Burns & Scalo Real Estate hosted a brokers luncheon Tuesday and its president, Jim Scalo, was exceptionally upbeat about the next few years. Scalo characterized 2016-2017 as slow years for transactions and decisions because of uncertainty surrounding the election and the ensuing Trump administration. Citing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was passed in late 2017, Scalo explained that he had seen a dramatic upswing in activity since the start of 2018, both in terms of leasing and interest. His forecast was for a strong year for corporate and technology users in 2018, followed by at least two more great years. With the rapid pace of change in Pittsburgh’s economy, Scalo was reluctant to look beyond 2020, but he made it clear that there was no reason to expect a slowdown in 2021 or beyond.
Burns & Scalo is currently working to develop a 150,000 sq. ft. Class A Riviera office building in the Oakland/Pittsburgh Technology Center riverfront. Construction is scheduled for later this year, although the proposed riverfront zoning changes are a potential drag on the project. Burns & Scalo also plans to start a spec office in Robinson at its Boardwalk site, as well as Beacon II at the Abele Business Park in South Fayette.
Brokers at the luncheon echoed the enthusiasm Scalo had. Industrial brokers were beaming about deals pending in the Wheeling-to-Washington corridor and the airport area. One broker talked about the space at Nova Place, which was once thought to be a white elephant on the North Side, becoming scarce. With rents in the high $20s/sq. ft., Nova Place has succeeded in re-branding itself as a tech hub in high demand.
In project news, Mistick Construction was selected for the 183-unit, $30 million Solana at Cranberry project. CMU selected Landau Building Co. for the $3.5 million Warner Hall renovation. PJ Dick has started construction on the $6-7 million renovation of the former Cadillac dealership at Craft Place and the Boulevard in Oakland into offices. The developer, Walnut Capital, is said to have a single user for the project. St. Vincent University finalized its list of contractors for its $14 million library project. Jendoco, Landau, Mascaro, Massaro, PJ Dick, and Poole Anderson will be asked to propose on the project.