Orbital Demolition

September 2023

Ashley Sokol successfully submitted an application to the DRP in time for it to be on the next month's agenda. The project concerns the demolition of 1334 Fifth Avenue.

October 2023

An internal review was conducted by the Panel at its monthly meeting. The panel determined the proposal warranted further review after a formal presentation.

November 2023

Applicant Ashley Sokol presented on behalf of owner Orbital Engineering. Owner Bob Lewis proposed to demolish the existing three-story building and replace it with a new surface parking lot to combine with the existing surface parking lot servicing Orbital Engineering's corporate offices, better to serve Orbital's growing employee base in Uptown.

The "Subject Property" at 1334 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA, 15219 (Allegheny County Parcel #0002-G-00051-0000-00) was purchased in January 2023 by a Pennsylvania limited liability company affiliated with Bob Lewis, owner and founder of Orbital Engineering. Orbital Engineering is currently headquartered at 1344 Fifth Avenue, with its office building and office parking lot immediately adjacent to the Subject Property.

Upon acquisition, analysis revealed significant structural damage to the existing building, which has worsened over the course of the prior nine months (since January 2023) as shown in the photos below. Cost estimates to repair the structural damage and facade are in excess of $300,000, deemed in excess of the building's value. The Subject Property received a citation from the City of Pittsburgh for structural issues in April 2023, and Owner was informed of a pending request to condemn property in August 2023.

Due to the above, Owner was concluded that the Subject Property is a public health hazard, and desires to demolish the existing property (at their own cost). While there may be potential for future development of the parcel, Owner further desires in the immediate term to construct a new surface parking lot on the Subject Property land, joining with the adjacent surface parking lot to service Orbital Engineering's growing employee count in Uptown.

As part of the proposed new surface parking lot, Owner has proposed upgrades to both the existing surface lot, and new lighting, safety, and landscaping measures across both lots. Owner is also considering public upgrades including public art as part of the project. The proposed demolition of the existing building at 1334 Fifth Avenue and construction of a new parking lot and related landscaping, lighting, and other improvements is estimated to cost $250,911.00 and will be fully funded by Bob Lewis, or an affiliated private entity.

Project is currently being scored by the DRP members.