2023 at Walnut Capital? We snagged another 'Top Place to Work' title, won awards for our leasing and maintenance professionals, spiced things up with City Kitchen and Sheetz at Bakery Square, and initiated transformative projects. It's been a year of growth, good vibes, and leaving a mark in Pittsburgh.

Walnut Capital Supported Weekend of Service

Josh Shapiro and his family spent the weekend prior to his inauguration on January 17th doing some community service across Pennsylvania. He kicked off his work in Homewood where he and local volunteers helped collect and pass out school supplies for neighborhood classrooms and put together care kits for the homeless. Walnut Capital leader, Todd Reidbord, was at the forefront of organizing the event assisting with transportation logistics, supply drop offs, voter registration promotion and additional day-of needs. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both he and Gregg Perelman participated in the community service activities from start to finish.

Another Successful Donation Drive Took Place in East Liberty

In collaboration with our valued partner Thriftique, we hosted a clothing drive at Bakery Square to make a positive impact on our community. Our incredible community rose to the occasion, generously donating a diverse array of gently used clothing items, ranging from coats, sweaters, pants, shirts, to dresses. The donations, many of which were in impeccable condition and some still brand new with tags, poured in to support our annual initiative as part of Grow with Walnut. Originally conceived as a commitment to fostering growth in the communities we touch, Grow with Walnut has evolved into a multifaceted effort. The clothing drive, a cornerstone of this initiative, has had a profoundly positive impact on the local community, offering essential resources such as warmth, comfort, and professional attire to those who may not otherwise have access.

The Washington at Chatham Joined Our Premiere Property Portfolio

We are excited to have added our latest luxury property, The Washington at Chatham, to our management portfolio! With revamped layouts and contemporary amenities, it's a downtown Pittsburgh hotspot for upscale living. From sleek interiors to modern finishes, every inch is designed with comfort in mind. We can't wait to help people find their happy place at downtown's finest address in 2024!

Sheetz Joined the Party at Bakery Square

Bakery Square was crowned with a touch of Pennsylvania royalty as we rolled out the red carpet for none other than Sheetz, our newest office tenant. This addition has been a game-changer, bringing its local presence to the vibrant tech scene at BKSQ. Occupying a whopping 20,000 square feet in Bakery Square Office Four, with a dynamic team of 70 employees, Sheetz is set to redefine innovation, customer service, and technology development. The synergy between Sheetz and Bakery Square promises not just a tenancy, but a partnership that opens doors to countless opportunities.

Canopy and Turf Added to the Patio at Bakery Square

The canopy construction was completed in 2023! We kicked back and watched the big screen under the inviting shade allll summer long. We celebrated with live music on the lawn, outdoor movie nights, cheered for the Pirates and Steelers, and hosted chill yoga sessions— with more to come in 2024! Get ready for a lineup of events that'll make the canopy at City Kitchen your go-to spot for good vibes and great times.

Unveiled the Fourth Installment of Bakery Square's Public Art Program with Sandy Kessler

The selection committee chose local artist Sandy Kessler Kaminski to be the featured artist for 2023 after judging 57 applicants. Kaminski worked with students from Lincoln Elementary and The Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh to create public art that was unveiled on two giant panels at Bakery Square in June. Her circuitscape titled URBAN demonstrates the relentless push and pull of man and the natural world.

Colored the Streets on Penn Avenue with Korey Edmonson

Local artist Korey Edmonson was selected to design Bakery Square’s FIRST utility box art project. Thanks to him our utility boxes aren't just functional - they're downright fabulous. A model seen in many cities across the US, utility box art seeks to beautify and enliven these circa 4 feet tall, common street items by painting, or decorating them. Korey has given two boxes along Penn Avenue at Bakery Square a complete makeover where his work has been digitized to printed vinyl and affixed to the boxes. His art 'Do 4 Love' and 'Love Theory' showcase beautiful portraits of captivating women.

Walnut Capital Won First Ever Larimer Community Partner Award

This marks the first year for this specific recognition and we are proud to be the recipient. The initiative set in motion by Walnut Capital has not only brought about a collaborative partnership but has also acted as a catalyst for fostering a thriving association. The Walnut Capital and Larimer Consensus Group (LCG) connection was established on the foundation of open dialogue and mutual respect, particularly considering the presence of Bakery Square within the Larimer Community. The LCG has wholeheartedly embraced the collaboration and partnership, and the consistent support from Walnut Capital underscores a shared commitment to raising standards as we pave the way for a renewed East End. We are excited to continue working with LCG and remain committed to helping the community flourish in years to come!

Introduced the Portal

The Portal is a pivotal element in our vision to infuse vibrancy, innovation, and accessibility into Bakery Square and its neighboring areas. Visitors, residents, and office employees now experience seamless access to the local businesses and shops in the Village of East Side and beyond, courtesy of a newly opened pedestrian walkway. Stretching from Bakery Square Boulevard through Office 1.0 and emerging on the other side onto Penn Avenue, the Portal enhances connectivity and convenience. Rooted in sustainability and community values, this project has become an integral part of the East Liberty neighborhood.

