PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Pittsburgh has selected Tryko Partners as developer of choice to redevelop the former Fairywood School site in the city’s west end.
Tryko’s winning proposal will transform the vacant property into 46 affordable townhomes for seniors aged 62 and up as part of a neighborhood revitalization initiative.
The project design features one-bedroom units with covered porches, surrounded by a series of walkable, park-like green spaces. The complex will be transit-friendly and incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable site design, including rain gardens throughout the green spaces.
Moving forward with the project is contingent on Tryko receiving an award of 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
“There are many seniors living in Fairywood who are saddened to leave because they can no longer maintain their homes,” says Theresa Kail-Smith, City of Pittsburgh council president. “This development is crucial to making it possible for residents to stay.”
In 2007, Tryko acquired Emerald Gardens, a 436-unit multifamily complex next door. The firm purchased the former HUD property when it was in bankruptcy and invested over $10 million to make improvements.