East Liberty's historic Highland Building finally get a second life

Great news for Pittsburgh!

Built in 1909 by Henry Clay Frick and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the towering Highland Building in East Liberty has proven itself a worthy adversary against four past developers who backed out of plans to renovate the vacant structure at 121 South Highland Street. However, a large and determined consortium of development groups has their fingers crossed that this time will be different, as they await approval from the Governor's Office for $4.5 million in RACP funds for a parking garage, as well as Department of Housing and Urban Development financing that will make their project possible.

Last year, the Urban Redevelopment Authority approved partnering developers Walnut Capital and Massaro Properties' plans for a $23 million conversion of the Highland Building and neighboring Wallace Building into 129 one-bedroom apartments, a new parking garage, fitness center, and small retail storefronts.

"They'll be loft style apartments with oversized windows, stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, and a washer and dryer in each unit. The Highland Building is going to have the great views," says Jerilyn Donahue, underwriter for the project for Bellwether Real Estate Capital, who are helping to secure financing. TKA Architects drew up the preliminary design, which essentially calls for a total gutting of the interiors, while leaving the historic façade structurally intact.

While other developers have failed to tame the Highland Building, the parties involved believe they have a good chance of success. For one, development of the East Liberty corridor has boomed in the past several years. With the advent of Bakery Square and the Google offices, Home Depot, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, lofts, new restaurants, and an upcoming Target, the surrounding area is far more vibrant than it was at the time of the last attempt in 2006. More directly, past developers could not secure a parking solution for the building.

Read more: http://www.popcitymedia.com/devnews/highlandbuilding031611.aspx

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Running Of The Wieners At Bakery Scare!

Have a wiener dog or a pup under 25 lbs? Sign up, it’s free!

Aren’t they cute?! Your dog could participate!

It's time to register for the 2nd Annual Running of the Wieners, presented by Better Than Treat Brands! The 2nd Annual Running of the Wieners is a part of Bakery Scare- a day long event that will feature the Better Than Treat Brands’ wildly popular event, where small dogs race in hot dog costumes! The event will also feature live music, celebrity guests, costume contests for pets and people alike, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and more! Proceeds will benefit Animal Friends.

To enter, send an email to EnterMyDog@gmail.com with your name, your pet's name, your pet's breed and your pet's weight. Please attach a picture of your pup if you have one!

Guidelines to enter the contest:
-Only pups 25lbs and under are eligible to participate
-All breeds are welcome
-If you do not have your own hot dog costume, you will be provided with one, courtesy of Better Than Treats Brands!
-It is 100% FREE to enter and participate!

Is your dog larger than 25 pounds and you want to join in the fun? Bakery Scare will also feature a costume contest and parade for dogs of all sizes! Details coming soon!
Learn about the Better Than Treat Brands here: http://www.betterthanbrands.com/

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Weather Emergencies Make Vehicles Lifeboats: How Prepared Are You?

Are you prepared for an emergency? Read on to find out what you should have with you in case of an emergency.

With Hurricane Irene bearing down on the East Coast and many Americans trying to evacuate the area in their vehicles, there is a very real threat for people of winding up on their own or even stranded in their vehicle, which becomes a kind of lifeboat.
But what is in that lifeboat to help an individual or a family cope with adverse conditions? Too few drivers keep basic tools and other necessities and helpers to endure a night or more alone in a car, or the basics to get a damaged car back on the road.There are a few small things you can carry to make life on the road easier. If you're going to be on the road every day, these items will prove themselves useful in the long haul. Fit as many into one carrying case as you can unless the vehicle has cleverly designed stow-away slots for specific items.
First-aid kit: It's an obvious one, but how many drivers actually carry a first-aid kit? In the critical minutes before emergency care arrives, you could give an accident victim the care they need. Many luxury vehicles come with well-equipped kits, so check before you buy.
Blanket: This one goes hand-in-hand with the first-aid kit. A victim at an accident scene may need to be kept warm to prevent shock. And if you're broken down in unexpected weather, the blanket may keep you warm when your vehicle cannot.
Spare tire and jack: A well-maintained spare tire and jack can mean the difference between a fifteen-minute inconvenience and an hour-long, $75 ordeal. While other drivers are waiting to be towed to the near tire depot, you can change your own and roll for more than fifty miles to the shop of your choice. Make sure to check the condition of your spare each month or so. If you often travel in remote areas, replace a "temporary" spare with a real fifth tire that fits the vehicle.
Water and food: This is a no-brainer, right? A few bottles of water and shelf-stable or vacuum packed snacks. Don't buy snacks that will be compromised in a hot car. And change them at least twice a year.

Do you keep an emergency kit in your car?

