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Latest Phase Of North Shore Construction Not Going As Quickly As Scheduled

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The North Shore is in the midst of a decade's long renaissance.

Ever since PNC Park and Heinz Field were built, the area has seen an explosion in growth. Rivers Casino was built along with several hotels, restaurants and office buildings.

But the latest phase of construction has not quite gone as scheduled.

Three restaurants that the developer said would open by the Pirates' home opener, are still months away.

"We had hoped we could get them open sooner. The best case was we could get them open for the 2014 Steelers' season; unfortunately, that didn't work out but we understand," said Michael Hudec, of Continental Development.

"Understands" meaning what has delayed Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" is the same thing that has delayed Burgatory and the North Park Lounge on the North Shore.

"I'm opening two other restaurants, so I've been a little busy myself," says Mark Baranowski, the owner of the North Park Lounge.

But Baranowski's North Shore NPL will now get his full attention.

"We got our permits, so hopefully, we'll be starting here in the next two weeks," he said.

Burgatory has been working on its Murrysville location and getting city permits in order for the North Shore, while Toby Keith opened four locations last year and will get North Shore construction rolling on Wednesday.

"So they are the first ones in, so I would expect them to be open first," said Hudec. "So, by early August they should be rocking and rolling at Toby Keith."

That's in time for the first Steelers' game. Burgatory is looking at an early September opening. At NPL, an opening by football season is a given.

"We're hoping to open our outside section early summer to be able to catch a lot of the Pirates' games," said Baranowski.

An outdoor area that will feature tropical trees, plus white sands, some grass, and lots of tables; and indoors, it will have a North Shore sports theme.

As for the two restaurant vacancies on the first floor," Hudec says "we're still working on the leasing with the other two."

So, by late August the first three restaurants will join their cousins across the street and the area will be buzzing.

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