Developer: University of Pittsburgh
Project summary: Walnut Capital proposed to build a 10-story office building (Innovation Research Tower) geared toward technical, medical, and research companies. The building's use complies with the zoning code, but the developers requested variances for height, FAR, and parking. Walnut Capital presented its preliminary plans at a public meeting on January 23, 2019, and hosted a follow-up meeting on February 25, 2019. The project went before the zoning board on March 14, 2019. OPDC executed a community benefits agreement with Walnut Capital that addresses 1) transportation demand management strategies, 2) community-oriented retail space, and 3) investment in Oakland Community Land Trust.
The ZBA approved Walnut Capital’s request for a new 10-story office building with ground-level retail and 100 accessory parking spaces on May 9, 2019 (see decision below).
Walnut Capital presented a detailed review of building design at an Oakland-Wide Community Meeting in August 2019.
The City Planning Commission approved the project on October 22, 2019.
Walnut Capital plans to start demolition of existing structures in May. Two years of traffic restrictions are set to begin on May 26, 2020, reducing inbound traffic to two lanes between Chesterfield Avenue and Robinson Street. Left turns onto Halket Street will not be allowed; detours will be in place.
The project, originally expected to be completed by July, is now set for September 2022 due to a product delay.
The University of Pittsburgh’s board of trustees voted to purchase the Innovation Research Tower from Walnut Capital at their June 17, 2021 meeting. Pitt announced that they would review programmatic needs and design for the project.
Walnut Capital requests a Special Exception to permit the University of Pittsburgh to use a portion of the project for educational space. Walnut presented at the August 9, 2021 Development Activities Meeting. The project went before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) meeting on September 16, 2021. They requested a special exception in the OPR-C zone for the educational space and they did not receive any objections.
Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Supporting Documents:
Community Benefits Agreement presented to Zoning Board on March 14, 2019
August 9, 2021 Development Activities Meeting presentation, recording, and notes