Spare wiper blades: This may seem like overkill, but it's not. Foul weather can wear down wiper blades more quickly than you think -- especially in wintry climates with snowy, salted roads. Keep them on hand and change when the windshield gets bleary. Most blades can be refilled in less than a minute; the replacements are available, usually for less than $5, at local car-parts stores or from your dealer.
Jumper cables: You can always find another driver to give you a jump-start - but can you always find a set of cables? A good set of cables costs less than $20, and offers instructions on how to jump your car if you're not sure. Most major department stores, such as Kmart and Target, stock these in addition to the car-parts stores.
Sharpie and paper: In the event you have to leave your vehicle, you want to be able to leave a note.
Phillips and standard-style sizes: This tool is far more versatile than a regular screwdriver because you can pick the bit type and size that exactly fits the fastener you're trying to remove. Some kits come with a small selection of sockets and drivers for those Torx (star-shaped head) screws that are increasingly commonplace. It's an essential tool to have and keep with you in the car.
A roll of duct tape or electrical tape: Duct tape has been the emergency mechanic's best friend for years; with it, you can temporarily bind a leaking radiator hose or quickly patch up shattered glass. Electrical tape is great to have on hand when you need to keep an exposed electrical connection from touching something it shouldn't. Toss a roll of each into your tool kit.
Pen magnet: This handy tool can help you dig out keys that fell between the seats, or retrieve a tiny screw you dropped someplace inaccessible to your hand. Get the telescoping type that looks and functions just like a radio antenna. There are also flexible models that can be bent to work around obstacles. Both are great to have in certain circumstances where almost nothing else will do.
Emergency cell phone: If you are one of the few who don't have a regular cellphones, invest in an emergency-use cell phone that tucks away in the glove box. These phone are inexpensive (the plans call for a very limited number of calls per month or even just 911) but can be lifesavers if you have or witness a serious accident. You can also use them to report possible drunk drivers and other emergency situations.
Flashlight, disposable lighter and Flares: The flashlight and lighter are self-explanatory. Flares can be used to signal for help, mark off your car from oncoming traffic and even work as emergency lighting.

Read more: http://autos.aol.com/article/car-evacuation-emergency-safety-kit/

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Free Admission To Carnegie Science Center On Sunday!

Get free admission to the Carnegie Science Center on Sunday!

Event: Free Admission Day at the Carnegie Science Center
Location: Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Avenue, North Shore, Pittsburgh, PA
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Time: 10am until 5pm
Cost: Free
Description: Enjoy free admission to the Carnegie Science Center, thanks to2011 RADical Days. Note: the Miniature Railroad will be closed for maintenance, however you can still enjoy robots, fish, experiments, activities and fun for all ages! Special performances: Prime Stage Theatre and the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra will present short staged readings from their new stage adaptation of the award-winning fantasy novel, A Wrinkle in Time. Shows at 1pm and 3pm.

Thanks to http://www.livingpittsburgh.com/2011/09/free-admission-day-at-the-carnegie-science-center-radical-days-pittsburgh-free-events/ for the details on this event!

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Spend This Weekend At Bakery Square!

Spend this weekend at Bakery Square! On Saturday is the Back to School Bash, Bakery U, from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Bakery U is the ultimate orientation to Pittsburgh for students, professional transplants and current residents to learn more about how to become more active in our amazing city! Local companies, charities and non-profits will be showcasing all that Pittsburgh has to offer. Volunteer opportunities, internships and activities abound-all while you groove to Pittsburgh’s premier Dave Matthew’s tribute band, One Sweet Burgh and dance to the sounds of 91.3 WYEP’s favorite DJ’s.The complimentary bar will feature craft brews and 100% of donations will got to support 91.3 WYEP Pittsburgh’s publicly funded radio station - “Where the Music Matters."

Don’t forget about the final Sunday Marketplace in the Summer Street Party series at Bakery Square on Sunday, September 25th from Noon to 4 pm.  Browse the Bakery Square retail stores or head on over to the I Made it! Market featuring crafts, art, clothing, jewelry and more! Also check out the Abby Lee Dance Company of  Lifetime’s “Dance Moms” perform at 1pm and 3pm with a meet and greet following each of the shows.

For more information or to RSVP to these events please visit: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=210148035716625

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Free Performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is giving a free performance on September 20th. Read below for more details:

 

Event: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s BNY Mellon Grand Classics Season Preview
Location: Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown, Pittsburgh, PA
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Description: Join the PSO for a FREE concert to preview the 2011-2012 BNY Mellon Grand Classics Season! WTAE’s Sally Wiggin hosts an evening of highlights from the upcoming BNY Mellon Grand Classics Season. Join Music Director Manfred Honeck, along with conductors Lawrence Loh and Thomas Hong, as they lead your Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra through Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Gershwin and more. Plus, see the PSO’s new Principal flute, Lorna McGhee, make her solo debut! Call 412-392-4900 to get your free tickets now (limited quantity).

