Just south of Greenfield and Squirrel Hill on the northern banks of the Monongahela River, not far from the South Side and Homestead (but far from being well-known to most Pittsburghers), lies the community of Hazelwood. The diverse community of about 13,000 residents has walkable streets and home ownerships rates that exceed Pittsburgh’s average. The area also has a surprising bit of history. 

Back in 1792, George Woods, surveyor of the City of Pittsburgh, had built his home in Hazelwood.  Now the second oldest in Pittsburgh, the house is now undergoing restoration.  In Woods’ time, Hazelwood became a destination for Pittsburgh's wealthy residents, but as the city industrialized, J&L Steel opened a mill in the town (which was later bought by LTV Steel), and the population shifted to wage-earning steel workers who resided in row houses rather than mansions.

Fast forward to the present, when steel no longer supports the local economy and the Second Avenue main street is lined with mostly vacant properties.  The main street of Hazelwood is a four block section of Second Avenue between Hazelwood and Elizabeth Streets.  Take a short stroll along Second Avenue, and amid many vacant store fronts and buildings you’ll run into some friendly faces, including business owners and patrons of the main street pizza shop, convenience and drug stores, and an autobody shop.  One of the Hazelwood Main Street's most attractive structures is the Spahr Building, an historic four-story brick structure located adjacent to the newest commercial structure along Second Avenue, Plaza Sophia.  The vacant building, owned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, has been outfitted with a new roof and has updated sub-flooring on each floor.  This portion of the business district was designated as part of the Southwestern PA Keystone Opportunity Zone due to its strategic location between the former LTV site and the neighborhood.  The Hazelwood Main Street will work with prospective developers throughout the rehabilitation process.  But even with approximately 15,000 cars driving through the neighborhood daily, Hazelwood is far from being the destination place that it once was.  Residents and property owners alike struggle with the uncertainty about Hazelwood’s future. 

Two large factors that add to this uncertainty are the eventual construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway (a proposed toll road that has been in the works for over 20 years), and the future development of the former J&L/LTV Steel site.  The community has been assured that the Mon- Fayette will not destroy the main street (the plan is to put it 25 feet below grade and cover it to block sight and sound) and the mixed-use development of the LTV site is planned to connect with the original street grid, which could be a blessing for the Second Avenue businesses.  But property owners in particular are unsure of what they should do; should they lease out their property now in an effort to bring life to the main street? Or should they wait until development is imminent so they may be able to sell for a higher rate? And if they should lease now, how can they properly fix up and market their buildings?  The Hazelwood Initiative was created to help businesses lead the revitalization efforts in the community. 

The Hazelwood Initiative (HI) is an umbrella organization focused on housing, neighborhood advocacy, and special events.  They also run HI-HOPE, a health education and outreach program, and the Hazelwood Main Street Program.

According to Matt Galluzzo, program manager for HI, the primary role of HI is aesthetics; they have put up banners along Second Avenue and are working with the URA on façade renovations.  Other events include community days, an October 5K run, a business recognition dinner, and a light up night.  A recent success for Hazelwood was the completion and dedication of a Sprout Fund mural on the building at the corner of Second Avenue and Elizabeth Streets (go, check it out!).

Hazelwood Initiative understands that in order to bring visitors and businesses into Hazelwood they will need a reason to come.  Those that do stop are mostly customers of the Rite Aid or Dairy Mart, and are often on their way across the Glenwood Bridge to Homestead’s Waterfront or South Side’s business district.  While some businesses have been very successful, for example a local chiropractor, the area lacks in the number and diversity of businesses.  Matt has taken on the role of advocate and educator to property and business owners, encouraging them to begin marketing their spaces in order to bring in businesses such as cafés, doctors and other essential services, and office-based businesses in general.  Through his efforts, property owners are becoming more aware of the process of renting or leasing a space and the importance of marketing.

To learn more about Hazelwood or the Hazelwood Initiative, contact Matt Galluzzo at (412) 422-0690 or hazelwoodmainstreet@hotmail.com.

Links

Hazelwood Main Street

New Carnegie Library on Second Avenue

The Spahr Building

Sprout Fund Mural at Second & Elizabeth

Hazelwood Banner