Sens. Williams, Fontana and Rep. Powell Celebrate $3 Million Investment in Historic Mt. Alvernia Reuse Project

Pittsburgh, Pa. − April 6, 2026 − The Mt. Alvernia redevelopment project has received $3 million from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development's (DCED) Mixed-Use Revitalization Grant Program. Senators Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) and Representative Lindsay Powell (D-21) joined representatives from Q Development to celebrate this investment in the $40 million residential reuse project located in Millvale and Shaler.

"Mt. Alvernia and its daycare have been a cornerstone of the Shaler and Millvale neighborhoods for over 100 years," said Senator Williams. "I'm glad to support this project, which will ensure that this historic campus continues to provide homes and a sense of belonging for the next generation. I look forward to working with the community to make this project come to life."

"We're very grateful to receive this $3 million grant and for the support from Senator Williams, Senator Fontana, and Rep. Powell," said Rick Belloli, Principal at Q Development. "We remain focused on redeveloping and restoring this empty historic building and preserving its rich architectural history. This grant will help spur private investment and help reach our funding goals for the project."

"I'm pleased to support this transformative project that will provide housing opportunities, all while preserving this historic campus," said Senator Fontana. "The finished product will create hundreds of jobs and serve an economic catalyst for Millvale and surrounding communities.

"This project is about taking something that's been sitting vacant and turning it back into something useful for the community," said Representative Powell. "Mt. Alvernia has always meant something to people in Millvale and Shaler, and this investment helps make sure it can serve families again-through housing, childcare, and shared space. I'm glad to see it moving forward and to be part of getting it done."

The Mt. Alvernia redevelopment project is a multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment of the 24-acre historic campus that was once home to the Sisters of St. Francis. Phase I of the project includes adaptive reuse of the Motherhouse and a new purpose-built home for the Mount Alvernia Daycare and Learning Center. Future phases will add housing, amenities, and enhanced community space, with a focus on preserving the architecture and historical elements of the property. For more information on the project, visit Mt. Alvernia - Q Development.

The DCED Mixed-Use Revitalization Program was established under Act 54 of 2024 with the goal of providing grants and loans to increase mixed-use developments across Pennsylvania. More information about this Program can be found at Mixed-Use Revitalization Program - PA Department of Community & Economic Development.

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