Funded by the Colcom Foundation, Paris to Pittsburgh offers two grants to assist property and business owners to make building façade improvements and establish outdoor cafés. These 50% matching grants fund eligible projects that will activate the streetscape throughout the Golden Triangle using high-quality, pedestrian-oriented design elements.
Paris to Pittsburgh is a coordinated effort to enhance businesses in the Golden Triangle through pedestrian-oriented streetscape design.
Sidewalk Activation Grant
Using the vibrant streets of Paris as inspiration, The Paris to Pittsburgh Sidewalk Activation Grant seeks to encourage outdoor dining elements such as retractable awnings, tables and chairs, new lighting, landscaping and other such elements. The project requires a 50% match and offers grants of up to $30,000.
Façade Grant
In spring 2011, PDP announced the new Colcom Foundation funded Façade Grant that is designed to further enhance the revitalization taking place throughout the Golden Triangle. This grant is a 50% matching grant that offers up to $30,000 to properties that are interested in façade improvements but are not adding an outdoor café or installing an operable storefront. Retail and service businesses are the target candidates for this program.
Since its launch in early 2008, over a million dollars has been invested to make buildings in the Golden Triangle more vibrant, with another seven projects already scheduled to take place in 2011. The PDP has received 35 applications from merchants looking to add a little more pizzazz to their facades.
The PDP recently received several new Paris to Pittsburgh applications, including projects for Images and 430 Market Street. Some of the facade improvements will include the addition of sidewalk cafes, larger windows, new lighting/signage, retractable awnings and planters.
Other Paris to Pittsburgh projects include: Mixstirs, Cafe Milano, Buon Giorno Cafe, Sonoma Grille, Palate Bistro, tonic bar & grill, Moe's Southwest Grill, Piatt Place, 136 Sixth Street, Century Building, Melange Bistro Bar, Grille on 7th, Mahoney's, August Henry's, Fat Tommy's Pizzeria, 922 Penn Avenue and Mitchell's.
Download a comprehensive Paris to Pittsburgh design guidelines brochure. For information about the application process and to apply for the program, click here.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Geof Comings, Economic Development Manger at (412) 566-4190 or via e-mail at gcomings@DowntownPittsburgh.com.
Check out some of the before and after photos below of Paris to Pittsburgh Projects. Moe's Southwest Grille, Villa Reale, Bella Sera Urban Trattoria and Melange Bistro Bar just a few of the dynamic examples of Paris to Pittsburgh projects that are completed and ready for you to experience.
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| Moe's Southwest Grill - Before | Moe's Southwest Grill - After |
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| Bella Sera - Before | Bella Sera - After |
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| Villa Reale - Before | Villa Reale - After |
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| Melange Bistro Bar - Before | Melange Bistro Bar - After |
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