Information courtesy of: http://www.livingpittsburgh.com/2011/09/free-pittsburgh-symphony-orchestra-performance-pittsburgh-events/

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Days and Places For Cheap Tacos In Pittsburgh

Check out the day by day list of where to get yourself cheap tacos during the week in Pittsburgh~!

Monday

Franklin Inn in the North Hills offers $1.00 tacos, made from quality ground beef they cook and season themselves and chicken they cook and shred. They’re the same ones they serve in their dinners. Soft or hard tacos are available, made with beef or chicken. The deal is available from  7pm to 10pm (valid at the bar only).

Duke’s Station in Bethel Park offers $1.00 tacos on Monday nights, along with $1.00 16 oz Yuengling Drafts and $1.00 hot dogs (valid at the bar only).

You’ll also find 95 cent tacos and $2.95 regular margaritas at Patron Mexican Grill in Wexford.

William Penn Tavern in Shadyside also offers $1.25 tacos and $2.50 20 oz Coors or Coors Light drafts.

Las Velas Mexican Restaurant has $1.00 tacos, nachos and quesadillas during Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm, along with $4.00 margaritas and $2.50 drafts.

Finally, there’s Mexican Monday at Embury in The Strip.

Tuesday

Las Velas Mexican Restaurant has $1.00 tacos, nachos and quesadillas during Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm, along with $4.00 margaritas and $2.50 drafts.

Lava Lounge on E. Carson St. in the South Side offers 85 cent beef or veggie tacos for Taco Tuesdays, along with $4.00 Sauza Margaritas. Think you can eat more tacos than anyone else in the room? Test your chompers every Tuesday at Lava Lounges’s “Dude VS Food” taco eating contest for a chance to get yours for free!

You’ll find 99 cent tacos and $2.75 Coronas at Rumerz Sports Bar and Grillin Shadyside as well.

Mexi-Casa in Dormont has $1 crunchy beef tacos every Tuesday. Wash a few of those down with a $2 domestic bottle of beer.

Redbeards in Mt Washington has 75 cent tacos from 8pm – 1am with $2.75 Coronas all day.

Also, in Mt Washington, Cafe Niko’s has 2 tacos for $3 and $1.75 drafts.

Hal’s Bar & Grill in the North Hills offers $1 tacos every Tuesday.

Cains in Dormont has $1.00 tacos, $2.50 Coronas & $5 Margaritas.

The Trolley Stop Inn in Bethel Park features 99 cent tacos all day, as well as 50 cents off margaritas.

Cappy’s in Shadyside has Taco Tuesday and offers $1.50 tacos (beef, chicken or veggie), $3 burritos and $3 Mexican beers form 7-11pm.

Finally, Monkey Bar in Pleasant Hills has 50 cent tacos today.

Wednesday

On Wednesday nights from 9pm until midnight, you can take advantage of $1 tacos and FREE bluegrass music at the Park House Tavern in East Allegheny/Deutschtown. They also offer $2 Yuenglings.

The Loose Moose Saloon in Baldwin dishes up 50 cent tacos on Wednesdays, along with $2.00 off any drink during happy hour from 4 to 6 pm.

Stinky’s in Lawrenceville serves up dollar tacos from 7pm-11pm.

William Penn Tavern in Shadyside also offers $1.25 tacos and $2.50 20 oz Coors or Coors Light drafts on Wednesdays as well.

Las Velas Mexican Restaurant has $1.00 tacos, nachos and quesadillas during Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm, along with $4.00 margaritas and $2.50 drafts.

Thursday

Mendoza Express has a deal on Thursdays offering 3 tacos with either rice or beans, all for just $5.00.

Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill offers 3 tacos for $3.00 on Thursday nights, along with $2.50 Bud and Bud Light drafts and bottles. Go at happy hour from 4 to 6 and you can also get $1.00 off all drinks and half-off appetizers.

Backdraft Bar & Grille in Baldwin has $1.00 tacos today from 4pm-11pm.

Steel Towne Inn in Braddock Hills offers 50 cent tacos on Thursday nights as well, along with a $1.00 off all appetizers.

And finally, both Breeze’s Bar & Grille in Bethel Park and Stinky’s Bar & Grille (7-11pm) both offer dollar tacos.

Article courtesy of: http://www.livingpittsburgh.com/2010/05/dinner-deals-restaurant-specials-cheap-taco-pittsburgh/

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