What's going on in the Kopp Glass neighborhood?

If you’re a Swissvale resident, you might have noticed the increased development efforts in the Kopp Glass Gateway neighborhood, a community located between the MLK Jr. Busway and Monongahela Avenue. 

A year ago this month, the Mon Valley Initiative (MVI) and the Swissvale Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) celebrated the first phase of the Kopp Glass Gateway Redevelopment Project, a $4.14 million venture that includes 17 renovated homes and four condominiums.

Now, we are preparing to celebrate the completion of the fully renovated Madonna del Castello Church on Duquesne Avenue and beginning to discuss plans for a park located along Park Avenue.  Read on for updates on the church and the new greenspace!

Madonna del Castello Church

You may know that we are renovating this former church and transforming it into four condos, but did you know that the project is also sustainable? 

Renovating an existing structure is considered sustainable in itself; however, MVI is also taking measures to include recycled materials in the construction.  A few weeks ago, I shot video of contractors laying the floor in the basement of the church.  The crushed concrete they are using is all recycled from former sidewalks. 

Additional features of the church:

• We are retaining the original vaulted ceilings.  In turn, the condos’ master bedrooms will have 16-foot ceilings.
• Each unit will have large arched windows and sprinkler systems.
• The church will be fully insulated ensuring it is energy efficient.
• The original built-ins that housed robes, books, and additional items from the church will be restored.
• Three condos are 1400 square feet and one is 2400 square feet.  The larger unit will feature the original altar. 

Upon completion this summer, MVI and SEDCO hope to open up some units for tours at their Taste of Swissvale event (read a future blog post for more on that!).

Park Avenue Mall

A few months ago, SEDCO created a sub-committee to discuss plans for a public park along Park Avenue, between Monongahela Avenue and Palmer Street.  The Park Committee will design a plan for the park that they will present to Swissvale Borough Council for approval. From there, the two parties can work together to move the project forward.

Ideas for the park include repairing and defining the curbs, planting trees, installing rain gardens, and providing benches for seating.  Formerly, the site was home to the American Legion, and the committee plans to honor the organization with stepping-stones, a plaque, or a small fountain.

The Park Committee also plans to address the wishes and concerns of the community.  If you have ideas or would like to join the Park Committee, please consider attending the next SEDCO meeting on May 23, 2011 at the Word of God School at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you for reading!  Please contact me, Leanne, at laurich@monvalleyinitiative.com if you have any questions about MVI and SEDCO affiliated projects! 

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