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NEWHOME Winter 2011

Moving to the City

Pittsburgh’s

New Urbanism 55+HOUSING A BETTER LIFESTYLE FOR THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE

REMODELING OR RENOVATION

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Contents Winter 2011

05

Publisher’s Message

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A Better Lifestyle for the Best Years of Your Life.

Low maintenance 55+ living options are serving the practical needs of middle-aged Americans.

Moving to the City New Urbanism... For the past five years, the City of Pittsburgh has built more new residential units than any other municipality in Western PA.

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36 44 52

Remodeling or Renovation.

Afraid to buy in today’s real estate market? Your current property could be your dream home in disguise!.

Builder Profile Montgomery & Rust For Montgomery & Rust, a family tie became the basis for a business that is now operating in it’s fifth decade.

Project Profile Building With Values Exclusive Pittsburgh area builders for Values That Matter.

Interiors Places in the Hearth Fireplace popularity rises in a blaze of glory!

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New Construction Listings Housing developments in our Greater Pittsburgh marketplace.

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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Stone Surfaces Make Life More Interesting

Everywhere

The sublime beauty of natural stone moves beyond the kitchen into every room of the house. It is a versatile design tool – for stairways, over walls, on floors, around fireplaces, and for custom-made countertops. Ultimate Granite is western Pennsylvania’s finest purveyor of natural surfaces: granite and marble, quartz, soapstone, limestone and travertine. And our customer service and installation teams go beyond expectation. Call ULTIMATE GRANITE to schedule an appointment at our showroom in Gibsonia, conveniently located near Butler Valley Exit 39 of the PA Turnpike.

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Publisher’s Message PUBLISHER

Kevin J. Gordon kgordon@carsonpublishing.com EDITOR

Jeff Burd GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jaimee D. Greenawalt PRODUCTION

Carson Publishing, Inc CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Erin O’Donnell Linda Simon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jan Pakler Ed Rieker Millcraft Industries Craig Thompson Sota Construction Montgomery & Rust ADVERTISING SALES

W. Carson Gordon James Hilliard 412-548-3823 Special Thanks Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Dollar Bank, Heartland Homes, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Northwood Realty, Prudential Preferred Realty, Ryan Homes, Montgomery & Rust and Values That Matter Pittsburgh.

MORE INFORMATION

Greater Pittsburgh’s New Home is published quarterly by Carson Publishing, Inc., 500 McKnight Park Drive, Suite 506A, Pittsburgh, PA 15237; 412-548-3823.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission by the Publisher. All rights reserved.

This information is carefully gathered and compiled in such a manner as to ensure maximum accuracy. We cannot, and do not, guarantee either the correctness of all information furnished nor the complete absence of errors and omissions. Hence, responsibility for same neither can be, nor is, assumed.

A

total of 1,119 new housing units were started in the City of Pittsburgh since the beginning of 2007. What’s hard to believe is that is nearly twice as many as the next most active community, Adams Township in Butler County. In fact, the number of new homes in our City during those five years was more than the total of homes built in both Adams and Cranberry Townships combined!

What is impossible to deny is that more people want to build and live within our city limits - higher taxes and all - than in any part of the region.

Around the middle of the last decade, different trends began to emerge that made Pittsburgh a more desirable place to live. One trend, often called New Urbanism, is a shift in buying preferences toward more sustainable and green living in cities. The other was more unexpected: more and more people began to see Pittsburgh as a cool place to live.

This issue of NEW HOME introduces Pittsburgh’s New Urbanism. Read how our region’s oldest neighborhoods are now among Greater Pittsburgh’s hottest places to live.

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

Also, housing opportunities for our more mature residents have created a better lifestyle for the “best years of your life.” With today’s increasing harried pace of life, low maintenance communities for people 55+ are serving not only the property needs of our middle-aged, but their wellness and social needs as well.

Afraid to buy new in today’s finicky real estate market? Read how your current property could just be your dream home in disguise. Remodeling and renovation tips can help you upgrade your existing home.

