News
February 14, 2025 - Message from Executive Director, Tom Frank, Importance on Being An Advocate
January 21, 2025 - Nominations Open to honor strong contributions to Pittsburgh CRE Market at 32nd Annual Awards on May 22, 2025.
August 15, 2024 - Kelsey Kanspedos & Sabreena Miller named 2024 Developing Leaders Award Winner
July 3, 2024 - Sabreena Miller, NAIOP Pittsburgh DL, Recipient of Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship
April 1, 2024 - 31st Annual Awards Banquet Winners Announced
January 16, 2024 - Tom Frank Named Executive Director, NAIOP Pittsburgh
January 2, 2024 - Meet Brian Walker, 2024 NAIOP Corporate Chair
March 29, 2023 - ‘Bordering on illegal’: Pittsburgh’s new zoning review fees draw wrath from developers”
March 21, 2023 - Walnut Capital argues 20-fold increase in zoning fees is illegal in letter to administration of mayor Ed Gainey
March 21, 2023 - "Walnut Capital submits letter to Gainey administration arguing new zoning fees are illegal"
March 16, 2023 - Gensler principal: only 30% of buildings it surveyed are suitable for residential conversion
November 24, 2021
More concerns raised over proposal to give Pittsburgh City Council added power over development
The City of Pittsburgh’s law department and some planning officials are raising big concerns over a proposal that would give council members more power over development projects in their districts..… read full article by Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
August 4, 2021
Brandon Mendoza’s Executive Director Message
On August 4th we will host nearly 800 of the top leaders in the Pittsburgh Commercial Real Estate community at our 28th Annual Awards Banquet. That we can pull this off is a testament to our members’ steadfast support of our chapter.… read full article
March 12, 2021
Mendoza’s Viewpoint: Cultivating diverse talent in Commercial Real Estate
NAIOP Pittsburgh has launched a program to get more diversity in the ranks of the commercial real estate industry… read full article
September 25, 2020
Mendoza’s Viewpoint: ‘At the end of the day, leadership matters’
Over the past six months, our region, nation and world have faced unparalleled challenges. Covid-19 has upended the global economy, while laying bare many of our vulnerabilities… read full article
May 11 2020
For Immediate Release: NAIOP Pittsburgh and URA Release Guide for Commercial Property Owners and Tenants to Avoid Legal Disputes
NAIOP Pittsburgh and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) have come together to create a guide for property owners and tenants to address equitable strategies for rent relief. Although not a legal document or legal advice, the document is a guide for both property owners and tenants to avoid legal disputes by utilizing strategies outlined in the guide. read full article here.
April 27, 2020
Life in Balance: ‘Now work and family times are blended’ for Brandon Mendoza
Brandon Mendoza, executive director of NAIOP Pittsburgh, is accustomed to working from home, having split his time from home, meetings in downtown Pittsburgh and the organization’s office in the South Hills. With the pandemic and full-time working-from-home in place, he’s balancing his responsibilities as dad and executive together, often at the same time.… read full article
April 10 2020
NAIOP Pittsburgh and BOMA Pittsburgh Pen Joint Letter in Support of HB 2400
Together, we represent over 650 members of the commercial real estate and development industries. Today, we are writing to respectfully request … read full article here.
March 4 2020
Mendoza’s Viewpoint: Transit important for region’s growth
While many recent transit headlines have focused on the ever-important debates regarding alternative modes of transportation, usually bikes or scooters versus other modes, our state and region have a crisis bubbling up with traditional modes of transit. … read full article here.
February 4 2020
NAIOP Pittsburgh Receives 3 Awards at National Conference
For 2019, the NAIOP Pittsburgh Chapter was recognized with Outstanding Achievement in Membership Growth, Outstanding Contribution by Chapter President (Don Smith, Jr.) & Chapter Executive (Brandon J. Mendoza) … read full article here.
January 17, 2020
NAIOP Pittsburgh Announces Eight Awards For 27th Annual Awards Banquet
NAIOP Pittsburgh to award eight winners for their 27th Annual Awards Banquet. The Banquet, to be held on March 5th, 2020 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, celebrates excellence in development in the Pittsburgh region. If you’re not registered, we encourage you to sign up to attend at www.naioppittsburgh.com/events. The Eight award winners that will be honored for their work in 2019 included… read more here.
January 7, 2020
MEYER, UNKOVIC & SCOTT PARTNER Tony J. Thompson Named Legal Counsel of NAIOP Pittsburgh
Thompson focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on real estate disputes - including ownership, easement and boundary disputes, land use and zoning hearings, and commercial evictions. Thompson provides counsel to owners, property managers, developers, and retail and office tenants. You can read the full press release here.
October 18, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh Celebrates 20th Annual Night At The Fights with Near Record Crowd
With a near record attendance for the 20th Annual Night At The Fights, NAIOP Pittsburgh hosted the most unique event in Pittsburgh on October 17, 2019. Special guest sanctioned boxers included the United States Naval Academy Boxing Club. To honor the passing of Jimmy Cvetic, longtime supporter of this even, we honored him with a ten-bell salute.. This year’s event could not have been a success without the support of our many sponsors, benefited Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh & the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. You can view photos from the event here.
September 17, 2019
Mill 19 Solar Panel Installation to be One of the Largest Single-Surface, Sloped Rooftop Arrays in the Country
Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) has contracted with Scalo Solar Solutions to install what is thought to be one of the largest solar arrays in Western Pennsylvania on the roof of RIDC’s Mill 19 development. Installation begins this week. The array, which will include more than 110,000 square feet of high-powered solar panels and produce over two million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year will also be one of the largest single-surface, sloped roof solar arrays in the country. (read more here)
June 14, 2019
Cortright Criticizes Inclusionary Zoning, Suggests Other Remedies for Affordable Housing Challenges
Pittsburgh Business Times, Tim Schooley - A Portland, Oregon-based urban economist warned against the unintended consequences of inclusionary zoning policies before a Pittsburgh breakfast audience that included two council members and (read more here)
June 5, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh Honors the Best in Commercial Real Estate
Donald Smith Jr., President, NAIOP Pittsburgh and Brandon Mendoza, Executive Director, NAIOP Pittsburgh, are interviewed on Our Region’s Business. View interview here.
May 17, 2019
Mendoza's viewpoint: Development restrictions won’t produce affordable housing
Our city’s leaders are correctly focused on maintaining housing affordability, and it is incumbent on all our leaders to work with them.
In the past few years, the city has convened a task force and developed policy options to preserve affordability. These actions have been important ones that top-tier cities preparing for growth should consider. While the funding mechanism — the realty transfer tax — is not the best option, its existence is a good thing for our city’s strategy.
May 6, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Brandon Mendoza, selected to national list of CRE executives
The Business Journals' Influencers series spotlights 100 executives making moves in commercial real estate across the country.
April 23, 2019
VisitPITTSBURGH to Launch National Marketing Campaign April 29
Today, VisitPITTSBURGH executives along with County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor Bill Peduto introduced a new national marketing campaign, Pull Up A Chair, You Are Welcomed Here, that promotes Pittsburgh as a welcoming city. The campaign rolls out locally today, nationally April 29, and with a second push in the fall. VisitPITTSBURGH expects the campaign to show what makes Pittsburgh and Pittsburghers unique and be a campaign unlike any other destination marketing organizations’ campaigns.
April 10, 2019
Oxford & Partners Announce Expansion of 3 Crossings In The City’s Strip District
Oxford Development Company today announced the continuation of 3 Crossings, to include an additional 11-acre mixed-use development in the City’s Strip District neighborhood. This continuation follows on the heels of the first phase of the 3 Crossings Innovation district which is nearly 100 percent occupied and comprises the largest cluster of technology companies in the Strip District.
