University Times

Pitt will raze the long-vacant Burger King at Forbes Avenue and South Bouquet Street, along with two adjacent buildings north of that site on South Bouquet, a City Planning Commission official confirmed.

The Planning Commission last week okayed Pitt’s request to replace the three contiguous buildings with a parklet that will extend the open space between Fifth and Forbes avenues along South Bouquet, according to Bob Reppe, commission adviser.

The Oakland Typewriter and Office Supply shop, as well as a video game center, have relocated and all three buildings are vacant, Reppe said.

No new parking is planned for the block bordered by Forbes, South Bouquet, Fifth and Oakland Avenue, which currently contains a 20-space, short-term public metered lot.

Pitt eventually expects to develop the land, which it owns, but has no specific plans at this point, Reppe said. The vacant Bee Hive (formerly the King’s Court Theatre), adjacent to Burger King on Forbes, will not be affected by the razing, which is set to begin in a few weeks. The parklet is expected to be completed by fall.

—Peter Hart