Singer Place Plan
The Strong Neighborhoods committee, that was formed in 2020, gathered information and feedback from each neighborhood within Wilkinsburg. The discussion highlighted the need to address the large number of vacant properties within the borough. About 23% of all properties in Wilkinsburg are vacant and in Upper Center, Singer Place, and High School about 45% of properties are vacant. Vacancy is growing in Wilkinsburg and is a problem that residents have identified as a priority.
Over the course of three years, the Strong Neighborhoods Committee (SNC) plan to steward the acquisition and renovation of a total of 45 vacant lots and structures to varying levels of comprehensive development. Disposition of structures will include a mix of quality rentals and sales to owner occupants. Each vacant lot will be cleared and either internally maintained or conveyed to existing residents to be used as side lots. For the first year, 10 properties will be acquired and stabilized to varying degrees. Of the 10 properties during the first year, 5 will be sold to existing residents or owner occupants. Over the course of three years, 60% of properties will be sold to existing residents or owner occupants. The map in Figure 1 depicts all properties that have been identified for the entire three year plan.
Singer Place Current Projects
The John F Singer Mansion located at 1318 Singer Place requires immediate attention to safeguard the integrity of the property and protect its rare and irreplaceable moldings and millwork. The proposed scope of work focuses on addressing urgent issues and does not encompass the comprehensive preservation and restoration needs of the property. Significant water infiltration is observed in various areas, particularly originating from the mansard roof, box gutters, windows, and foundation. Temporary measures, such as using large garbage cans to collect rainwater, have been implemented, but weather is causing ongoing damage to the wood, plaster, and concealed areas. The primary objective of this scope is to promptly address the water infiltration, stabilize the property, and pave the way for future preservation and restoration efforts to evolve this landmark as a community asset.
The project at 1314 Singer Place addresses multiple areas of water damage and structural issues. The roof system, which has been patched and repaired over the past decade or so, is significantly deteriorated and causing water infiltration. This is impacting the bay windows on the second level, as well as the box gutter and soffits around the perimeter. Additionally, the front porch and steps are unsafe due to rotting wood and concrete failures. Improperly routed downspouts are causing water accumulation near the foundation, leading to water permeation in the basement. The existing rain harvesting barrels need to be tested for leaks. Minor repairs are required around the rear perimeter, and the foundation work should coincide with the step repairs. Safety measures, such as installing a new railing for porch access and repairing the main set of stairs, are also necessary for code compliance. The following scope addresses all of these concerns in a permanent code compliant manner addressing water infiltration and safety measures necessary to allow work to commence on the interior.
In addition to renovating historically significant architectural landmarks like the Singer Mansion, the group is also supporting residents interested in acquiring vacant parcels and in the stabilization and care of their current properties.
About Singer Place
Singer Place is located in the northern portion of Wilkinsburg, with Homewood, a Pittsburgh neighborhood, situated directly to its north. The neighborhood is one of the oldest settled areas in Wilkinsburg and spans 74.79 acres and has a total of 323 properties owned by 289 individual owners.
The zoning of this community has multiple overlays which allows for single family residential, central business district overlay, mixed use residential, transit-oriented overlay, and the Penn Ave Historic District Buildings overlay.
For more information, or to get involved, please contact: