Wilkinsburg Pursues Economic Development Following Aldi with Penn Lincoln Apartments

Wilkinsburg Initiates Economic Revitalization with New Penn Lincoln Apartments Construction

WILKINSBURG, PA — A significant step in the economic development of Wilkinsburg has commenced with the construction of the Penn Lincoln Apartments, a five-story facility situated along Penn Avenue. Once the site of the Penn Lincoln Hotel in the 1920s, this project aims to breath new life into the community by providing 41 units of affordable housing and commercial space on the ground floor.

Local leaders and residents alike view this initiative as pivotal for the borough’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Leon Haynes, founder and CEO of the community-driven nonprofit Hosanna House, highlighted the project’s potential impact, stating, “It’s a key point for economic development in this area.” He emphasized that the new apartments, alongside other ongoing improvements, signify a “spark for Penn Avenue,” an area poised for transformation.

The Penn Lincoln Apartments are part of a broader strategy of development within Wilkinsburg, following the successful opening of an Aldi grocery store earlier this year. Mayor Dontae Comans noted that this is just one of many investments being made across all three wards of the borough, declaring, “We have families that will actually be able to go down there and shop and enjoy our entertainment businesses.”

With a budget of approximately million, the Penn Lincoln Apartments are being funded through a combination of state and federal grants, with the PNC Financial Services Group serving as a primary investor. U.S. Senator John Fetterman, representing Pennsylvania, lauded the initiative as “a game changer” for the community, emphasizing the essential nature of such investments in facilitating local prosperity.

Despite the excitement surrounding new developments, the borough continues to face challenges related to urban blight. “It absolutely should bother everybody that there are blighted properties,” Haynes remarked, adding that many families endure the unsightly views on a daily basis. Local leaders are addressing these concerns, with Comans reporting that ongoing efforts are focused on demolishing 50 to 60 dilapidated homes each year, a number set to increase with additional funding commitments.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the Penn Lincoln Apartments project is being spearheaded by Action Housing and Hosanna House. This initiative, along with other developmental strategies in the borough, reflects a concerted effort to enhance the quality of life for residents and promote economic vigor in Wilkinsburg.

As construction progresses, the community remains hopeful that such endeavors will not only bring tangible improvements but also foster a renewed sense of pride and engagement in Wilkinsburg. The Penn Lincoln Apartments are poised to be a cornerstone in transforming the area and propelling further development in the years to come.