The Portal Art Gallery

The Portal Art Gallery is a space dedicated to showcasing captivating, local artwork. The inaugural exhibition features pieces crafted by members of the Bakery Square family: Nellie Lou Slagle, Susie Perelman and Danielle Perelman. The program is set to grow further in 2024, fostering ongoing collaboration with the community and showcasing an array of talented artists.

Welcomed a New Elevated Food Hall Concept at Bakery Square: City Kitchen

There has been a culinary revolution at Bakery Square, thanks to our incredible partners at Shaka Restaurant Group (SRG)! Our new food haven is all about delivering a fabulous culinary experience that will leave you coming back for more. With SRG at the helm, City Kitchen is laser-focused on streamlining its offerings, guaranteeing top-notch excellence from plate to table. If you haven't already visited, brace yourself for more amazing food and events in 2024!

Top Place to Work in Pittsburgh for the Third Consecutive Year

Our team voted us a Top Place to Work in Pittsburgh for 2023! This recognition comes straight from the heart of our organization - our employees. We've always believed that the key to our success lies in the happiness and well-being of our team. After all, happy employees lead to satisfied customers. At Walnut Capital, our residents and the Pittsburgh community set the bar for the quality and service we provide. We understand that their loyalty must be earned through exceptional service at our apartments and the bustling Bakery Square. That's why we place such a strong emphasis on creating a workplace where our employees can thrive and feel valued. Here's to a bright future filled with success, growth, and shared achievements!

Sidney Warren Won 2023 PAA Leasing Professional of the Year

Our adaptable, hard working, and go-getting leasing consultant, Sidney Warren, won the 2023 PAA Leasing Professional of the year award! Her deep-seated sense of pride in her work shows and she has truly found a passion in property management. Fueled by her remarkable work ethic, Sidney has embraced her latest role as the Assistant Property Manager at Walnut Crossings, our sister property. This shift and achievement underscores her hunger for learning and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. We can't wait to see what she accomplishes in 2024!

Michael Kowalski Won 2023 PAA Maintenance Professional of the Year

Sidney isn't our only star at Walnut Capital– our irreplaceable technician at Highland Village, Mike Kowalski, won the 2023 PAA Maintenance Professional of the year award! Mike is a seasoned expert in home improvement. With an impressive track record spanning over 30 years in maintenance, it's hardly surprising that he won an award that honors excellence. We can't thank Mike enough for all of his hard work and we're excited for another year honoring his excellence!

We Won BIG at the PAA Awards

Fifteen of our properties won in categories under Leasing, Maintenance, and Overall Excellence. And Bakery Living placed 7th in the top ten highest scores in Western PA! Big shout out to our employees and residents for making this happen!

Purchased South Side Hospital and Land from UPMC to Create More Residential Properties

Exciting developments are underway as an affiliate of Walnut Capital Partners, Collective South Side Agent LLC, recently secured the former UPMC South Side hospital complex and surrounding parking lots for a notable $9.35 million investment in November. Walnut Capital Partners have strategically chosen PJ Dick Inc. as the project's general union contractor, and the esteemed architecture and planning firm Strada will play a pivotal role as the site's architect. The property, vacant or underutilized for over a decade, is now poised for a transformative revival under this dynamic partnership. Stay tuned for the remarkable journey ahead!

Added Suites to Bakery Square Office Three

We have officially completed construction on our fully furnished suites in Bakery Office Three. We are excited to see what tenants will take the space now that we have enhanced and extended the layout!

PAA Partnerships Continued

To ring in the holidays, we once again partnered with the Oakland Improvement District to present Resort, a programmatic light installation consisting of 40 windows at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association (PAA). Through the use of custom-designed, architectural light structures the entire corner of the building. Sweeping gestures floated impossibly between floor to floor and window to window. We were also honored to be the location for Oakland’s first Glow Ball– a vibrant party filled with entertainment, dancing, specially crafted cocktails, and delectable cuisine from Oakland's top food vendors.

Celebrated Employee Birthdays

We appreciate everything our employees do for Walnut Capital and to say thank you we started celebrating their very special day - employee birthdays. Each month throughout the year we have put together a plethora of events to show our appreciation for their hard work and to wish them a happy birthday! From food trucks, to Pirates games, and a yinzer foodie event, we can't wait to do it all again next year.

Continued Work on Future Development Projects

We continued to make progress on some of our ongoing development projects in Oakland as well as the Bakery Square expansion plan in East Liberty, The District Vision Plan. That will be a phased approach and plans are in the works for the ‘Club One’ site to become apartments and rehouse Trader Joes in the future.