Nearly 100 years after its opening as the Frank and Seder Department Store in Downtown Pittsburgh, Cleveland-based developer Stark Enterprises announces its acquisition and redevelopment of the 203,643 square-foot historic building located at 350 Fifth Avenue, in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh’s Fifth & Forbes corridor.

Current plans call for retail tenants to fill 30,000-50,000 square feet with office space planned for the above six floors.

The Smithfield Building redevelopment project marks Stark Enterprises’ foray into the Pittsburgh market.  

Along with the building’s iconic architecture and historical significance, the developer was attracted to the prominent downtown location, which is situated near regional fortune 500 companies, corporate R&D centers, esteemed higher education institutions and several social and entertainment hubs.

“I cannot think of a more exciting project to take on as our first development in Pittsburgh,” said Ezra Stark, chief operating officer, Stark Enterprises. “What an honor it is to help preserve a piece of the city’s history while at the same time creating a state-of-the-art retail and office experience that can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Stark Enterprises expects to commence construction by summer 2018 and announce its first committed tenants in the coming months.