Wilkinsburg, PA – The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with Oak Moss Consulting, a prominent player in historic restoration and neighborhood revitalization. This collaboration represents a new and promising step in the WCDC’s efforts to find a dynamic tenant for the landmark Wilkinsburg Train Station and establish the building as a vibrant anchor of the Wilkinsburg Business District.
With a proven track record of successfully restoring and revitalizing the Hazelwood-based restaurant “The Woods House,” Oak Moss Consulting brings a wealth of experience and an extensive network within the restaurant industry. This expertise will be pivotal in finding the ideal tenant for the Wilkinsburg Train Station, a landmark that has long been a symbol of the area’s rich history and future potential.
WCDC Executive Director Tracey Evans expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership: “The Woods House stands as a shining example of what’s possible when people come together to breathe new life into a community space. We are excited to partner with Oak Moss Consulting to replicate that success here in Wilkinsburg. Their expertise and innovative approach will help us turn the Train Station into a must-visit destination, crucial for continuing the revitalization of Wilkinsburg and strengthening our central business district.”
The partnership will see Oak Moss Consulting lead as Project Developer, focusing on creating compelling business concepts for both the primary and secondary spaces within the Train Station. Their efforts will include developing business cases for a full-service restaurant in the main area and exploring hospitality-based options for the additional spaces. This collaboration combines Oak Moss’s project development and operational skills with WCDC’s deep understanding of the Wilkinsburg community, ensuring a project that is both innovative and deeply rooted in local needs.
“Wilkinsburg holds a special place in our hearts, just as Hazelwood does,” said Krish Pandya, Managing Partner of Oak Moss Consulting. “We are honored to contribute to its revitalization and look forward to playing a part in its future growth.”
The partnership with Oak Moss will complement and strengthen the efforts of the Train Station’s current broker, Hanna Commercial Real Estate, as well as those of the WCDC team and its board members, who all share the same mission—to turn the Train Station into a vibrant hub that benefits residents and visitors alike.
Evans added, “The WCDC is committed to making the Wilkinsburg Train Station a centerpiece of community pride and economic vitality. The partnership with Oak Moss Consulting is a key step in realizing this vision, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact it will bring to Wilkinsburg. This historic landmark is not just a building, but a symbol of our community’s rich history and potential for a vibrant future. We are proud to be part of its revitalization.
The Train Station is one of multiple historic preservation projects led by the WCDC and other local investors. In 2020, the WCDC celebrated the completion of the Lohr Building, located on the corner of Wood Street and South Avenue in the heart of Wilkinsburg’s business district, and last year, announced that Citizens Bank gifted their historic Wilkinsburg Bank Building, also located on Wood Street, to the WCDC for redevelopment.
ABOUT OAK MOSS CONSULTING
Oak Moss Consulting is a development firm specializing in historic property revitalization and neighborhood redevelopment. Their portfolio includes a range of projects, from neighborhood revitalization to Opportunity Zone initiatives. Known for its collaborative approach, Oak Moss works with public and private stakeholders to create equitable, sustainable, and impactful projects. Their recent development, The Woods House, was recognized as one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s top 25 restaurants.
ABOUT THE WCDC
For 15 years, the WCDC has worked to drive economic development in Wilkinsburg with an emphasis on strengthening the central business district. The WCDC envisions Wilkinsburg will be a prosperous, healthy, and inclusive community regarded for its strong business district and neighborhoods, historic charm, convenient location, desirable quality of life, and community pride. The WCDC’s work is defined by community input, fact-based solutions, and an ongoing commitment to addressing structural barriers to economic opportunity for marginalized residents. The WCDC believes that a sustainable community embraces equity and fully integrates people from all backgrounds and races. More information is available at wilkinsburgcdc.org.
The Wilkinsburg Train Station restoration was made possible thanks to the generous support of nearly 200 project supporters and partners, including PA Department of Community & Economic Development, Commonwealth of PA, Allegheny County Economic Development, and numerous foundation, corporate, and individual donors.