Schwartz Living Market: Call for Vendors!

Schwartz Living Market at 1317 East Carson Street in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic South Side will be opening this summer, 2012, on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. We are looking for vendors that are interested in selling delicious healthy foods and drinks, beautiful art and more! There will be 16 vendor booths and a kitchen with a  cafe. The fees for booth rental are $50.00 to $60.00/ day and between $200.00 and $240.00/month at first with three month leases for food vendors, and six month leases for artists and others.  Contact Pam Barroso at 412-315-9319, pjs787@gmail.com for a vendor application. We are working towards forming a cooperative/collaborative among the vendors and plan to expand to six days/week. Join us in the adventure of a life time!

Inside the building we will be showcasing local environmental and other non-profits and educating and engaging the local community about what sustainability and regenerative design and living is all about. If you are involved in a non profit that would like to display inside the market, please contact us!

Our long term project of transforming the building into a Living Building of an existing historic structure that is zero net energy and zero net water is in the works! As you may know, our project has been registered with the International Living Futures Institute for over a year! Pretty cool for the ‘ Burgh and Main Street USA, eh?

Mmm, Mmm, good!

Join Schwartz Market on Facebook!

Schwartz Living Market, Phillips Elementary and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Collaborate!

The children learned about Joe Liotta and how he has hand painted the signs since 1938!

The students learned about plants and living buildings from Liz Lynch and Tara Alexander. 

Fourth grade students arriving at the market, in the sunshine, for a tour. Was it a long walk?

Schwartz Living Market at 1317 East Carson Street was infused with wonderful energy on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, when over 40 students from South Side's Phillips Elementary School visited. In collaboration with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks, the students had the opportunity to tour the building and learn about the project in the renovation stage. The children were able to learn first hand about the long term "living building" and "green" plans, see the newly exposed and primed original tin ceiling, circa 1850, we think, learn about how ice was used in grocery warehouses to keep food cold, peek into an old walk-in freezer lined with cork, stand in the giant freight elevator and do some awesome drumming to energize themselves, their teachers, and the space!

That's a tall elevator shaft!

Having some fun!

Phillips Elementary students walking from East Carson Street towards Bingham Street under a newly- primed tin ceiling in the Schwartz Market building at 1317 E. Carson Street.

The kids learned about the rhythm of life from Chad and then had their own chance to drum and jingle, and feel the beat!

Thanks so much to Phillips Elementary School, Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and the teachers, interns and parents that made this visit so memorable! Also a huge thanks to the Schwartz Living Market and 1317 E. Carson Street project team!

Phillips Elementary School Visit in March, 2012

Beautiful bright- eyed student at Phillip's Elementary School!

Curious students with wheat grass display.

South Side's Phillips Elementary School in collaboration with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks welcomed participants in the Schwartz Living Market project at 1317 East Carson Street, to their school on Monday, March 19, 2012. Louise Sturgess, Executive Director of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) spoke about the historical nature of the Schwartz Market building and the importance of renovation and business development.  Tony Albrecht, architect on the project, Brad Hochberg, the Energy Guy, and Elisa Beck, family member and the lady that is being called the developer at this moment in time, spoke with the children in two fourth grade classrooms. Stan and Laura Beck, also family members, were there along with several interns from PHLF. Mark, another architect and Tony's assistant, volunteered his time as the tech guy. Thanks so much all of you!

Discussions included what an architect does, the anticipated "living building" features of the newly renovated Schwartz Living Market, how the building will be powered with solar energy somewhat like the Phillip's School, what "living food" is, and what types of living food will be available on-site. The kids sampled some delicious living foods and many enjoyed tasting wheat grass and sprouts more than anyone imagined! May the children lead us...

Louise Sturgess, Executive Director of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation photographing students sampling wheat grass juice. It's alive! What a joy!

Inquisitive student looking at photo of Schwartz Market with architectural plans below. Thanks so much for collaborating with us Phillip's School and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks!

Tony Albrecht, Stan Beck, Laura Beck, interns from PHLF, Elisa Beck, teachers from Phillip's Elementary, Brad Hochberg, Louise Sturgess and Mark.

Brad Hochberg of Energreen asking the children about "green" energy, the sun's energy, and tossing a model of a special energy efficient light bulb. 

