[none]

["Eric Miller" <empirebuilder_@_earthlink.net>]

"One unique aspect of the project will be the acquisition of historic Heinz
railroad cars, which will be relocated to the property and converted into
free-standing one-bedroom apartments. "

http://www.newcolonist.com

Old Heinz factories slated to become high-end apartments

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

By Jan Ackerman, Post-Gazette Staff Writer
Flanked by Mayor Tom Murphy and Pittsburgh city officials, a Cleveland
developer announced plans this morning to convert five former H.J. Heinz
factory buildings into 359 high-end, one and two-bedroom apartments.

The buildings, sandwiched between the 16th Street Bridge and the bulk of
Heinz's North Side plant, were built between 1912 and 1931 for use as
production facilities for prepared meat, baby cereal and beans.

Developer John Ferchill said the conversion of 770,000 square feet of empty
space will cost about $65 million, generated from private sources.

Ferchill said he already has purchased the buildings for $5 million from
Heinz. He expects to raise about $20 million of that amount through the sale
of historic tax credits to corporations.

The buildings will be linked on the top floors and will have a community
room and swimming pool. The project also will include the development of a
riverfront park.

One unique aspect of the project will be the acquisition of historic Heinz
railroad cars, which will be relocated to the property and converted into
free-standing one-bedroom apartments.

The apartments would rent for between $750 and $2000 a month and likely
would appeal to young professionals with high incomes, Ferchill said.

Groundbreaking is anticipated for next June. Ferchill expects the project to
be completed by 2003.

Murphy praised the project, saying that Ferchill saw "opportunity where
others see only liability."

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