In February, the Warren Redevelopment Authority issued a request for proposals for the property, located at 231-237 Pennsylvania Ave. W. There have been no proposals submitted since then, and at its August 27 meeting, the authority approved proceeding with demolition of the structures due to public safety concerns. As indicated in the Demolition Bid Notice, the contractor will be required to salvage the identified historical elements and provide them to the city.

The property was returned to the Redevelopment Authority in October 2024 after the Eagles Crest development fell apart amidst community opposition and lawsuits challenging funding approvals for the project. The project would have created a building with 40 units of senior housing – 35 one-bedroom and five two-bedrooms, as well as a variety of amenities – open to those aged 62 and older with income requirements.

City officials said last year they hoped to see a new developer step forward with a new project, but that hasn’t happened. WCCBI officials offered earlier this year to reach out to some of their contacts in an attempt to market the property, including Northwest Commission, Small Business Development Center, Business PA and the Manufacturers and Business Association. As the spring turned into summer, city officials told RDA members that there wasn’t much interest in the parcel and recommended the RDA contract with the Penn Bid company to market the site among its followers and work with any potential buyers. That RFP included language that allowed the city to demolish the building at any time if it poses a public safety hazard in any way. The RFP is to be submitted by Dec. 31.

The city’s pitch for redevelopment of the site notes its location one block north of the proposed Allegheny Riverfront Development Area which includes plans for a riverfront public access area including a boat ramp for small watercraft, floating dock, stair access, vehicle and trailer parking areas, and an extension to the existing riverfront walking trail. City officials said in their request for proposals that they want the project to have first floor retail/commercial use with upper stories appropriate for a mix of uses that include office spaces and apartments.

Times Observer photos by Ann-Marie Gariepy A sign is pictured at 231-237 Pennsylvania Ave. W. announcing the city’s request for new proposals for the site.

New building construction should respect the traditional character of the commercial district with the building being at the sidewalk and a minimum of two to three stories in height and should include a building encompassing the entire site to the extent permitted by city zoning laws. The RFP also requires public input through stakeholder meetings or surveys.