April 3, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh Banquet Draws Record Attendance
On March 28, 2019 NAIOP Pittsburgh held it’s 26th Annual Awards Banquet at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with over 850 attendees. The Eight award winners that were honored for their work in 2018 included:
March 11, 2019
Eight Award Winners to be Honored on March 28, 2019 at Largest #CREpgh Event
Selections were made for the 2019 NAIOP Pittsburgh Awards to be presented during the March 28, 2019 Awards Banquet, hosted by NAIOP Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Tickets and more information on the largest Commercial Real Estate event in Pittsburgh can be found at www.naoippittsburgh.com/events.
February 11, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh Launches Successful 2019 Developing Leaders Mentorship Connect Program
NAIOP Pittsburgh welcomed the Developing Leaders Mentorship Connect class of 2019, hosted at Burns Scalo Real Estate office in Greentree. RIDC, the Developing Leaders 2019 Activities Sponsor, was the sponsor for the kick-off reception, on February 10, 2019..
February 6, 2019
NAIOP Pittsburgh Continues to Grow Advocacy Efforts with Successful Trip to Washington, D.C.
Nine members of NAIOP Pittsburgh leadership, including David Caliguiri, The Caliguiri Group, attended the 2019 NAIOP Chapter Leadership and Legislative Retreat in Washington, D.C. last week.
January 3, 2019
NAIOP Executive Director, Brandon Mendoza, Selected to PBT Best of 2018 Personalities of Pittsburgh
Read the full article on the Pittsburgh Business Times website… Read more here.
December 18, 2018
Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC is pleased to announce that Angela Bickford, LEED AP BD+C has joined the Pittsburgh Office
She will hold the role of Mechanical Designer… Read more here.
December 18, 2018
Diane Bookwalter, P.E. from the Pittsburgh Office of Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC Promoted
She is also the Pittsburgh office… Read more here.
December 6, 2018
Groundbreaking on New Spec Office Building at RIDC Innovation Ridge
Local leaders joined developer Innovation Center Associates and officials of Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) to break ground on Innovation Pointe, an $18 million speculative office development at the RIDC Innovation Ridge campus in Marshall Township. Read more here.
December 3, 2018
To Accommodate Growth, RIDC Moves Offices To New Home at 611 William Penn
PITTSBURGH, PA – Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) has relocated to a new, expanded headquarters at 611 William Penn Place, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, formerly known as the Alcoa Building. Read more here.
November 2, 2018
Successful 19th Annual Night At The Fights
Thank you to everyone that attended the 19th Annual NAIOP Pittsburgh Night At The Fights. A special thank you to… Read more here.
August 20, 2018
Personalities of Pittsburgh: Brandon Mendoza, executive director of NAIOP
In this week's Personalities of Pittsburgh, the new executive director of NAIOP discusses his transition from inner-city kid in Brooklyn to head of one of Pittsburgh's most prominent commercial real estate groups.
Read full article on Pittsburgh Business Times website (subscription required).
July 9, 2018
Exciting News For Two Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC Employees
Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC is pleased to announce that Robert Livorio and Andrew (AJ) Walsh, from the Pittsburgh Office, have passed the professional engineer exam. Rob is an electrical engineer, and AJ is a mechanical engineer.
Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC is a mechanical / electrical / plumbing / fire protection engineering and commissioning services company, with its headquarters in Columbia, MD and offices in Pittsburgh, PA, Zelienople, PA, Dover, DL, and Salisbury, MD.
June 27, 2018
SAI Announces Promotions and Continued Leadership Transition
Pittsburgh, PA -- SAI Consulting Engineers, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotions of Glenn Stickel, PE, to President; Kevin Lettrich, PE, to Vice President – Construction; Ahmad Ahmadi, PhD, PE, to Vice President – Engineering; Edward Terhune, PE, to Structure Department Manager; and Eric Setzler, PE, to Assistant Department Manager - Structures in our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, headquarters.
