Mike Cortazzo

Mike Cortazzo, senior director of real estate for American Eagle Outfitters, praised Soffer for establishing a development that mixed well with the South Side neighborhood.

"We love the way the Soffer Organization has designed and integrated the SouthSide Works to fit into the existing community which is very rich in history and diversity...not to mention it's proximity to some of the hippest clubs in the City," he said."And the Pitt/Steelers Training facility was an especially appealing aspect since we are Pittsburgh born and based company."

He suggested the SouthSide Works location, which was expected to take a prominent gateway site that fronts on Carson Street, would be similar in feel to stores in Beverly Hills, Chicago and Manhattan.