Town Center the focus of latest Southpointe growth

Rick Shrum

Observer Reporter

Southpointe, the ever-expanding mixed-used park, is turning 25 and poised for another growth spurt.

Mike Swisher, principal of Horizon Properties Group, lead developer of the 813-acre tract in Cecil Township, last week spoke about recent developments there and what is ahead. Much of it has or will take place in and around Town Center in Southpointe II.

Jimmy John’s, the sandwich shop chain, opened a location in Town Center near the end of 2017, the newest endeavor along that restaurant-retail stretch. This summer, Mexican will replace Japanese when Steel Cactus Mexican Restaurante and Cantina takes over most of the space previously occupied by Saga Hibachi & Sushi. Boom Noodle, a “grab and go” business, also will operate in that location.

Adam DeSimone, a founder and principal of AMPD Group, which runs the regional Steel Cactus chain, is shooting for an August opening. Steel Cactus has four locations, all in Allegheny County: Shadyside, South Side, PNC Park and Pittsburgh International Airport. A fifth is scheduled to open soon at the Cool Springs complex in Bethel Park.

Noah’s Event Venue, a national chain, is having a location built behind Town Center. It could be used for a variety of events, including wedding receptions, ceremonies and corporate get-togethers. The venue is targeted to open at the end of April and, according to Swisher, should provide a boost to nearby restaurants that provide catering.

He added that Horizon has finished two co-working loft office projects in Southpointe. This is a popular initiative featuring open work spaces in what is regarded as a “professional-casual atmosphere.” Both are fully occupied.

Swisher said Horizon is constructing a third and fourth – at Evergreene Technology Park outside Waynesburg and at Street at the Meadows off Racetrack Road in North Strabane Township

Ground has yet to be broken for a hotel-office complex called Park Place at Southpointe Town Center.