The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has offered to help Elizabeth Borough save two vacant, deterioriating buildings in the center of its downtown.
“We believe they contribute in an important way to the screetscape,” said community revitalization program manager Ethan Raup of the properties at 113 and 119 Second Ave.
Acceptance of the foundation’s offer is on hold while the borough’s Business District Advisory Committee studies the issue.
The committee will also seek the guidance of Town Center Associates on “what Allegheny County sees as a viable project,” said councilman and committee member Larry Duvall.
Mr. Raup said the non-profit organization’s focus springs from its current activity within the borough.
“We have an interest in trying to build up assets to make the downtown more vibrant because we are involved in Allegheny Together,” he said.
In September 2007, the county launched Allegheny Together, a small-business revitalization program designed to encourage well-planned, well-designed, and geographically-focused investment in established urban commercial districts.
For the first year of the three-year program, the county hired PHLF and Town Center Associates to provide technical assistance to the pilot communities, of which Elizabeth Borough is one.
Among the services were complimentary architectural design services for facade renovations and information on applying for facade improvement grants and small business loans.
The target, central business district in Elizabeth Borough extends from Market to Strawberry streets, about two-and-a-half blocks.
The program’s goal is to make that district successful again.
Mr. Raup said the PHLF helped devise a strategic plan for the borough and other pilot communities and is working with Town Center Associates in its implementation today, during the second year.
Helping save the two buildings would be a current and third-year project, he said.
Mr. Raup said 113 Second Ave. is boarded and detracts from the streetscape.
“I would like to see it rehabilitated and looking more presentable and being used to generate tax money,” he said.
The address 119 Second Ave. appears in better shape, he said, but it needs maintenance.
He needs the owners’ permission to enter either building.
Borough council President Monica Douglas said there are many complex issues with the buildings: One is the subject of litigation against the borough; the other is in sheriff’s sale.
But she nonetheless welcomes the interest of the PHLF.
“We are very happy to have their support,” she said.
