Millions in State Grant Funds Approved for Westinghouse Castle in Wilmerding, Parking Structure in Monroeville, Brewster, Markosek Say

December 28, 2017

Harrisburg – December 28, 2017 – A total of $3 million in newly approved state grant funding will help transform a former turn-of-the century industrial edifice in Wilmerding into a new commercial hotel, and result in the construction of a new parking structure in Monroeville to accommodate a large local employer, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and state Rep. Joe Markosek said today.

The repurposing of the former Westinghouse Castle in Wilmerding will be boosted by a $1 million grant.  Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI) will use a $2 million state grant to construct a new parking facility for its expansion project.

“Earmarking these state grants for both projects is a wise use of state resources,” Brewster said.  “The repurposing of the Westinghouse Castle is a signature project that will generate local economic activity and create jobs.

“The grant for BPMI is targeted to a large local employer who has engaged in an expansion project at its facility.”

Markosek said the state grant dollars help leverage other investment that will result in job creation, tax base expansion and even more spin-off economic benefits.

“Without question, prudent state investments such as targeting dollars to help the redevelopment of the former Westinghouse Castle, plus helping a large local employer and good corporate partner like BPMI grow, will create even greater benefits for years to come,” Markosek said.  “These are important projects for our local economy and for future economic stability.”

Priory Hospitality Group is planning to transform the Westinghouse Castle into a 42-room boutique hotel with banquet space and a restaurant, and house the George Washington Museum, including artifacts and documents.

BPMI will use its state funds to build a parking structure to address the needs of the growing workforce at its complex.  Plans also call for the construction of a new office building.

“BPMI is a quality corporate partner who has made a commitment to our area,” Brewster said.  “I am pleased that the state has made a commitment to help this company continue its expansion.”

Markosek said the Westinghouse Castle project has unique attributes. 

“The Westinghouse Castle project is a unique development that preserves the historical nature of the building while adapting the historical landmark for contemporary use,” he said.

Westinghouse Castle served as the general office building for the Westinghouse Air Brake Company.  Built in 1890, the structure features Richardson Romanesque/Chateauesque architecture, which had to be rebuilt six years later when a fire destroyed its upper stories.  A wing was added in 1926.

The Westinghouse Air Brake Company, originally known as Library Hall, was the first company founded by George Westinghouse. 

Funding for the projects is through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Budget Office.  The General Assembly authorized the projects. 

Brewster is the Democratic chair of the Senate Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees.  Markosek is the Democratic chair of the House Appropriations Committee. 

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Brewster, Markosek: Transportation, Recreation, Public Safety, Flood Mitigation Projects Approved

November 14, 2017

Harrisburg – November 14, 2017 – Grants totaling more than $1.3 million were approved to address transportation, recreation, flood mitigation and public safety in the Mon Valley and eastern Allegheny County, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) and state Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) said.

The grant funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) at a meeting this morning in Harrisburg.  Grants were targeted for Monroeville, Pitcairn, North Versailles and East McKeesport. 

“The projects approved today will address specific needs of municipalities,” Brewster said.  “This funding will help build up and enhance our transportation system, curb flooding, improve recreational opportunities and promote public safety.”

“These projects improve the quality of life in the region and aid economic development and job creation efforts,” Markosek said.  “State support for these local projects is essential because many communities do not have the local resources to properly fund the work.

“Plus, it is critical to draw down state grant funding to help alleviate the local tax burden.”  

The projects approved today include:

  • $279,433 for flood mitigation along Dirty Camp Run in Pitcairn; 
  • $211,241 for Crestas Park renovation in North Versailles; 
  • $795,690 for pedestrian and streetscape improvements in East McKeesport;
  • $100,000 to help the Monroeville Police Department upgrade its mobile radio system.

Brewster said that the CFA approval of these grants provide important pieces of funding for projects in the communities and that both he and Markosek represent. 

“Communities in our region have great needs that can, in many cases, only be met by applying state resources,” Brewster said.  “Local tax dollars are already being stretched and Representative Markosek and I are aggressive in pursuing state dollars so projects can be completed.”

Markosek noted that he was pleased that the state is making these investments and that funding of over $1.3 million is significant. 

“Both Senator Brewster and I work to ensure that projects in our municipalities are funded and that state dollars are used to pay for a lion’s share of the costs,” Markosek said. 

Brewster serves as Democratic chair of the Law and Justice and Game and Fisheries committees in the state Senate.  Markosek is Democratic appropriations chair in the state House of Representatives. 

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