By Bob Bauder

Published: Thursday, November 8, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Hill District civic organization has secured about $3 million needed to start construction of a long-anticipated grocery store, Pittsburgh officials announced on Wednesday.

The Hill House Association and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl are scheduled on Thursday to outline funding details, which include private and public money, and the construction schedule for the $11.6 million Shop 'n Save.

More than $2.5 million in public money and property is already committed to the project.

“The neighborhood is getting a grocery store, residents will have access to fresh food, and it is really a great day for residents,” said Ravenstahl spokeswoman Joanna Doven. “Construction is imminent.”

Cheryl Hall-Russell, executive director of the Hill House Association, declined comment, but said she would answer all questions on Thursday.

The organization, which anticipates a late spring or early summer opening, announced last month that it received an $800,000 federal grant for the store.

Critics said the money would be better spent developing new housing, which would build a customer base.

Known as the Centre Heldman Plaza on Centre Avenue, the project includes a 30,410-square-foot grocery store with 6,793 square feet of additional retail space.

Residents and officials have worked since at least 2001 to make the store a reality.

Bob Bauder is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-765-2312 or bbauder@tribweb.com.

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