Apr 8, 2018 5 min read

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.

Fishing film festival

With a focus on growing sport and recreation travel in the region, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency is bringing the International Fly Fishing Film Festival to the city of Washington. The IF4 event – as it is informally called – will make its debut at Elks Lodge 776, 138 E. Maiden St., at 6 p.m. Friday.

Short and feature-length films on fly fishing, from different parts of the globe, will be shown. The Chestnut Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited – which serves Washington, Greene and Fayette counties – is the co-host. Proceeds will go toward the chapter’s programming and conservation work.

The event is open to the public, and food and beverages will be available. Call 724-228-6867 to pre-register. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit WashCoFilmFest.com.

Photography award

The Professional Photographers of West Virginia have selected a Claysville woman as photographer of the year.

Shari Brownlee, of Brownlee’s Portrait Cottage, was named the winner during the organization’s spring convention at Lakeview Resort and Spa in Morgantown. Her creations and those of other photographers were on display at the event.

Seven judges from West Virginia and neighboring states pored over 200 entries, giving them scores. The entrant with the highest cumulative score among four photos was declared the winner.

Aging agency accredited

Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Inc., based in Charleroi, has been accredited for care management for long-term services and supports. The National Committee for Quality Assurance Review Oversight Committee notified SWPA of the two-year accreditation, which will run through December 2019.

This accreditation is granted to agencies that “implement best practices for person-centered care planning and effective care transitions.”

Leslie T. Grenfell, executive director of the SWPA organization, said in a statement: “We’re pleased to receive this national accreditation in recognition of the high quality performance of our staff serving older adults in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties.”

COE hosts tour

Smock-based COE Distributing, a nationwide distributor of large- and small-office furniture, hosted educators from schools in Washington and Fayette counties for a tour of its facility. COE works with The Challenge Program to address the region’s workforce shortage.

James D. Ewing Jr., CEO and president of COE, said last fall that his firm planned to expand its distribution center and add jobs. COE supports the following high schools and technical schools financially and/or with workforce readiness: Albert Gallatin, Brownsville Area, California Area, Connellsville, Connellsville CTC, Fayette CTI, Geibel Catholic, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown.

New bank president

Julie Fallon Hughes, a veteran banker with experience in the Pittsburgh market, has been named Southwest Region president of Northwest Bank. The region includes 26 full-service offices in Washington, Allegheny, Butler and Armstrong counties.