Burns Scalo Drawing on Public Art to Build Community in Pittsburgh’s Strip District
PITTSBURGH, PA — Burns Scalo Real Estate (BSRE) has announced a radical, new initiative to deliver public art as an amenity to its new office projects in the region.
The program kicked off last month at The Vision on Fifteenth in The Strip District, BSRE’s 265,000 sf mixed-use project, with the installation of “The Gathering” a contemporary sculpture designed by local artist Dan Droz, and commissioned by BSRE through James Frederick, owner of James Gallery.
Public art is an essential component of urban design that contributes to a community’s identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
“We continue to identify creative means to elevate and differentiate our new product from the old,” said James Scalo, CEO of Burns Scalo Real Estate. “Public art has long been used to create value in hospitality and residential, and now we’re utilizing it to attract discerning clients to the office.”
“We continue to identify creative means to elevate and differentiate our new product from the old…”
James Scalo, BSRE CEO
The program continues with the painting of a large-format mural titled “Future Vision” by native Pittsburgher and CMU graduate Gregg Valley. “Future Vision” measures 37’ tall x 20’ wide and will embellish the courtyard facing Smallman Street at The Vision on Fifteenth.
“The Strip District and Downtown continue to grow together. This bold piece of art will fill the pedestrian experience gap between the Convention Center and The Terminal along Smallman Street,” said Pamela Austin, Brand Ambassador for Burns Scalo Real Estate, and President of Strip District Neighbors. “Future Vision” will create a happy moment for all passersby and become a memorable moment for guests of The Vision on Fifteenth to savor the outdoors.”
BSRE will be documenting the process and behind-the-scenes looks of the mural installation across its social channels – Instagram (@burnsscalore) and LinkedIn and Facebook pages.
About Burns Scalo Real Estate
Burns Scalo Real Estate is the local leader in identifying and creating dynamic development opportunities. We believe that better places create better lives —and in doing so—we transform spaces, businesses, and the communities we serve. The organization’s development, brokerage, and management services unify to create spaces that people want to come to, not just have to.
About Gregg Valley
Gregg Valley has been creating bold, unique, and colorfully vibrant works of art since he graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. His visual technique of “faceting” was developed long before special filters or apps were available, and his works of art are fully drawn by hand.
About James Gallery
James Gallery and Frame Foundry have specialized in a broad range of art services for more than 47 years. James Gallery works collaboratively with facility and project administrators, architects, designers, and owners to design and deliver comprehensive art programs, framing, and specialty art services.
Media Inquiries
Pamela Austin
773–383–7094