An artist's rendering of the upcoming Union Standard restaurant.

Chef Derek Stevens of Eleven in the Strip District is opening his own restaurant in a historic Pittsburgh building later this year. Union Standard, Stevens’ first venture into the restaurant business as an owner, will occupy the ground floor and mezzanine levels of the Union Trust Building on Grant Street.

“I have wanted to open my own place for some time, but in order for me to make the leap, all the pieces had to fit,” Stevens says. “I couldn’t imagine a better location. It’s the right size and it’s the right time. I’m just really excited to bring this vision to life and put my own creative spin on things.”

The 7,300-square-foot restaurant will seat 170, and feature a raw bar, wood-fired grill and rotisserie, and will serve casual American cuisine. Union Standard will be open all week for lunch and dinner, and will also serve brunch on weekends.

The Davis Companies, which owns the Union Trust building, is working with Moss Architects and contractor Mascaro on the $100 million renovation of the building, which will include 460,000 square feet of office space, a 190-space parking garage, a fitness center and conference facilities in addition to Union Standard restaurant when completed later this year.

Stevens is partnering with Chuck Hammel of Pitt Ohio, Robert Glimcher of Glimcher Group Inc. and consultant Christine Grady on the restaurant. The developer is Herky Pollock of CBRE.

Kim Lyons is an award-winning writer and editor always on the lookout for a great story. Her experience includes writing about business, politics, and local news, and she has a huge crush on Pittsburgh.