Ace Hotel

Located in the heart of East Liberty, Ace Hotel has become a vibrant community hub that connects both locals and visitors through the hotel’s popular restaurant, bar and gymnasium event space.

Background

The $25 million historic preservation project renovated the former East Liberty YMCA, built in 1909. Located on South Whitfield Street, the Ace Hotel project is located in the middle of East Liberty’s commercial district.

Schedule

The Ace Hotel was completed in 2015.

Results

The renovation included a complete restoration of the building’s exterior and a creative reuse of the 60,000 square foot interior as an Ace Hotel featuring 63 guest rooms, lobby, restaurant/bar, coffee shop and event spaces in the gymnasium and ballroom areas.

East Liberty has traditionally been a disinvested community occupying a unique location at the intersection of wealthy and low-income neighborhoods in Pittsburgh’s most dynamic and populated quadrant. In the past 10 years, East Liberty has seen significant investment along its southern edge, with notable retail projects like Whole Foods and Target. The Ace Hotel project represents one of the first major investments in the heart of the East Liberty commercial district.

Facts

• Developer: East End Development Partners
• Community Partner: East Liberty Development, Inc.
• Contractor: PJ Dick
• Architect: Moss Architects
• 20 construction jobs created
• 9 full-time equivalent jobs created
• Total Development Costs: $22,000,000
• URA Financing: $11,500,000 Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives New Market Tax allocation
• Description: 60,000 square foot renovation includes 63 hotel guest rooms, lobby, restaurant/bar, coffee shop and event spaces in the gymnasium and ballroom areas
• A National Historic property renovation