Glenn Stickel, PE – President: Will lead and oversee SAI’s technical and business operations companywide. Glenn joined SAI in 1982 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president, project manager, project engineer, bridge designer, and bridge inspector before being named as our new president in 2018. Glenn earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a registered engineer in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Kevin Lettrich, PE – Vice President - Construction: Will lead our Construction Department and oversee all of our construction management and inspection services companywide. Kevin will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Pittsburgh construction department while also stepping into the larger leadership role of corporate growth and direction as part of our principal group. Kevin joined SAI in 1990 and has previously held the positions of department manager, project manager, construction supervisor, and construction inspector in our construction department. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and is a licensed professional engineer in both Pennsylvania and Florida.
Ahmad Ahmadi, PhD, PE – Vice President - Engineering: Will lead the engineering and technical direction of the firm's structure and highway design projects as well as our overall design quality. Ahmad joined SAI in 1986 and has held various leadership roles, including director of structures, quality and design technology along with his 18 years as our department manager – structures. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Science and Doctorate in Civil Engineering, Dr. Ahmadi is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, and North Carolina.
June 21, 2018
Brandon Mendoza Announced as NAIOP Pittsburgh Executive Director
Brandon Mendoza has been named Executive Director of NAIOP Pittsburgh, the local chapter of the national association that represents the interests of developers and owners of industrial, office, mixed-use and related commercial real estate. Mendoza succeeds Leo Castagnari, who retired from the position earlier this year. In this role, Mendoza will lead NAIOP Pittsburgh's continued growth and advance the organization's public policy agenda.
"We are thrilled to have Brandon joining us as he will leverage the strong foundation NAIOP Pittsburgh has established and propel us to the next level of success." said NAIOP Pittsburgh Board President David Weisberg. "We will continue to focus on promoting economic growth in the region as a result of a strong commercial real estate community."
"Brandon is the ideal choice to lead NAIOP's next growth phase, emphasizing advocacy on important issues to the Development Community" said NAIOP Pittsburgh Board Vice President Don Smith. "Our industry contributes huge numbers of jobs while building new neighborhoods and homes for our region's growing companies."
Mendoza most recently served as Government Affairs Manager for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the advocacy affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. He led the chamber's federal and local government affairs strategies. In addition to his advocacy role, Mendoza directed the chamber's legislative events, and raised nearly $1 million in sponsorships in his tenure, while growing the events' reputation in the community. Mendoza also brings a strong economic development track record to the position, having led the chamber's advocacy efforts to build the incentive package for Shell Chemical's multibillion petrochemical investment in Beaver County.
Prior to joining the chamber, Mendoza was Associate Project Manager at Duane Morris Government Strategies in Pittsburgh.
"I am excited to join a growing, vibrant association like NAIOP Pittsburgh" said incoming NAIOP Executive Director Brandon Mendoza. "I look forward to supporting the development community in building bridges with our public officials, regional partners, and our communities. NAIOP and its members are critical to supporting long-term growth in the Pittsburgh region."
Mendoza received his Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA), and his B.S. from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh's Leadership Development Initiative XXI and was selected by The Incline as one of 18 rising political leaders shaping Pittsburgh's tomorrow.
Brandon and his wife Jacinta reside in Zelienople with their two young sons, Miguel and Isaiah.
June 11, 2018
Dawood Engineering Promotes John Pisula to Manager of Civil Engineering, Pittsburgh Region
Dawood Engineering, Inc. (Dawood) is pleased to announce the promotion of John Pisula, PE to Manager of Civil Engineering, Pittsburgh Region. In his expanded role, John will manage all of the civil engineering team in the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania. In his most current role, John served as Senior Project Manager. He works extensively with Dawood’s clients in oil & gas, commercial, residential, and industrial development. He will continue his direct client and project management responsibilities. Based in Dawood’s Canonsburg, PA office, John is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
John joined Dawood Engineering as a Project Manager in 2012, having most recently worked with the Port Authority of Allegheny County. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Civil Engineering, and also holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He is an active member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE). A lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh region, John currently resides in the City of Pittsburgh.
