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Historic Hunt Armory One Step Closer To Becoming A Hockey-Centric Sports Complex

Three local developers are working with the Urban Redevelopment Authority to create a "hockey-centric" facility out of the historic Hunt Armory in Shadyside.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority has entered into exclusive negotiations to sell the Hunt Armory in Shadyside to three local developers.

The Mosites Company, David Light and Lafe Metz will work together, and with the URA, to refine their redevelopment plan and submit a proposal package to the Authority.

Back in July, the group proposed a community sports center for the historic space. They're now planning a hockey-centric complex with a rink, office space and parking, which will be open to the public.

URA Chairman Kevin Acklin said the initial proposal laid out by the developers met the Authority's criteria, and was chosen for the chance to bring hockey to city kids.

"The interest in this from my perspective is a creative reuse of the building that pays homage to the historical structure," he said. "The huge social equity part of this is connecting kids in the East End and around the city to the game, and will provide opportunities for growth."

Steven Mosites said Chatham University was in talks to become the space's anchor tenant, and the Pittsburgh Penguins have expressed interest in being involved in youth hockey programs in the building once it's redeveloped. 

(Photo credit:daveynin/flickr)