Phipps Conservatory Seeks To Purchase Pittsburgh Irish Centre

PITTSBURGH, PA — Phipps Conservatory has contacted city officials about purchasing the former Irish Centre of Pittsburgh property in Squirrel Hill and using it for community and agricultural purposes.

In a letter to the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment, Phipps officials outlined their plans for the site should the board deny a Craft Development Group's request last month for a zoning variance that would permit a 160-unit apartment complex on the property. That proposed development has drawn considerable community opposition.

Phipps would use the property as the headquarters of its Homegrown program, which is designed to serves families and children in underserved neighborhoods by providing fresh produce and installing raised bed vegetable gardens at households.

Phipps also would establish a nursery for growing plants for flower shows and the neighborhood greening program it is starting. The Irish Centre building would be retained and renovated into an environmentally friendly "green" building.

As the property's current zoning is for community and agricultural purposes, Phipps would not need a variance.

"By contrast Craft General plans to build a multi-unit residential building that well exceeds the current zoning specifications," the letter states.

"The plan provides for a building that is 87 feet in height, over double the current height restriction of 40 feet. Moreover, the plans is not consistent with the current character of (nearby) Frick Park."