Wilkinsburg News + Events
Get Involved in Your Community!
Wilkinsburg Business Success Story: Global Food Pittsburgh
Moses Onwubiko, a small business tax consultant opened Global Food Market in August of 2004, selling African, Caribbean, and Latin groceries and sundries. A few years ago, Moses decided to take time off from the business. After a short break, he was ready to open the store under a new name, Global Food Pittsburgh, but he needed a new location.

The process of finding a retail space was difficult and Moses began to feel discouraged. He was discussing his struggle with a customer, when she mentioned that her husband, Gordon, would be able to help. “Gordon” turned out to be Gordon Manker, Business Development Specialist at the WCDC.

“Once I got into contact with Gordon, he helped me right away by giving me a list of potential locations. I wouldn’t have found my new location in Wilkinsburg without his help.”

Global Food Pittsburgh’s new Wilkinsburg location on Penn Ave has been open for about three months. “The people in Wilkinsburg have been so welcoming and very supportive of my business. They want me to succeed.” Customers both new and old value Global Food Pittsburgh’s unique inventory and helpful staff. “Many people that come into the store need recipes in addition to the ingredients, so I try to guide them on how to make certain dishes.” Moses plans to have a grand opening for the store this spring.

Read his full story CLICK HERE.
Property Spotlight: The Lohr Building
725 & 729 Wood Street
After an extensive $2.5-million renovation, the Lohr Building is ready to enter its next phase of its life as an anchor of Wilkinsburg's business district. Located on a highly visible corner in a pedestrian-friendly area, it lies within walking distance of the East Busway and a short trip to Pittsburgh.

Currently home to the WCDC's new headquarters and Nancy's Revival diner, the building's upper floors provide future tenants with distinctive office space featuring 11 to 13-foot high ceilings, arched windows that offer abundant natural light, ample parking and rental rates that are roughly one-third of East Liberty's.

To learn more about the project, visit wilkinsburgcdc.org/lohr-building-project. To schedule your tour today, contact Sepi Miller at sepi.miller@pittsburghmoves.com or 412-366-1600.
Apply for the WCDC 2020 Youth & Education Mini-Grant
The application cycle is now open for the 2020 Youth & Education Mini-Grants! The program encourages programs that support the academic and civic endeavors of Wilkinsburg's youth. The program is made possible through a generous grant from the Howard & Nell E. Miller Foundation of the PNC Charitable Trust and the WCDC.
 
Visit  wilkinsburgcdc.org/youth-initiative  for application details. Application deadline is Friday, May 1, 2020 at 4 p.m. Awardees will be notified by May 22, 2020 and all projects must be completed by August 31, 2020. Email  tracey@wilkinsburgcdc.org  for more information.
CORE Four Business Planning Workshop
We have dates for our next CORE Four Business Planning Workshop! The eight-week course starts April 1st and will be held weekly from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Lohr Building - 725 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.

The business planning course teaches aspiring and existing business owners the fundamental skill sets they need to set themselves up for success. To learn more about the program, visit wilkinsburgcdc.org/core-four-workshop-series.

To sign up, contact Gordon at gordon@wilkinsburgcdc.org .
Project Progress: Wilkinsburg Train Station
Vacant for more than 50 years, this 100+ year old beaux arts-style anchor building will become one of the most historically significant and architecturally unique buildings in the entire region, state and even the nation.

With only a few months left until the completion of the $6.5 million historical preservation and restoration project, the WCDC wanted to share a few progress photos with the community members, businesses and local leadership who have generously supported this project to remind us all of how far the Train Station has come.

To learn more about the project, visit wilkinsburgcdc.org/wilkinsburg-train-station. Interested tenants can schedule your tour today by contacting Sepi Miller at sepi.miller@pittsburghmoves.com or 412-366-1600.
Community Calendar
All events and meetings listed below take place in Wilkinsburg, unless otherwise noted.
>> Core Four Business Planning Workshop
April 1 - May 27
725 Wood Street
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
>> Open House: Grow Pittsburgh's Garden Dreams Location
Saturday, April 18
12:00. - 3:00 p.m.
Grow Pittsburgh will be holding an open house and celebration to kick off the growing season. You'll be able to learn more about the transition and share your hopes for the site with the production team. To learn more, visit: growpittsburgh.org .
Have an event or meeting coming up? 
Send us the details, and we'll include it in our next newsletter.

Want to learn more about borough council, commission & authority meetings? 
Check out Wilkinsburg Borough's Calendar.
Support the WCDC

At the WCDC, we envision Wilkinsburg will be a prosperous and growing community regarded for its strong business district and neighborhoods; historic charm; convenient location; and desirable quality of life.

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the revitalization of Wilkinsburg through business & residential development; organizational & individual civic leadership; and ethnic & cultural diversity.