Pittsburgh Steeler Renovating the Homestead Bakery

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch broke ground on October 19, 2007 on a project to renovate the historic Homestead Bakery. The building will be transformed into one- and two-bedroom loft apartments and commercial space.

“This project is the perfect addition to our revitalization efforts in Homestead and the Mon Valley,” said Onorato. “By taking a vacant building and turning it into housing and viable commercial space, we will add to the ongoing growth in this area, which has been anchored by the Waterfront and is now starting to spread to other parts of Homestead. Other housing projects we completed in Homestead were occupied within days, proving there’s demand here. We expect the Homestead Bakery will have similar success.” The renovated building will include eight one-bedroom, five two-bedroom, and three affordable senior housing units, as well as up to six commercial spaces. “It’s a great honor to be able to give back to my hometown this way,” said Batch. “I’m grateful for the borough, county and the state in helping this dream become a reality – and this is just the beginning.”

The Homestead Bakery renovation is funded by $1.8 million in private loans, $500,000 from the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, $480,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Mixed-Use Facility Loan Program, $250,000 from a Pennsylvania Legislative Initiative Grant, and $100,000 through the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County. Additional funding for the $4.7-million project is pending.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008 and be completed in the fall of 2010.