Jason McLennan on Community Regeneration and Living Buildings on Monday, February 27, 2012

We will have the opportunity to learn from Jason McLennan as we continue to plan our Living Building Challenge of an existing historic structure at 1317 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh's Historic South Side! How exciting! Jason McLennan, CEO of the Cascadia Green Building Council and founder of the Living Building Challenge, and more, is coming to Pittsburgh.  Come join in on the discussion! See below for details and to register.

 For inquiries about vending and/or being part of the commercial/community kitchen at the upcoming new Schwartz Living Market at 1317 East Carson Street, contact Pam Barroso at 412.315.9319 or pjs787@gmail.com.

Phipps and Green Building Alliance are proud to present two special events with renowned green building expert Jason McLennan on Monday, February 27, 2012: A Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and Drinks and Conversation from 5:30-8 p.m. Find more details and register today: http://bit.ly/wCvqbv 
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This coming Mon., Feb. 27, we will be welcoming renowned sustainability expert and founder of the Living Building Challenge, Jason McLennan, to Phipps for two exciting speaking engagements.

Just Announced: Two Chances to Meet Renowned Green Building Expert Jason McLennan! Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Green Building Alliance (GBA) are proud to present two special events at the Conservatory with renowned green building expert Jason McLennan on February 27, 2012: A Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and Drinks and Conservation from 5:30-8 p.m. One of the most influential players in the movement today, McLennan has had a major impact on the direction of green building in the U.S. and Canada. Among his many accolades, he is founder of the Living Building Challenge (an international green building program through which Phipps is seeking certification for the Center for Sustainable Landscapes); CEO of the Cascadia Green Building Council (the Pacific Northwest's leading organization in the field of green building and sustainable development); and co-creator of Pharos, the most advanced building material rating system in North America. McLennan's Lunch and Learn presentation will focus on the topic of community regeneration and living buildings, while the Drinks and Conversation talk will cover the Living Building Challenge and more. Read more about McLennan » LUNCH AND LEARN 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $25 Phipps and GBA Members; $35 Non-Members Enjoy a delicious lunch served in Phipps' beautiful, eco-friendly Special Events Hall as you learn. Vegetarian and other special dietary options will be available. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Register now! DRINKS AND CONVERSATION 5:30–8 p.m. $5 Phipps and GBA Members; $10 Non-Members Join us for a special evening of networking and conversation surrounded by the lush greenery of Phipps' new Tropical Forest India exhibit. Price of ticket includes admission to Phipps, one drink ticket and light hors d'oeuvres. A cash bar will also be available. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Register now! Please help us spread the word by forwarding this e-mail widely to friends, family and colleagues, and let's give Jason McLennan a warm Pittsburgh welcome. We look forward to seeing you, too! Photos by Paul g. Wiegman and Paul Dunn for YES! Magazine phipps.conservatory.org | One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Follow us: Twitter :: Facebook

Happy 2012! Thanks for the signs Joe! Seventy four years and counting!

The clean up is under way at 1317 East Carson Street. The frontage on E. Carson Street is undergoing a transformation and plans include re-opening the food business in the spring. There will be many booths for rent. Rental details will be available soon. Stay tuned ! Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Fun 2012!

Joe Liotta has been painting the signs for the windows of Schwartz Market since 1938!

Alcosan's Regional Wet Weather Plan Town Hall in South Side and the Implementation of Green Infrastructure

Last night's meeting sponsored by the Allegheny County Sewer Authority, Alcosan, at the IBEW Hall was interesting and informative. Why be informed about the 2 billion dollar plus plans being formulated now by Alcosan to deal with the consent decree that must be met by our region?  Well, we as taxpayers will be paying for it, we as a species can be part of the solution, and well, it is interesting to me to understand how our project at 1317 East Carson relates to it all. We are in the process of getting bids for the short term plan. That involves putting in an American with Disabilities (ADA) bathroom. As we have been thinking about bathrooms, we've also been pondering the idea of composting toilets in the future as part of what we are striving towards as individual commercial building owners and as citizens of the earth. Here's a few references to learn more about the topic: The Humanure Handbook by Joe Jenkins and Anna Edey's Solviva http://www.solviva.com/, perhaps the woman who inspired Joe? Let's educate ourselves about what the full range of what green infrasturcture can mean.

