By: Lane Enterprises
Fairywood Redevelopment Project: A Transformation from Blight to Economic Engine
In 2023, Pittsburgh’s Fairywood neighborhood witnessed a remarkable transformation. A 25-acre site, ravaged by Hurricane Ike and left vacant for over 15 years, found new life as a 150,000-square-foot warehouse. This Fairywood Redevelopment venture, led by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern PA (RIDC) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA), promised to be a significant economic driver for the region.
Ferguson Enterprises Takes the Lead
Ferguson Enterprises, a leading distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and industrial products, became the first tenant. Their presence solidified the project’s potential to generate jobs and stimulate growth.
Revitalizing a Derelict Site
Previously, the site was a public housing development. However, Hurricane Ike’s devastation rendered it uninhabitable. Now, the once-derelict site is a state-of-the-art distribution facility, catering to North America’s leading supplier of products across various sectors, including residential, non-residential, new construction, and repair markets.
Innovative Storm Water Management
The Fairywood redevelopment project also showcases innovative storm water management. The site features a cutting-edge detention system with nearly 244 feet of perforated 60-inch corrugated steel pipe (CSP) supplied by Lane Enterprises. An impermeable liner and underdrain system envelop the CSP layout and clean stone embedment, effectively managing storm water runoff.
A Value-Engineered Approach
Interestingly, the storm water detention system’s design evolved. Initially planned with 60-inch corrugated HDPE pipe, a value-engineered decision led to the adoption of CSP. Ironically, Ferguson, the warehouse’s anchor tenant, is a major supplier of corrugated HDPE pipe and a significant account for Advanced Drainage Systems.
In conclusion, the Fairywood redevelopment project exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and sustainable design. It transformed a blighted site into a thriving economic hub, creating jobs and addressing environmental concerns. This project serves as a model for future redevelopment initiatives, demonstrating the potential of revitalizing derelict properties for the benefit of both communities and the environment.
Related Stories
Project Spotlight: First & Main Detention System (Opens in a new browser tab)
Project Spotlight: MAWC Sewer Site Campus Expansion (Opens in a new browser tab)
Applications (Opens in a new browser tab)