on its proximity to Oakland and its university and service market to bring in tenants such as Google, Autodesk, the University of Pittsburgh Human Engineering Research Laboratories, and the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute.

Schedule

Bakery Square was completed in 2010.

Results

Bakery Square has generated thousands of high-quality jobs and new tax revenue. Prior to the redevelopment, this site generated a mere $84,000 in annual tax revenue. In 2016, the Bakery Square Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District generated $1.4 million in tax revenue of which $543,000 in unpledged increment went directly to local taxing bodies. After the expiration of the TIF District in 2027, the site is estimated to generate $1.7 million in annual tax revenue.

Facts

• Developer: Walnut Capital
• Contractor: PJ Dick
• Architect: Astorino
• Total Development Costs: $113,500,000
• URA Role: Disposition, Grants Management, and TIF
• URA Financing: $10,500,000 in TIF and $2,500,000 PDF loan.
• LEED Silver certification
• 75kW Solar Array
• Description: 6.5-acre mixed-use development including 380,000 square feet of office, 120 hotel rooms, and 800 space parking garage.