Dawood, founded in 1992, is a multi‐disciplined consulting firm headquartered in Enola, PA in the Harrisburg Region. The Canonsburg office is its largest regional office and serves energy, transportation, municipal, and land development clients in Ohio, Southwest Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Dawood has additional offices in Bridgeport, WV, Caldwell, OH, King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Sayre, PA, and Sturbridge, MA. Our clients and peers have recognized the talent of our team and quality of our work with numerous accolades. Dawood was nominated in 2013, 2014 and 2017 and was awarded the 2013 Supplier of the Year award by the EMSDC. In 2014 and 2015, the company received an ACEC/PA Diamond Award for bridge replacement projects. Dawood has been ranked as an Engineering News Record Top 500 Design Firm.
June 5, 2018
NAIOP Pittsburgh Responds to Proposed City of Pittsburgh Riverfront Zoning
The following is testimony read by David Weisberg, NAIOP Pittsburgh President.
Good afternoon, my name is David Weisberg and I am President of NAIOP Pittsburgh. NAIOP is the largest regional association of developers, owners, investors and professionals of commercial real estate in Pittsburgh. On behalf of the more than 350 members, I am here today to express our strong concerns for certain provisions within the proposed Riverfront Zoning District developed by the Pittsburgh Planning Commission. As the Pittsburgh Chapter of NAIOP we have deep concerns about these proposed changes and believe there is a unique opportunity to work together to balance the needs of all stakeholders in our community.
We appreciate the hard work the Planning Commission Members and City Planning team have done to develop a framework for replacing the interim planning overlay district with a permanent zoning plan. And we applaud and support the preservation/restoration of our riverfronts, as well as the push for high quality development along those riverfronts. However, after extensive conversations with our members, we believe that if the city moves forward with these amendments as currently constructed these zoning changes will have a serious chilling effect on riverfront & economic development across the city.
To be clear, NAIOP members are concerned with a wide range of items, these concerns include but are not limited to the following:
Parking limits;
Setback requirements;
Mandated view corridors;
Reducing the maximum building footprint;
Height restrictions; and
Building length.
Certain developments that would not have occurred with these news restrictions would include many of the projects in robotics row in Lawrenceville and the Strip District.
Our membership places extraordinary emphasis on developing, owning and building high-quality real estate projects that recognize the unique and different needs of neighborhoods and communities across the city of Pittsburgh.
We want to work cooperatively with City Council, the Administration and other key stakeholders to have a comprehensive discussion about the proposed changes to the Riverfront Zoning.
We hope that you will take our membership's concerns with the seriousness with which they are offered, and engage in a dialogue that will enable you to craft a final set of zoning recommendations that balance the needs of all stakeholders in this community.
Thank you for your attention to these issues and look forward to working with you.
May 29, 2018
A Message From NAIOP: Banking Bill Includes HVCRE Revisions
On may 24, 2018 President Donald Trump signed the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act into law. This reform legislation includes NAIOP-supported provisions that ensure there is adequate capital availability for commercial construction financing.
The bill requires banking regulators to revise elements of the current High Volatility Commercial Real Estate (HVCRE) designation that unfairly targeted commercial construction lending, including:
Allowing commercial borrowers to use the appreciated value of contributed land, rather than the original cost as under the prior rule.
Limiting the application of the HVCRE classification by clarifying that loans made to acquire existing property with rental income would not be subject to higher capital requirements.
Allowing banks to remove the HVCRE designation prior to the end of the loan.
Revision of the HVCRE designation was an important element of NAIOP's 2018 agenda, and enactment of this important legislation is a major victory for NAIOP's members. We commend the president and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who worked to deliver this measure.
As always, thank you for your support of NAIOP and our legislative efforts.
May 17, 2018
Vollmer of America Corp. Aquires Land Parcel at RIDC Park West with Plans to Build New Facility
Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) announced that VOLLMER of America Corp has acquired a 5.85-acre parcel at RIDC Park West, which is located in the airport corridor off Interstate-376 Parkway West. VOLLMER plans to build a new one-story 29,300 square-foot facility on the site for sales, service and distribution purposes and expects to house 30 employees upon completion.
