MVI Welcomes New Businesses to Braddock
New businesses take root in Braddock as Mon Valley Initiative continues investment in commercial corridor
For 38 years, Mon Valley Initiative has worked to reverse the tide of disinvestment that reshaped communities across the Mon Valley. In Braddock, that work included a $1.65 million restoration of the Free Press Building in 2015 that transformed a structure that had sat vacant into a thriving mixed-use property.
Now, over ten years after that rehabilitation, the Free Press Building and an adjacent MVI-owned property — the former Comet News building renovated by MVI in 2019 — are welcoming three new businesses to the Braddock commercial corridor, adding to a roster of long-standing business owners that have anchored the building for years, including Brassero Grill, Super Mart Braddock, and Phillips Tank and Structure.
"When we invested in the Free Press Building, we were making a bet on Braddock's future, a future that this community has been working toward for a long time. Seeing new businesses choose to be part of that is a sign that others are making the same bet," said Laura R. Zinski, CEO of Mon Valley Initiative.
These new businesses reflect a sustained effort by Mon Valley Initiative to attract businesses that serve and strengthen Braddock, building upon the community of business owners along Braddock Avenue. Read more about these great new neighbors below!
People’s Strength Collective
When Elizabeth Sohne founded People’s Strength Collective, following years of fitness coaching in other gym settings, her mission was to go against the norms that she saw at other fitness facilities, focusing on creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all.
She started at Wilkinsburg’s Community Forge in March 2025 with seven clients and a crowdfunding campaign. Less than a year later, she had grown to approximately 200 regular clients. The Free Press Building offered Elizabeth room to grow, an accessible entrance, and central air. People’s Strength Collective now offers barbell, dumbbell, and kettlebell strength training with a powerlifting focus, one-on-one personal training, group classes, community acupuncture, and yin yoga sound baths.
Sohne sees her presence in Braddock as directly connected to the community’s history and needs.
“So many people in communities like Braddock need this. Because with everything happening right now, and the history of disinvestment, we can’t keep fighting if we don’t take care of ourselves.”
People’s Strength Collective is located at the Free Press Building, 522–526 Braddock Ave. Classes are offered on a sliding scale and open to all. Visit People’s Strength Collective’s website or follow on Facebook for information on class schedules and upcoming events.
Inky Palmtrees
Lavelle Washington opened Inky Palmtrees in April of last year, looking for a place to start his business close to where he grew up.
“I’m from Wilkinsburg, so not far from here. I never wanted to leave the east side of Pittsburgh. I feel like there’s so much untapped potential here.”
Inky Palmtrees specializes in new school tattooing, particularly cartoon and anime-inspired work. Washington offers free consultations and walks each client through their vision before booking. So far, he says the community response has been warm.
“There’s been a lot of curiosity. People remember what was here before and once they figure out it’s a tattoo shop, they’re pretty excited about it.”
Inky Palmtrees is located in MVI’s renovated Comet News building at 540 Braddock Ave. Follow Inky Palmtrees on Instagram for portfolio work and booking information.
Boucher Glass
With more than 30 years of experience in stained glass restoration, conservation, and design, Peter Boucher could have set up shop anywhere in the Pittsburgh region. He chose Braddock — and chose MVI as his landlord — deliberately.
“I really like the fact that when I am paying rent, it’s going to Mon Valley Initiative. This is one place where you can sort of put your money where your mouth is. If you’re aligned with somebody, it’s important to support them.”
A CMU-trained artist, he serves historic churches, synagogues, and homes throughout the Pittsburgh region. His craft has a deep connection to the Mon Valley’s history — the Byzantine Catholic churches and Eastern European congregations whose stained glass windows are living records of the communities that built them.
Boucher plans to stay in the community longterm and hopes to eventually offer community stained glass classes or informational sessions at his studio.
While Boucher Glass is not open to the public at this time, you can contact Peter at peterboucher@gmail.com for information on his work in restoring historic windows.
One additional commercial space is still available at the Free Press Building! To learn more about the space and how to contact us, click here. To learn more about our Real Estate Development program, click here.