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South Side Local Development
Company
A track record of preservation and neighborhood revitalization
South Side Local Development Company (SSLDC) was formed in 1982
with a mission of historic preservation and economic revitalization.
At the time, the closing of Pittsburgh’s steel mills and a
sluggish economy had taken a toll on the South Side.
The neighborhood began to stabilize as a result
of SSLDC’s early work and the decisions of some pioneer businesses
to open up in South Side. Some of the first businesses to set up
shop in the early eighties were Mario’s South Side Saloon,
Esser’s Floral Shop, and Café Allegro.
Today, South Side is home to a mix of creative
businesses, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, theater, and retail
shops. South Side’s East Carson Street is recognized as a
local and national historic district. It is considered to have the
region’s largest and best collection of Victorian commercial
architecture.
Main
Street on East Carson
South Side a nationally recognized model
In 1985, East Carson Street was selected to participate in the National
Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Urban Demonstration
Program (www.mainstreet.org).
Managed by SSLDC, the Main Street on East Carson program received
three years of technical assistance from the National Trust and
others in façade restoration, planning, and other revitalization
support.
Main Street on East Carson stimulated investment
on the South Side and revitalized the business district. In 1996,
East Carson Street was one of only five districts nationwide to
receive the National Trust’s “Great American Main Street”
award.
SSLDC facilitates private
and public investment
Under SSLDC’s direction over the past 21 years, South Side
has seen:
• 150+ new businesses
• 120+ storefronts renovated
• 100+ new homes constructed
• 10% vacancy rate in 2003, down from 40% in 1982
1982
SSLDC formed
1983 East Carson Street listed on National Register
of Historic Places
1985 South Side Planning Forum created
1985 East Carson Street selected to participate
in National Trust’s Main Street Program
1990 South Side Planning Forum adopts a Neighborhood
Plan
1992
Edward’s Court, the first new residential construction in
South Side
1993 East Carson Street Local Historic District
established
1994
Bingham Homes construction completed
1994 South Side Planning Forum adopts South Side
Works Plan
1996 East Carson Street named a “Great American
Main Street”
1997
Fox Way Commons construction completed
1998 SSLDC and PNC Bank partner in Neighborhood
Assistance Program
1999
New Birmingham construction completed
2002
Shelly Street Homes construction completed
2003 Renovation of old Lorch’s Department
Store completed (at street level)
2004
Received "Overall Excellence" award among city of Pittsburgh
Main Streets
2006
Received Urban Pioneer Award from National Trust
Getting it done today
The SSLDC operates with a Board of 27 directors who are mostly residents
and business owners on the South Side. The SSLDC has a professional
staff of six and hundreds of volunteers serving on various committees
to implement the vision of the Board. Major supporters include PNC
Bank and Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.  |
