On July 6, 2004 Karen Loysen and Sallyann Kluz of Loysen Kreuthmeier-Architects presented the development of design guidelines for Second Avenue to Hazelwood Initiative’s Planning Committee.  Loysen Kreuthmeier-Architects have been commissioned by the Department of City Planning in order to assist the Urban Redevelopment Authority in guiding design development criteria for the Keystone Opportunity Economic Zone (KOEZ) from Minden to Flowers Avenues along Second Avenue in Hazelwood.

Following HI’s Visioning Plan, Almono’s Master Plan for the LTV site, and Rothschild-Doyno’s Chatsworth-Monongahela-Sylvan Plan, these Second Avenue Design Guidelines are key to the future business development in Hazelwood.  This is especially true since retail is not an element in any other plan, most notably the LTV Master Plan.  In other words, Second Avenue will be the primary local commercial district for the LTV site development.  Hand in hand with the commercial development, it is important to realize connections possibly to the river extending down Hazelwood Avenue and Flowers Avenue.

Analyzing the area first in the KOEZ, a major limitation noted is the narrowness of the lots and on the west side, shallow lots due to the railroad.  Typical Pittsburgh commercial districts are very linear.  There is a sense of vacancy often leading to dilapidation.  It is important to strategize to re-concentrate the zone with loading areas in the rear along with a few parking spaces.  Bookends of Hazelwood’s commercial district were identified as the entry or portal at Hazelwood and Second Avenues with St. Stephens Church at the opposite end – designating an idea of center and place.  The heart of the business district was identified as Plaza Sophia with the library and future development of the Spahr Building.

Osprey Way, parallel to Second Avenue, was viewed as a possible parking reservoir with crosswalks between buildings through dynamic open space passageways.  First floor storefronts with upper floors of offices could access parking on grade directly from the second floor to parking in the rear along Osprey Way.

Loysen Kreutmeier-Architects presented two different interim strategies.  In order to create a sense of occupancy, safety and maintenance of buildings, the existing unoccupied buildings could be illuminated behind their storefront glass eliminating the sense of “black holes.”  On the other hand, simple screenings elements could be installed throughout the empty lots creating a type of rhythm with plywood facades until buildings are renovated or built and occupied.  This could be done in lieu of chain link fence with razor wire, which is definitely discouraged and highly undesirable.

Long-term strategies were identified as preparation of documents to market the commercial properties with focus and location of key properties.  The concept of passageways proved important as well as the scale of the buildings, the building fabric, and patterning to establish a rhythm and to fit the street more comfortably.  Building materials, masonry vocabulary, all must be kept within the historic character of the area.  The frontage of buildings in addition to the setbacks must also be addressed.  However, it was discussed how certain lots could be combined in order to create larger footprints for development.  Corners, where people wait for buses, open space for views and the lighting of the street, and various focus areas are also important in these design guidelines.