Upcoming meetings to learn more about Alcosan's plan being formulated are 11/14/11 10:00 to Noon at the Undercliff Fire Hall on 700 Mount Royal Road in Pittsburgh, PA 15223, 11/14/11 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Gateway Hall, Monroeville Fire Dept. # 4, 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146 and the final public meeting will be an all day event on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at the Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. This final region wide meeting will be all day, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Below is an excellent piece from the Center for Neighborhood Technology in Chicago. This is an wonderful beginning. There are examples of many of these types of green infrastructure efforts around the Pittsburgh region. The full reference is listed at the bottom of this page. Elisa Beck

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces and natural areas, such as greenways, wetlands, parks, forest preserves and native plant vegetation, that naturally manages stormwater, reduces flooding risk and improves water quality. Green infrastructure usually costs less to install and maintain when compared to traditional forms of infrastructure. Green infrastructure projects also foster community cohesiveness by engaging all residents in the planning, planting and maintenance of the sites.

Raingardens

• Rain gardens recharge groundwater sources, meaning that fewer pipes need to be installed to move water around the region.
• They help protect communities from flooding and drainage overflow and provide valuable wildlife habitat.
• Additional benefit: costs less to maintain than traditional forms of landscaping.

A rain garden is a man-made depression in the ground that is used as a landscape tool to improve water quality and reduce flooding. The rain garden forms a “bioretention area” by collecting water runoff and storing it, permitting it be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil.

Wetlands Restoration

• In addition to capturing and slowing water and improving water quality, wetlands provide valuable wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities (hunting, fishing, bird watching).

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.

Trees

• Tree windbreaks reduce residential heating and cooling costs by 10-50 percent.
• Trees reduce air pollution and there is increasing evidence that they play a role in reducing crime.
• Unlike sewers and built infrastructure, trees appreciate in value and require less maintenance as they age.

Green Roofs

• Depending on rain intensity and greenroof soil depths, runoff can be absorbed between 15 to 90 percent, thereby considerably reducing runoff and potential pollutants from traditional impervious roofing surfaces.
• Overall building energy costs can be reduced due to the greenroofs’ natural thermal insulation properties— structures are cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Swales

Swales typically have several advantages over conventional storm water management practice, such as storm sewer systems, including:

• the reduction of peak flows;
• the removal of pollutants,
• the promotion of runoff infiltration, and
• lower capital costs.

Porous Pavement

• reduces impervious areas,
• recharges groundwater,
• improves water quality, and
• eliminates the need for detention basins.

Native Landscaping

• Native landscaping attracts a variety of birds, butterflies and other animals, supporting biodiversity.
• Once established, native plants do not need fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or watering, thus benefiting the environment and reducing maintenance costs.

Greenways

• Streambanks along trails & greenways provide more surface area for natural absorption to lessen necessary sewer capacity.
• Trees slow down and clean water before it enters a stream or sewer.
• Additional benefits: increased tourism and opportunities for physical activity; increased property values.

Greenways are privately or publicly owned corridors of open space which often follow natural land or water features and which are primarily managed to protect and enhance natural resources.

Featured Publications

Read our Green Solutions Manual

Water: From Trouble to Treasure(2.1mb, .PDF) 01/16/07

Related News

October 26th, 2011 Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees, For Now

A new CNT study shows that Portland is well-positioned to pilot a tree asset management program that would lay the groundwork for turning its tree canopy into a bondable asset, similar to bridges and roads. The study identified six steps through…

October 12th, 2011 Chicago Mayor Proposes Increase in Water Rates to Fund Infrastructure Improvements

CNT welcomes Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s move to modernize Chicago’s water infrastructure through increased, and arguably fairer, rate prices. The decision will reduce the amount of water lost through leaks in crumbling pipes, and improve the system’s ability to deal with…

September 27th, 2011 Wangari Maathai Memory Lives on at Al Raby School in Chicago

We at CNT are saddened to learn of the passing of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement. Wangari Maathai Memory Lives on at Al Raby School in Chicago. CNT was honored to have Ms. Maathai join us at the dedication of one of our first green infrastructure projects, located at the Al Raby School for Community and Environment and named in her honor.

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Re-Activating Schwartz Market

Poster from Sustainable Pittsburgh

Copy and paste this link http://postgazette.com/pg/11312/1188257-294-0.stm and read the article inside the front page of today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette! When folks ask what we are planning for the market over the next months, it's the article to refer to! We are actively soliciting vendors for our space in Schwartz Market. Interested in incubating your sustainable/regenerative food business with real goods? Do you have an existing small food business that you'd like to expand? Contact Debbie Maier Jacknin at 412.427.5500 or debo1960@aol.com