On Thursday, August 24th, Bridgeway Capital hosted a celebration event to acknowledge the progress and transformation of the vacant 7800 Susquehanna Street building into a hub for makers, manufacturers, nonprofits, and job training.
Reflecting on what’s been accomplished through the redevelopment journey of 7800 Susquehanna, we are extremely proud to see the ongoing impact of the partnership and investments Neighborhood Allies has contributed over the past 10 years. We also look forward to future plans and redevelopment of the 7800 property and the surrounding Homewood community.
In 2014, shortly after the initial construction was completed, and 7800 officially opened for business, Neighborhood Allies provided a $75K Catalytic Grant to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) to enable them to move their operations and training facilities from their original space at Hosanna House to a new, expanded space in 7800 Susquehanna. Our funding enabled TIP to grow from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet, and double the number of aspiring tradespeople they were providing training to. Since that investment, TIP has only continued to grow, expand and contribute to 7800 and the surrounding Homewood community. TIP was one of the first tenants in the newly redeveloped maker space and they remain there today. TIP students even utilized their masonry and carpentry training to build-out the physical space in 7800 over the years.
In 2019, with support from RK Mellon Foundation, we partnered with the Homewood Collaborative, Soleil Branding Essentials, and Pyramid PGH to create and implement the Homewood Experience: a large-scale branding, messaging and public relations campaign for the Homewood community and by the Homewood community. Our $100K investment launched this partnership and campaign with the goal of Homewood being recognized and reinvigorated as an African American cultural destination, a community that celebrates neighborhood assets and pride with a focus on retaining and uplifting long-term residents. The project ultimately produced elements, messaging and an identity that reflects and represents the true Homewood community We’re ecstatic to see the elements and designs erected from this project being utilized and showcased throughout the ongoing redevelopment of 7800 Susquehanna!
Over the past year, Neighborhood Allies has continued to support this project overall–we provided a match/in-kind services for the $50K National Endowment for the Arts grant that Bridgeway Capital was able to secure for this project. Additionally, we participated in an advisory role through the artist selection as well as artist feedback sessions to ensure the community’s vision developed through The Homewood Experience was reflected in the various street furniture pieces. During the 10 year anniversary celebration, the two artists joined with the community to unveil the 4 pieces of street furniture that capture the Homewood branding elements. It’s absolutely incredible to see the community’s vision reflected throughout the community and on the exterior of 7800 Susquehanna! It’s absolutely incredible to see the community’s vision reflected throughout the community and on the exterior of 7800 Susquehanna!
Congratulations to our partner, Bridgeway Capital, on a decade of incredible work at 7800 Susquehanna! We’re proud to support this project and the ongoing revitalization of the Homewood community!
