Community Developments

Moon Township was previously the home of the Pittsburgh International Airport’s front door and benefitted from related air travel businesses such as parking, automobile rental, hotels, restaurants, etc.  In the 1990’s, the terminal was moved south of the runways and outside of Moon Township.  As a result, Moon Township lost several of the airport-related  businesses as well as the jobs, tax revenue, sense of community, and safety that they provided.  The ripple effect impacted the community’s standard of living as the properties deteriorated and were eventually identified as blighted.

As part of a revitalization effort, Wampler, in cooperation with Moon Township, negotiated the acquisition of a dormant commercial parcel of land for use as a transit hub.  The infrastructure required for this new use brought value-added improvements such as demolition, grading, storm water management, new utilities, new roadways, and a traffic signal that all resulted in repositioning the commercial frontage of the parcel as an attractive opportunity.  

After completing the necessary infrastructure for the transit hub, Wampler competed for and was chosen as the developer of 5.5-acres of commercial land fronting University Boulevard, which the new traffic signal and roadways provided access to.  On this commercial parcel, Wamplersuccessfully negotiated a land lease with Sheetz for the development of one of their award-winning convenience stores.  This was followed by the development of an Arby’s sandwich shop and a Toyota dealership.  

Moon Township encouraged Wampler to purchase approximately 4 additional acres adjacent to these new developments. This new 4-acre parcel contained an abandoned and partially burned motor lodge hotel, which was both dangerous and an eyesore in the community.   On this parcel, Wampler successfully developed a $20 million Hilton Garden Inn hotel containing 139 guest rooms, as well as a Valvoline instant oil change.

Adjacent to the new hotel development was an abandoned used-car dealership, located on the corner of University Boulevard and Business Route I-376.  Wampler successfully negotiated the purchase of the parcel and developed a 25,000 square foot neighborhood shopping center; University Centre.  University Centre includes many household names including Panera, Five Guys, European Wax Center, M-I-N Nail Salon, Jersey Mike’s, AT&T, Tropical Smoothie Café, Los Mariachi’s, and The Milkshake Factory.

Allan Wampler, President of Wampler Development Company, served as Economic Development Director of Allegheny County and, as such, has led other initiatives to benefit Moon Township.  As a real estate professional, he recognized the value of the abandoned property near the former Pittsburgh International Airport terminal, which resulted in the development of the Airside Business Park and the new multi-state headquarters of the US Army Reserve.

All these improvements completely repurposed what is now the gateway to a prosperous Moon Township and increased real estate taxes supporting schools, public works, and safety.  The attractive buildings in these developments house businesses, services, and jobs; all of which has resulted in an improved quality of life for the residents of and visitors to Moon Township.