Union Building

[CRWMSPPGH]

OK What's the scuttlebutt on the Union Building auction? Plans for its redevelopment?

[mensaguy]

I don't think there will be any plans for it until somebody buys it. There are huge problems with that building. The elevators don't work and will need to be replaced, the windows are horrible. There is no parking. If they convert it to residential, they will need to add a second exit. I saw architectural renderings for a fire escape/second staircase to be built on the east side of the building 50 years ago, but it was never built because it cost too much.

We'll see.

I've heard it said that they should have torn the building down in 1940 when the Boulevard was built. Maybe they should do that now and straighten out the road.

Have you ever walked out of that building and had cars nearly push you back in while you waited to cross the street? There is only about 3 feet between the wall of the building and the south traffic lane on the Boulevard.

[Chriscross309]

Originally Posted by CRWMSPPGH

OK What's the scuttlebutt on the Union Building auction? Plans for its redevelopment?

I haven't heard anything. My hunch is that whoever ends up with it will turn it into more lofts.

While I would be ok with that, I have a different proposal. What if part of it was lofts, while the rest of it was converted into an upscale boutique hotel? Maybe 30-40 rooms. I could see a restaurant in it, or a cafe. Would the space to the left of the building (parking lot) be big enough to accommodate enough hotel guests, residents, and a driveway/ entryway for the hotel? It's a stretch, but that would be a cool use for the building.