SEARCH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY:
This FAQ is designed to quickly answer your questions about Pittsburgh Yards. Whether you’re a prospective tenant, a community member, or simply interested in learning more, you’ll find the information you need in one of these four sections:
About Pittsburgh Yards: Get a clear picture of the project’s mission, goals, and community impact.
Tenancy and Business Operations in The Nia Building: Everything you need to know about leasing space, becoming a coworking member, tenant guidelines, and contact information.
Other Opportunities & Information: Discover other ways to get involved, including the Container Courtyard, event rentals, filming/photography, vendor opportunities, apartment information, and future plans.
Our History, Mission, and Values: Learn the story behind Pittsburgh Yards, the community’s role, the development team, and financial details.
Pittsburgh Yards is more than a physical redevelopment; it’s an economic catalyst designed to create diverse employment and entrepreneurial opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years. Key economic inclusion goals were integrated into every phase of development:
- At least 50% of Phase I construction hires were local residents.
- At least 50% of new permanent jobs will be filled by local residents.
- At least 30% of contracted construction value and tenant leases went to local, minority, and/or women-owned businesses.
- At least 30% of contracted predevelopment services went to local, minority, and/or women-owned businesses (this goal was exceeded).
Initial assessments identified over 100 small businesses operating in NPU-V. Today, Pittsburgh Yards hosts more than 140 businesses, and business outreach continues. Unlike standard real estate projects, Pittsburgh Yards prioritizes community engagement. Residents have been and continue to be actively involved in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Pittsburgh Yards is committed to maximizing economic benefits for NPU-V residents. In addition to creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship, Pittsburgh Yards provides a venue for neighborhood functions and community events
Who manages The Nia Building® and are there still spaces and tours available?
The Colliers property management team manages Pittsburgh Yards. Their on-site staff includes a property manager, community engagement manager, and maintenance staff. Spaces are still available in The Nia Building. Our property management team offers one-hour tours twice a month on the second Wednesday, at 11:30 AM EST and 2:30 PM EST
For more information,contact us at info@pittsburghyards.com or 470-890-5030.
For all inquiries, including space rentals, event bookings, reporting issues, and general information, please contact the Colliers property management team:
Email: info@pittsburghyards.com
Phone:
- 470-890-5030 (General Inquiries and Event Bookings)
- 404-962-8639 (To report an issue)
Businesses That Thrive Here
The Nia Building is designed to support businesses that contribute to a vibrant and collaborative community. While many business types are welcome, the following are generally not a good fit:
- Personal service businesses: (e.g., nail and lash technicians, hair salons, barbershops, tanning facilities). These businesses often require specialized infrastructure that isn’t available in our current layout.
- Businesses generating excessive noise, heat, smoke, or fumes: These operations can disrupt the shared environment and impact other tenants.
- Retail businesses heavily reliant on storefront or walk-up traffic: The Nia Building is designed as a collaborative workspace, not a traditional retail storefront.
- Organizations requiring high levels of confidentiality: (e.g., law practices, HIPAA-compliant healthcare services). While we respect the need for confidentiality, our shared workspace environment may not provide the necessary privacy.
- Subleasing or short-term rental services: To maintain a stable and consistent community, we do not permit subleasing or short-term rentals.
- Music and podcast studios: The building’s acoustics are not designed to accommodate sound-sensitive activities like music or podcast recording.
- Businesses primarily using the space for storage: The Nia Building is intended for active business operations, not storage purposes.
- Illegal activities: Any activities that violate federal, state, or local laws.
- Farming operations: (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code).
- Businesses focused on intangible property: Businesses primarily focused on developing, selling, or licensing intangible property (e.g., patents, licenses, trademarks) are not suitable for the collaborative, hands-on environment we are fostering.
- Adhere to The Nia Building’s Code of Conduct: A shared understanding of our community values is essential. (See the Code of Conduct section for more details.)
- Maintain a Renter’s Insurance Policy: Protect your business by maintaining a renter’s insurance policy effective on your lease start date.
- Support Local Employment: Periodically report the number of employees, their addresses, and their wages, and actively participate in a job posting board to prioritize hiring qualified local applicants from NPU-V/Capitol View Manor.
- Embrace Inclusivity: Consider second-chance hires, excluding individuals convicted of sexual violence or meth-related offenses, to support a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
- Invest in the Community: Where feasible, pay living wages or offer apprenticeship/upskilling opportunities to support the growth of your employees and the local economy.
Become Part of the Pittsburgh Yards Community:
- See Pittsburgh Yards for Yourself: Schedule a tour of The Nia Building and discover the possibilities. Our team is eager to welcome you and answer your questions.
- Find the Right Workspace Solution: After your tour, we’ll help you determine if a private office/maker space or a coworking membership best supports your business goals.
Option 1: Private Office/Maker Space
If you need a dedicated space for your team, a private office or maker space might be ideal. Once you’ve toured the facilities, simply complete our quick online application. The application process is straightforward, and our leasing team will be happy to guide you through it. Most applications are reviewed within 30 days, and you’ll be notified promptly if your application is approved.
Option 2: Coworking Membership
For those seeking a flexible and collaborative workspace, our coworking memberships offer a fantastic solution. Just like with private spaces, fill out the online application after your tour. Our leasing team will then provide you with a coworking agreement – it’s a simple document you can review electronically. Once you return the agreement, your account will typically be set up within 5-7 business days.
We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly Colliers management team. You can contact them at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at 470-890-5030. We look forward to welcoming you to Pittsburgh Yards!
Coworking Member Benefits
We’re proud to offer our coworking members flexible access to The Nia Building! Here’s a quick overview:
- Building Access: Enjoy 24/7 access to The Nia Building.
- North Wing Amenities: Access to our comfortable and convenient amenity spaces in the North Wing is available during regular weekday business hours, from 7:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
We’re pleased to offer our coworking members a fantastic range of perks designed to support your productivity and well-being.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
- 24/7 Building Access
- North Wing Amenities Access
- High-Speed Wi-Fi
- Flexible Meeting Spaces
- Inviting Common Areas
- Convenient Printing and Copying
- Private Wellness Room
- Restrooms with Showers
- Engaging Programming
- Private Phone/Meeting Rooms
- Free Parking and EV Charging
- On-Site Support
Determine the best option for your business: After the tour, decide whether an office/maker space or coworking membership best suits your needs.
Option 1: Office/Maker Spaces
Complete the online application after the tour.
The commercial lease application and financial review process involves the prospective tenant completing the online application form detailing their business information, followed by a thorough evaluation of requested financial documents. If the financial review is satisfactory, the leasing team will approve the lease application and contact the prospective applicant to move forward with the leasing process. The process generally takes 30 days or less, depending on the documents reviewed.
Option 2: Coworking Membership
Complete the online application after the tour.
The leasing team will provide you with the coworking agreement document. It’s a PDF file you can edit, save, and email back. After the agreement document is returned to us, accounts payable typically takes 5-7 business days to set up your account.
If you have questions about the application process, please get in touch with the Colliers management team at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at 470-890-5030
Container Courtyard Highlights
The Container Courtyard offers a unique blend of convenience, community, and creative freedom.
Here are some of its key features:
- Direct Access to the Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail: Step right out onto the popular Atlanta Beltline Southside Trail, providing excellent visibility and foot traffic.
- A Vibrant Hub Next Door: The courtyard is located adjacent to The Nia Building—the energetic heart of Pittsburgh Yards—offering shared common spaces and amenities, including inviting exterior seating areas and porches.
Absolutely! We want to support our tenants in any way we can. Our building offers fantastic amenities like an amphitheater, classroom, meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace that you can reserve for events.
To reserve your desired space, simply complete our event space form. It’s a quick and easy process! Just reach out to our friendly property management group at info@pittsburghyards.com, and they’ll be happy to send you the form.
We recommend submitting your request at least forty-five days in advance to ensure availability.
We love to see our vibrant space come alive with community events! Whether you’re a tenant or a community organizer, we offer exciting possibilities for hosting your gathering. Our beautiful James Bridges Field is a fantastic option for community events and gatherings. To reserve your spot and ensure availability, we recommend that you complete our event space form at least 45 days in advance of your desired date to ensure availability.
Requesting Your Event Space Form
Our friendly property management team is here to help! You can request the event space form by contacting them at info@pittsburghyards.com or calling 470-890-5030.
A Few Friendly Reminders
While we love a good celebration, there are a few event types we don’t currently accommodate at Pittsburgh Yards. These include weddings, baby showers, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and birthday parties. Pittsburgh Yards is a premier venue, but its unique focus means we cannot accommodate all event types. We do not host weddings, baby showers, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or birthday parties. Furthermore, all events held at Pittsburgh Yards must be business-related.
Political events are strictly prohibited under applicable federal law.
Get More Details: The Community Green
For more information and a closer look at the application process for The James Bridges Field, head over to our Community Green webpage. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Get a Personalized Quote
To get a custom quote for your event, simply contact our friendly Colliers Property Management team. They’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect space for your gathering. You can reach them by email at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at 470-890-5030.
Let’s Make it Work!
To explore filming or photography possibilities, simply reach out to our friendly Colliers Property Management team. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Quick and Easy Walkthrough: Schedule a walkthrough to get a feel for the space.
- Clear Communication: Briefly outline your needs in writing to help us ensure a smooth shoot.
- Simple Application Process: Complete our straightforward Film/Photo Shoot request form at least 30 days before your desired date.
Pricing and Permissions
Rental fees are determined by the size and scope of your project. We’ll also require a credit to Pittsburgh Yards in the final production.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our Colliers Property Management team today! They’re available by email at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at 470-890-5030. We look forward to potentially partnering with you on your creative project!
Making a Reservation is Easy!
Our friendly property management team is here to help you reserve the perfect space for your needs. Simply contact them by email at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at
470-890-5030. They’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the reservation process.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit our website and complete the contact form.
- Select “Vendor/service provider opportunities” from the “Your Interests” drop-down menu.
Our property management team will review your submission and reach out to businesses whose services align with our current needs. We typically request at least three bids for each service contract to ensure we’re finding the best possible partners. Even if we don’t have an immediate opening, we’ll keep your information on file for future opportunities and when existing contracts are up for renewal. We look forward to potentially collaborating with you!
Stay Updated on Apartment Availability at Pittsburgh Yards
Thanks for your interest in living at Pittsburgh Yards! While we aren’t currently accepting applications for our apartments, we encourage you to stay connected for future updates.
Here’s how you can stay in the loop:
- Join our mailing list: Sign up for our email list to be among the first to know when applications reopen. You’ll also receive news and updates about events and happenings at Pittsburgh Yards.
- Contact our property management team: Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you might have. You can reach them by email at info@pittsburghyards.com or by phone at 470-890-5030.We look forward to welcoming you to Pittsburgh Yards in the future!
- Building a Strong Future, Together
We’re committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable community at Pittsburgh Yards. To achieve this, we’re working with a real estate broker to find businesses that share our vision. Ideally, these businesses will complement what Pittsburgh Yards already offers and contribute to our overall mission of fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Are You the Perfect Fit?
If you’re a business owner or developer whose values align with ours, we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website at PittsburghYards.com/grow/pad-sites-parcels
For too long, systemic inequities have created barriers for residents in the predominantly Black neighborhoods of Adair Park, Capitol Gateway, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown, Pittsburgh, and Summerhill (collectively known as Neighborhood Planning Unit V, or NPU-V).
These neighborhoods have faced disproportionately high unemployment and poverty rates, hindering access to the educational, employment, and business opportunities necessary to fully participate in Atlanta’s thriving economy. This reflects a larger pattern: historically, the unemployment rate for Black residents in Atlanta has averaged 4.5 times that of white residents.
Pittsburgh Yards represents a powerful opportunity to create positive change. We envision a future where all residents have access to a more equitable distribution of income, wealth, jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities. By focusing on NPU-V and other southwest Atlanta neighborhoods, we aim to create lasting positive impact.
