Collaboration with Beacon Communities to bring 94 housing units to 120 Cecil Way; 47 units dedicated to PSH families
Media Contact:
Gigi Saladna
media@pghscholarhouse.org
PITTSBURGH, PA (August 21, 2024) Pittsburgh Scholar House (PSH) announced today that it has secured $2.5 million in grant funding for Downtown affordable housing conversion: $1.5 million from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, and $1 million from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
PSH is partnering with developer Beacon Communities to convert the empty building located at 120 Cecil Way in Downtown Pittsburgh into 94 units of mixed-income affordable housing, 47 of which will be dedicated to PSH Scholars and their families.
PSH is dedicated to improving the quality of life for single parents and their children through post-secondary education and comprehensive supportive services, including housing. PSH’s Wayfinders Program is specifically tailored to mitigate barriers that would otherwise impede degree completion by providing stable and affordable housing matched with on-site support services.
“Pittsburgh Scholar House is incredibly grateful to the Henry L. Hillman and Richard King Mellon Foundations for their generous support,” said Dr. Diamonte Walker, CEO of PSH. “This collaboration with Beacon Communities marks a significant step toward providing affordable housing in Downtown Pittsburgh. It not only revitalizes our city’s economic landscape but also offers hard working families a firm foundation for a promising future.”
The 120 Cecil Way project involves the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of a decommissioned steam plant into approximately 94 new affordable housing units, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units targeting households with incomes ranging from 20% – 80% of the Area Median Income, and a portion assisted with Section 8 rental subsidies.
“We are excited to partner with Pittsburgh Scholar House on this transformative project,” said Michael Polite, senior vice president and partner at Beacon Communities. “Our collaboration is one more step along the path to create not just affordable housing, but a supportive community that empowers families. 120 Cecil Way addresses critical housing needs while preserving the historic character of the building. This project underscores our commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods and providing stability and opportunity for families in Pittsburgh.”
The 47 apartments for Scholars and their families included in this project are part of the more than 100 affordable units PSH is working to bring online by 2028 with various development partnerships throughout the City of Pittsburgh.
“Pittsburgh Scholar House is making an investment in Downtown while PSH Scholars make an investment in their futures,” said Lisa Johns, vice president, Finance at the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. “This project brings eager students and their families to a supportive environment where they don’t have to worry about housing or supportive services and can focus on continuing their education. The Henry L. Hillman Foundation has been a longtime champion of investing in big ideas and new models that can change the way people grow and thrive in southwestern Pennsylvania. I can’t think of a better example of that than this innovative project here in the heart of the city.”
PHS seeks to invest a total of $3 million into the project and is actively pursuing $500,000 from other funding sources to close the gap on this goal. The commitment is contingent upon Beacon Communities securing both historic and low-income housing tax credits. If awarded tax credits, Beacon Communities anticipates a groundbreaking in fall 2025, with an 18-month renovation period.
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About Pittsburgh Scholar House:
Pittsburgh Scholar House is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to building generational prosperity for single parents and their children through post-secondary education and housing support. By combining affordable housing with comprehensive support services, including academic advising, workforce development, and child development programs, PSH empowers families to build brighter economic futures. We are committed to fostering a community where education and housing stability can ensure long-term economic mobility and a higher quality of life for the families we serve. More information is available at www.pghscholarhouse.org
About Beacon Communities LLC:
Beacon Communities LLC is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multi-family housing. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, market-rate housing and mixed-income housing. Their developments range from new construction, to historic adaptive reuse, to the renovation of existing housing. They take on challenging developments and make them succeed. Their driving passion is to create well-designed, healthy homes that enhance the neighborhoods in which they are located. For more information about Beacon Communities LLC please visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com