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URA and Salem's Market and Grill Sign Lease Agreement for Centre Heldman Plaza Location

Press Release
January 26, 2022

New grocery store scheduled to open in August 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA (January 26, 2022) The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) and Salem’s Market and Grill announced today that they have entered into a lease agreement for the former SHOP ‘n SAVE space at the Centre Heldman Plaza. 

“By the grace of God, I am very excited to announce our lease agreement with the leadership of the URA, marking this as a historic moment and a great start towards serving the legendary Hill District community,” Abdullah Salem, CEO of Salem's Market and Grill, said in a statement. “The residents of the Hill District deserve the absolute best in a community grocer and we plan to deliver the best experience, products, and outstanding customer service. The exemplary leadership of the URA and the Hill District will provide the impetus and motivation for our high standards. The URA's commitment to the Hill District is very inspiring and Salem's Market will be forever grateful.” 

The Hill District has not had a grocery store since March 2019. This left many residents without immediate access to groceries, especially those with limited transportation options. Salem’s Market and Grill will fill this void in a neighborhood that is currently a food desert.

"I want to congratulate Salem's for signing a lease with the URA. Salem's new grocery store in the Hill District is a great addition towards ensuring food security for all," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "The Salem's team has done great things with their location in the Strip District and I look forward to what they will bring to the Hill. Empowering a minority-owned business that will provide neighborhood job opportunities, fresh produce, affordable groceries, and accessibility for the Hill District is something we can all be proud of."

The URA selected Salem’s following a community process coordinated with City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle and the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC). A community meeting was held in September 2021 where four grocers presented their proposals, and the URA and Hill CDC solicited feedback from Hill District residents via scorecards. Of the four grocers, Salem's scored the highest with the community.

“When the URA purchased the Centre Heldman Plaza, the goal was to ensure that the Hill community had a voice in shaping the future of the space,” said URA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Diamonte Walker. "The URA thanks the Mayor’s Office, Councilman Lavelle, and Hill District community partners for working together to bring this critical project to fruition. We are excited to work with the Salem’s team and look forward to the ribbon cutting!”  

Salem's Market & Grill has been a locally-run minority-owned business for over 30 years, with the original store located on Penn Avenue in the Strip District. Their application highlighted how they could collaborate with and contribute to the Hill District community after reviewing the Greater Hill District Master Plan and Centre Avenue Redevelopment and Design Plan. 

"Salem's Market has already proven to be a terrific community partner," said City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle. "Their new location on Centre Avenue not only provides the Greater Hill District with a proven market and expanded grocer, but also provides a much-needed boost to the Centre Avenue commercial corridor. Their current and future customers will also help support the various small business initiatives currently underway."

Salem’s Market and Grill is scheduled to open in the Centre Heldman Plaza location in August 2022.

The City, URA, and Councilman Lavelle have worked closely with the Hill community to attract community-driven tenants to the Centre Heldman Plaza, including CARES CommuniTEA Café, Catapult's Gallery on Centre, a minority business incubator, and G’s Closet. Additional information about the plaza can be found here.  

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About the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)
The URA is the City of Pittsburgh's economic development agency, supporting the City’s economic development goals, which are designed to create a city of inclusive opportunity for residents, stakeholders, and communities. The URA is committed to creating more housing that is affordable to the average Pittsburgher; encouraging more entrepreneurship and small business development; promoting inclusive growth and quality job creation; expanding neighborhood and main streets revitalization efforts; and developing a talented workforce that is equipped with the skills of the future.

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