Pittsburgh Yards’ strategic location near major redevelopment projects—including the Atlanta Beltline, Center Parc Stadium (formerly Turner Field), the State Farmers Market, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and Fort McPherson—offers unique advantages. Entrepreneurs and small business owners here will benefit from convenient access to transportation and customers from across the city.
Pittsburgh Yards has its roots in a long-term commitment to community development. In 2006, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, through its subsidiary AECF Atlanta Realty, acquired the 31-acre site at 352 University Avenue from UPS. After carefully considering the needs of the community through an extensive market study, the Foundation began the search for a development partner. In 2017, a collaborative partnership was formed with Columbia Core Partners (CCP), a venture combining the expertise of Columbia Ventures and The Core Venture Studio, bringing the vision of Pittsburgh Yards to life.
Building Pittsburgh Yards Together: Shaped by Community
From the very beginning, community engagement has been at the heart of Pittsburgh Yards. We believe in building with community, not just for it. Residents played a vital role in shaping every aspect of the project through active participation and valuable feedback.
Here are some of the ways the community contributed:
- Regular Dialogue: Residents participated in monthly community meetings and site tours (currently held virtually), providing valuable input and staying informed about the project’s progress. These sessions allowed the development team and new tenants to share updates and hear directly from the community.
- Collaborative Working Groups: Dedicated working groups met regularly to discuss key elements of Pittsburgh Yards, including its name, history, art, opportunities for entrepreneurs, and job creation.
- Shaping the Design: Prospective tenants and small business owners—including welders, seamstresses, and bakers—shared their expertise and provided invaluable feedback on the building’s design, ensuring it meets the needs of a diverse range of businesses.
- A Name Chosen by the Community: The name “Pittsburgh Yards” itself is a testament to the community’s involvement. A dedicated naming group developed several options, launched a call-in campaign to gather resident feedback, and proudly announced the final selection at a community meeting on October 12, 2017.
The development of Pittsburgh Yards is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of many stakeholders. Columbia Core Partners (CCP), a partnership between Columbia Ventures and The Core Venture Studio, leads the development efforts. Local residents from the NPU-V neighborhoods, including Pittsburgh and Capitol View Manor, have been actively involved in shaping the project from the start. This collaborative effort is made possible through the generous support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, our primary funder, along with valuable contributions from Enterprise Community Partners, Invest Atlanta, Brownfields CDE, U.S. Bank, Northern Trust, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Ownership and Community at Pittsburgh Yards
Pittsburgh Yards is not a Black-owned entity. However, from the outset, we have been intentional about creating a space that honors and celebrates the history of the surrounding predominantly African American communities.
Our project is supported by a diverse group of organizations, including Invest Atlanta, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, Brownfield Community Development Entity, and US Bank Community Development Corporation, all of which are committed to creating economic opportunities for local residents and business owners.
We are proud to welcome and support Black-led businesses, especially those in and around NPU-V, and have worked closely with local residents, who are predominantly African American, to ensure their history is reflected in the design and development of Pittsburgh Yards.
Pittsburgh Yards is not a Black-owned entity. However, from the outset, we have been intentional about creating a space that honors and celebrates the history of the surrounding predominantly African American communities.
Our project is supported by a diverse group of organizations, including Invest Atlanta, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, Brownfield Community Development Entity, and US Bank Community Development Corporation, all of which are committed to creating economic opportunities for local residents and business owners.
We are proud to welcome and support Black-led businesses, especially those in and around NPU-V, and have worked closely with local residents, who are predominantly African American, to ensure their history is reflected in the design and development of Pittsburgh Yards.
Investing in Pittsburgh Yards: Building a Foundation for the Future
The first phase of redevelopment at Pittsburgh Yards represented a significant investment of approximately $26 million. This investment has laid the groundwork for a vibrant and thriving community hub.
The process involves:
- Sustainable Site Development: Maximizing the use of space to support ecological balance.
- Water Efficiency: Reducing water consumption through efficient systems and conservation efforts.
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption through design, technology, and sustainable energy sources.
- Materials and Resources: Using environmentally responsible building materials and resources.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Ensuring a healthy, comfortable work environment for all.
By adhering to these principles, Pittsburgh Yards proudly contributes to a more sustainable Atlanta.