Governor Wolf Awards Funding to Big Tom's Barbershop in the Hill District

PITTSBURGH, PA (April 8, 2021) Governor Tom Wolf today awarded $500,000 for the rehabilitation of what will become Big Tom’s Barbershop and two affordable housing units in the Hill District, at the site of the iconic Hamm’s Barber Shop on Centre Avenue. 

Owner Thomas Boyd plans to relocate to the first floor of the rehabilitated Hamm’s structure, while the second and third floors will be renovated into 2 two-bedroom apartments, affordable at 50%-80% Area Median Income (AMI). 

The Governor’s funding — approved today by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency — came from the sale of tax credits under the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit Program, the proceeds of which are being used to fund the work of the Community Revitalization Fund Program. 

The overall project cost is $1.3 million, and the Governor’s $500,000 follows awards of $50,000 each from Neighborhood Allies and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh.