Release Date: Wednesday, June 8th 2011

Downtown Retail Businesses Now Eligible for PDP Matching Grant Program

For Immediate Release - June 8, 2011                          

Contact:   Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@DowntownPittsburgh.com
 

Downtown Retail Businesses Now Eligible for PDP Matching Grant Program

Colcom Foundation Funds Paris to Pittsburgh Program Expansion

PITTSBURGH, PA — After three successful years of activating Downtown sidewalks with outdoor cafes and enhancing restaurant façades, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is pleased to announce it has expanded its Paris to Pittsburgh matching grant program to include funding for façade improvements to retail stores and street-level businesses. The program expansion is made possible by a $350,000 grant from Colcom Foundation, the foundation behind the original Paris to Pittsburgh Program launched in 2008. To date, the PDP has awarded more than $800,000 to 41 restaurants for façade improvements and outdoor cafes.

“We’re thrilled to now offer this program to all street-level businesses in Downtown and appreciate Colcom Foundation’s support in helping us improve the urban experience, create more vibrancy on the street and draw in more customers to the business,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO for the PDP.  “So far, the Paris to Pittsburgh program has leveraged more than $2 million in private investment, which will continue now that more businesses are eligible for this program.”

The first businesses to take advantage of the new façade grant are Cardamone’s Hair Salon on Forbes Avenue and Tavern 245 on Fourth Avenue. Outdoor café funding was recently approved for Meat and Potatoes Gastropub and the Backstage Bar/Cabaret Theater both in the Cultural District. Subway in Market Square is set to begin construction this month.

“We are expanding our salon to include the storefront next door. This funding allows us to improve the exterior of the building and make it more inviting and customer-friendly,” said Joe Cardamone, owner of Cardomone’s Salon located across from the site of the newly announced Tower at PNC.

“Pittsburgh’s quality of life has received national and international acclaim,” observed John Rohe, Vice-President of Philanthropy, Colcom Foundation.  “Enhancements to our civic realm have resulted from deliberate foresight and a commitment to the region.  Paris to Pittsburgh carries the tradition forward as the region continues to blaze a trail of livability.”  

Grantees of the Paris to Pittsburgh program have seen real benefit to their bottom line. Jason Capps, owner of Bella Sera in Market Square, received a grant in 2009 for his then new business, which is booming in the recently revitalized Square.

“The Paris to Pittsburgh grant for my façade improvement was a critical financial resource for me – particularly as a new business in the city,” said Capps.  “Without this added funding, I do not believe Bella Sera would be nearly as appealing to the pedestrian traffic within Market Square. As more people around the nation focus on Pittsburgh’s turnaround, it is increasingly important we look our best.”

Building owner, Jeff Prunzik says referring to Melange on Sixth, “The Paris to Pittsburgh program enabled us to turn an eyesore into an attractive building. We were able to attract a tenant and therefore compliment the other tenants on Sixth Street, commonly referred to as ‘Restaurant Row’.”

The PDP will actively promote the program to businesses which could benefit from the grant, however, anyone interested in learning more or inquiring about a grant is encouraged to call 412-566-4190 ext. 13 or send an email to gcomings@DowntownPittsburgh.com.

“Before and After” photos of completed Paris to Pittsburgh projects available upon request.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For the latest Downtown news and information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Twitter @downtownpittand “like” us on Facebook. 

About Colcom Foundation

Colcom Foundation was created by the late Cordelia S. May, a western Pennsylvania philanthropist.  In southwestern Pennsylvania, the Foundation funds environmental projects such as land conservation, watershed remediation, habitat protection, and air quality.  In Pittsburgh, the Foundation supports programs enhancing the quality of life and community livability.  Nationally, the Foundation addresses population issues. 

# # #