Revitalizing community spaces that promote economic growth and community well-being.

NSR serves as the general contractor or co-development partner on community-driven commercial real estate projects. Our experience includes the creation of financial, operating, and programming models; fundraising and fund management; acquisition and holding; and contractor procurement and compliance. The primary goal is to create resilient infrastructure and economic opportunity through adaptive reuse, green building practices, on the job training, and intentional activation. We believe that the local design, use, and ownership of anchor facilities is a cornerstone to building Vibrant Communities.

Since 2009, New Sun Rising has directly supported real estate development projects totaling:

147,910 sq ft of commercial mixed-use development

$3,484,230 invested through grants, loans, and debt security

122 permanent jobs created and retained

257 temporary jobs created

Past Projects

Millvale Community Library (209 and 213 Grant Avenue) was acquired by New Sun Rising in 2008, developed by the community and opened in 2013. The MCL was supported to become it’s own community-owned and operated, solar powered mixed-use facility, including residential units above and the adjacent Abeille Voyante tea shop, living it’s mission: More than a library – an agent for positive change.

744 E Warrington Avenue was acquired by New Sun Rising in 2017 as an investment into the Work Hard Pittsburgh and Academy PGH ecosystems, which wound down their operations in 2021 after 10 years of incredible impact. In 2023, the mixed-use retail and residential building was sold to long-time partner Hilltop Rising led by Beltzhoover native, Jmar Bey, who continues their legacy by providing employment, workforce training, small business support, community building, and media production onsite.

Sharpsburg Sustainability & Civic Engagement Center (511 S. Main St, Sharpsburg, PA) was acquired in 2019 with the financial support of Triboro Ecodistrict and New Sun Rising providing debt security. The mixed-use retail and residential facility is home to Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization and serves as a space for community members to share information, learn about topics that interest them and affect their quality of life, and work together to advance community priorities

Protohaven (214 N Trenton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA) was fiscally sponsored by New Sun Rising through the leadership of former TechShop members after its closure in 2017. The professional fabrication shop and community received financial investment to build out its infrastructure, obtain equipment, and stabilize the membership model before establishing their own 501(c)(3) in 2020.

Community Forge (1256 Franklin Ave, Wilkinsburg, PA) was fiscally sponsored by New Sun Rising, receiving grant funding for community events, small business support, and strategic development of a sustainable model, before establishing their own 501(c)(3) Locally Grown in 2019. Today, Community Forge fosters equitable community development by closing the digital divide, promoting tech and small business, empowering youth, preventing and healing violence and family trauma, and sustaining relationships and resources.

History of NSR Co-Development

2008

“Building deal a giant step toward public library in Millvale” – Trib Live

2013

“Millvale residents to cut ribbon in Sunday’s library opening” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

2017

“New Sun Rising purchases Millvale Moose lodge for new sustainable food service hub” – Next Pittsburgh

2022

“U.S. lawmakers from southwestern Pennsylvania bring home $51.5 million under new earmark reforms” – Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“NSR project sites in Millvale, South Hilltop secure over $1.5 million in federal funding” – Trib Live

2023

“Solar-powered Millvale community hub breaks ground” – Next Pittsburgh