Millvale and the developer of a proposed short-term rental property are considering an agreement that would provide parking for the building’s guests as well as the public.

Amagu Homes, based in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park neighborhood, wants to place 11 units in the building at 141 Evergreen Ave. Previously a care home, it is presently vacant.

“The vision is that this would be a real asset for Millvale. There is strong demand for this type of housing,” said Ryan England, a partner with the architecture firm City Studio.

The house is in a commercial district where short-term rentals are permitted, said Phil Mangis, Millvale’s zoning officer and zoning and planning director. While it is not required to have any parking, Amagu wants to place spaces in a grassy area beside the house along Wehlple Street, which is one way up the hill toward Evergreen.

Because the grassed area is actually part of Wehple Street, Amagu has asked Millvale to vacate that part of the road. The existing road would remain.

Council discussed the request at its July 8 meeting, during which council President James Machajewski was among members uneasy about abandoning the portion of the road but expressed interest in doing so if the spaces created would be available for anyone to use.

The newly opened Rainbow Raccoon Park is nearby.

Mangis said he and borough Solicitor Jack Cambest are developing an agreement for that which council could discuss and consider approving in August. Council meets on Aug. 5 and 12.

England said they will look at what the borough proposes.

“We’re eagerly looking forward to hearing from the borough team,” he said.

Because of how steep the area is, England said it would have to be graded and stepped for parking to work. Plans are for nine spaces, with one that would be accessible.

“We think it’s better for everyone if we improve this area,” he said. “We really do want to have on-site parking.”

Amagu bought the property in June 2023 for $325,000, according to Allegheny County real estate records.

England said Amagu chose the house because it is a commercial building with a residential setup that was available, well suited for conversion into short-term rentals, and near the borough’s business district and Pittsburgh amenities and attractions.

“Millvale is a great city. There’s a lot of good energy and a lot of things are happening between business and community initiatives and a government that is open-minded to growth,” he said. “I don’t think Millvale has a good site for a full hotel. Smaller short-term stays are an option.”

While Mangis said borough regulations would allow stays up to 29 days, England said they expect most guests to stay between a few days and a week.

England said Amagu hopes to begin renovation of the building later this year and have it open for rentals by the end of the year.

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