News Release
Pittsburgh, PA – The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pa.
and Southern W. Va. has selected the 37th floor of the Gulf Tower
for its new regional headquarters, sharing the floor only with the
famed Peregrine falcons, according to Rob Geiger and J.R. Yocco
of Grant Street Associates, who represented 110 Gulf Associates,
the owner of the building. Jeremy Z. Kronman, SIOR, and Andrew Miller
of CBRE represented the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the transaction.
Judith Stone, President and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Greater Pa. and Southern W. Va., said that the design of the new
space is edgy and urban, with exposed ductwork and an open and airy
layout.
“It’s the office of our dreams,” Stone said.
She cited the high ceilings, marble and brass finishes and magnificent
lobby as a few of the amenities offered at the Gulf Tower that provoked
the organization to sign a long-term lease there.
The Gulf Tower, built in 1932, was the tallest building in Pittsburgh
for 40 years, until the completion of the US Steel building. It
is a 38-story Class A office building located just minutes from
the Pittsburgh Cultural District, theatre district and major sports
facilities. In addition to being the preferred residence of the
Peregrine falcons, who this year gave birth to five chicks in their
37th floor nest, the Gulf Tower was awarded the 2005-2006 BOMA Building
of the Year award.
J.R. Yocco says that he expects continued interest from both new
companies, as well as current CBD companies that are in the market
for new office space in the Gulf Tower throughout 2006.
“As the city continues its climb back to greatness it is
exciting to see an established organization like the Make-A-Wish
Foundation choosing to relocate to such a prestigious address which
provides both classic architecture and newly modernized amenities,”
Yocco said.
Paramount to the Foundation’s requirements for its new office
were accessibility to employees, wish kids, volunteers and donors.
In addition, Stone says the Foundation was especially interested
in space with beautiful, panoramic views and lots of windows in
an affordable and secure environment.
The advantage of an entire floor provided the necessary long-term
viability required by the Foundation, and Stone says that planning
and designing the space with the Rugby Realty designers has been
particularly enjoyable.
“We have been warmly welcomed and treated beautifully by
everyone,” Stone said.
Since 1983, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of
children with
life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.
With more than 900 volunteers actively involved in wish-granting
and fund-raising, the Foundation has remained true to its mission
to “grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical
conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and
joy.”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation plans to move into its new space in
August of 2006.
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