“We’ve been in the Pittsburgh area for forty-one years. A lot of German companies like us set up subsidiaries here, initially drawn by the city’s booming steel industry,” said Peter Allen, President of VOLLMER of America Corp. “Our new location at RIDC Park West brings us closer to the airport which is great for our customers. A large percentage of them fly in and the hotel and facilities in the surrounding area allow us to serve our customers better.”
VOLLMER of America Corp is a sales and service subsidiary of VOLLMER Group and is located in Carnegie, PA. With its comprehensive range of machinery, the VOLLMER Group – headquartered in Biberach, Germany with sites located worldwide – enjoys global success as a specialist in tool machining. Products include the latest in grinding, erosion and machining tools for rotary tools, circular saws and band saws in the wood-processing and metal-processing industries.
VOLLMER of America Corp is working with Bridgeville-based architect Integrity Design on the design of the new facility.
“The greater Pittsburgh area continues to be an attraction for global companies, and VOLLMER is an excellent example of a company that has evolved in sync with the region,” said Donald Smith, President of RIDC. “This site is perfectly situated and addresses VOLLMER’s most important business needs.”
May 16, 2018
NAIOP Pittsburgh State Legislative Report
May 15, 2018
NAIOP Pittsburgh Speaks Out on Proposed Duquesne Light Rate Increase
On behalf of the more than 350 members of the largest regional association of developers, owners, investors and professionals of commercial real estate in Pittsburgh, we would like to express our strong concerns for Duquesne Light's request of a proposed general rate increase.
After extensive conversations with our members, we believe that if the PUC approves Duquesne Light's general rate increase request that it will have an adverse effect on development in the region. It will further prevent developers from building energy efficient buildings or incorporating alternative energy products in older developments.
By increasing the "standby" charges from $2.50/kw to $8.50/kw our real estate developer members, owning property located in the Duquesne Light service territory, will have significant difficulty competing with those developers in other nearby service territories with "standby" charges under $2.50/kw.
We respectfully request that the PUC deny Duquesne Light's proposed general rate increase on the belief that it will be unreasonably burdensome to rate payers and will have an adverse effect on responsible development in the region.
May 15, 2018
Jim Feath Promoted to Regional Manager of HRG’s Pittsburgh Office
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that Jim Feath, R.L.A., has been promoted to manage our Pittsburgh office.
Feath joined HRG in 1998 just four years after the firm opened its Pittsburgh office, and he has significantly expanded HRG’s presence in the local land development and landscape architecture market over the past 20 years. His experience spans a wide range of commercial, residential, institutional, and recreational projects. It includes land development plans for Pittsburgh International Business Park; site design for multiple local school district building and athletic field projects in Fox Chapel, Monroeville, South Allegheny, and Hempfield School Districts; and master plans for the Washington County Fairgrounds and other area parks in Moon Township, Penn Township, Uniontown, West Deer Township, and Wilkins Township. Feath is a member of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) and the Pittsburgh chapter of NAIOP.
Western region vice president Jason Fralick welcomed the chance to promote from within and felt Feath was the natural choice for this office manager position.
“Jim has been an established leader in HRG’s Pittsburgh office for years,” he says. “He is well-respected by our staff and clients and has a vision for how HRG can continue to grow and expand in this market. We’re excited for what Jim can accomplish with the high-quality team we have developed in the Pittsburgh region.”s
March 6, 2018
Allen & Shariff Celebrates 25 Years
Columbia, Md. (March 2, 2018) – Allen & Shariff, the Columbia, MD-headquartered engineering design firm, kicks off a year-long celebration in 2018 to mark its 25th year in business. From its inception in 1993 as a partnership between Bill Allen and Zack Shariff to its current multi-branch, multi-national structure, the company has seen steady growth and looks forward to continued success in the coming years.
