Oxford Development’s New SouthSide Works Project

by Liviu Oltean, Associate Editor

The Urban Development Authority (URA) will soon put to vote whether they will exclusively negotiate for a project at the SouthSide Works with Oxford Development Co. The project entails the development of three parcels on Hot Metal Steer between the Circuit Center and the SpringHill Suites Hotel. The parcels were of interest to dck Worldwide, which planned to develop their new headquarters on those sites. When dck’s interest shifted to other locations, Oxford submitted a request for qualification with P.J. Dick, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported.

Oxford is collaborating on the project with Trammel Crow, a division of CB Richard Ellis. The design entails a 120,000-square-feet office building in Downtown and a surface parking lot. The Oxford team was commended by URA for their efficient strategy regarding the impact of taxes and jobs and for opting for private investment.

Oxford competed with Millcraft Industries, dck Worldwide, Vue Pointe Hospitality and A. Merante Contracting. Millcraft, dck and Vue Pointe Hospitality proposed the development of a 135-room extended-stay hotel. Merante Contracting designed a 22,000-square-foot, two-story retail and office building.

This would be the second project for the company at SouthSide Works. They are currently working alongside Concord Hospitality Group to develop a Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotel.

In related news, Summerset at Frick Park is entering a new construction phase. The developers will add 116 for-sale residential lots, a commercial site and about 132 rental units. The estimated cost of the project is $10 million. Upon completion, the total value of the residences for sale and for rent will be $66 million. First Niagara Bank, TriState Bank and the Urban Redevelopment Authority have financed the expansion.