During its 25-year history, Allen & Shariff has provided MEP engineering services on a wide range of projects all over the world. From small retail stores to over 2 million SF mixed use development projects and hospital complexes, the firm is consistently recognized for its work. Awards over the years include:
AIA Design Pittsburgh 2017 People’s Choice Award, MEP/FP for Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Byham Center for Dance
Building Design + Construction Giants List 2017 - #48 Top Engineering Firms
Musanada Certificate of Appreciation 2017, Project Management for Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Large Business of the Year 2013 – Howard County Chamber of Commerce
Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award 2013 – Business of the Year
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 – CEO Zack Shariff Regional Award Winner
Zweig Hot Firm 2010, 2011, 2012
Baltimore Heritage Historic Preservation Award 2006 – Restoration of Clare Court Convent and Apartments
“We wouldn’t have survived this long without working with the best, from the people we employ to the partners we do business with,” says CEO Zack Shariff. “We’ve built our success on the strength of our people, and those relationships will help carry us into another twenty-five years of excellent work.”
Senior Vice President David Van der Vossen adds that he attributes Allen & Shariff’s staying power to their commitment to the client. “On every job, we connect with the client and make decisions according to what is best for their project,” he says. “That has helped us build the long-lasting relationships that are so important to our success.”
Allen & Shariff plans to commemorate this historic achievement throughout 2018 by sharing stories from its history and recognizing key clients and partners that have contributed to its success over the years.
March 6, 2018
NAIOP Pittsburgh voices strong concerns for certain provisions within the proposed Riverfront Zoning Amendments developed by the Pittsburgh Planning Commission
Columbia, MNAIOP Pittsburgh, on behalf of the more than 350 members of the largest regional association of developers, owners, investors and professionals of commercial real estate in Pittsburgh, submitted a letter to City of Pittsburgh Councilman Krause, expressing strong concerns for certain provisions within the proposed Riverfront Zoning Amendments developed by the Pittsburgh Planning Commission.
February 15, 2018
NAIOP Pittsburgh Executive Director to Depart After 20 Years
Leo Castagnari, executive director of NAIOP Pittsburgh, has announced his decision to step down after 20 years of dedicated service to the organization. Castagnari was the first Executive Director of NAIOP Pittsburgh.
NAIOP Board President David Weisberg stated “NAIOP Pittsburgh is a leader in the Western Pennsylvania real estate community. Under the guidance of Leo during his years of tremendous service, we are financially sound and have built a strong foundation that positions us well as we plan for the next stage of the organization.”
Castagnari’s years of leadership have grown NAIOP Pittsburgh to what it is today, including the membership more than doubling. During his tenure some wins in which Leo has played an instrumental role have been: A leader in pushing for Interstate-79 in Robinson Township; Working with the PA legislature to pass a revised mechanics lien law; and Leading NAIOP Chapter Meetings to have timely issues presented to the membership. Also during this time the NAIOP Pittsburgh Chapter has won multiple national industry awards for its Developing Pittsburgh magazine, educational programming, and advocacy efforts over the years. Lastly, Castagnari can be credited with growing the NAIOP Pittsburgh Annual Banquet to be the largest commercial real estate event in Western PA, both in attendance and sponsorship. This year’s 25th Anniversary banquet will be on March 1, 2018.
“My years as the Executive Director of NAIOP Pittsburgh have been both professionally and personally satisfying. While I am proud of the many successes the chapter has had over these past twenty years, the most important thing to me is the friendships that I will take with me as I explore new endeavors,” stated Castagnari.
NAIOP Pittsburgh is preparing its search and will announce when submissions for the Executive Director role are being accepted. Don Smith, Vice-President of the NAIOP Pittsburgh Board of Directors, is leading the Search Committee. Smith states, “The progress NAIOP Pittsburgh has made over the past 20 years is a direct testament to the impact that Leo has had as Executive Director. Leo is leaving NAIOP Pittsburgh having made the organization a much better and more impactful platform supporting development in the region.”
NAIOP Pittsburgh is the regional association of developers, owners, investors and professionals of commercial real estate. We are the leading industry resource to foster business relationships, promote responsible development and support growth of the region through education, leadership and advocacy.