Looking ahead, we wish you All The Best for 2012. Have a prosperous and happy new year!

ABOUT THE COVER:

Downtown Pittsburgh’s Piatt Place, a development by Millcraft Industries.

Kevin J. Gordon www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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MOVING TO THE CITY

Pittsburgh’s

New Urbanism 6 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

it

would be easy to forgive someone who would guess that the community with the most housing starts over the past five years has been one of the suburban hot spots like Cranberry or Adams Townships in Butler County, or Peters Township in Washington. These municipalities have experienced relatively high growth for more than a decade, but none has the most new construction of homes. That distinction belongs instead to the City of Pittsburgh.

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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M

etropolitan Pittsburgh, as we commonly refer to it, encompasses a broader area than the city limits and the metropolitan area is defined by seven counties surrounding the city, including Allegheny County itself. But the area in question here isn’t the broadly-defined Pittsburgh – which is being viewed as a ‘hot’ spot by observers worldwide – but rather the land that lies within the boundaries of the city, the town that calls Luke Ravenstahl mayor.

Much of what the American public knows about Pittsburgh has been, unfortunately what has been fed to it in introductory scenes for Steelers’ games or from outdated movies that showed the Pittsburgh of the industrial (or post-industrial) days. Even the residents of the region – who have clearly seen the changes in the region over the past two decades – often didn’t bother getting past government reports or doom saying portrayals of the region as a declining Rust Belt town that was “older than any county in the U.S.” – an unsubstantiated claim from the 1990’s. It took a generation of people moving away or dying while thousands sneaked in unnoticed to get to the facts

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of the situation in 2011; that is, that Pittsburgh as a region is a pretty cool place to make a living and raise a family and that the City of Pittsburgh itself has everything in its neighborhoods that developers all over the country are trying to replicate.

Pittsburgh: City of Champions and city of new houses.

To paraphrase Sgt. Joe Friday, let’s start with the facts. For the past five years, the municipality in Western PA in which the most new residential units were built was the City of Pittsburgh. According to Pittsburgh Homebuilding Report, which researches public records of building permits each month, a total of 1,119 new housing units were started in Pittsburgh since the beginning of 2007. That is nearly twice as many as the next most active community, Adams Township in Butler County, which spans the Mars-to-Valencia area. In fact, the number of new homes in the City during those five years was more than the total of the homes built in both Adams and Cranberry Townships.

It’s important to bear in mind that the data the Homebuilding Report provides is for new construction only. That means that the totals for Pittsburgh exclude projects like the hundreds of units created in the Heinz Lofts or the Cork Factory.

Because of the character of the housing in the city and the scarcity of land, roughly three out of four of these new units were in the attached housing category, mean-

For the past five years, the municipality in Western PA in which the most new residential units were built was the City of Pittsburgh ing the units were either row homes or stacked like in an apartment building.

Pittsburgh saw 858 units of attached housing permitted during that period, nearly triple the volume of second place Adams Township (and four times that of Cranberry). But Pittsburgh was also fifth out of the region’s several hundred municipalities for single-family detached homes, the kind normally associated with suburban subdivisions. At the risk of belaboring just how popular the city has become, Pittsburgh’s 261 new singlefamily detached homes were three more than Cranberry’s total during that time.

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While it’s true that some of the decline in suburban new construction has exacerbated the gap between Pittsburgh and

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9

Pittsburgh Has What is Hot

the other communities, it’s also true that the kind of growth in housing that Pittsburgh has experienced has been unmatched by any municipality in the past twenty years except for Cranberry Township in the 1990’s, when that community exploded onto the scene.

At the end of the day, what is impossible to deny is that more people want to build and live within the city limits – higher taxes and all – than in any other part of the region. The $64 million question, of course, is why.

10 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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Around the middle of the last decade some distinctly different trends began to emerge that made Pittsburgh a more desirable place to live. One was a more global and subtle shift in the buying preferences towards more sustainable and green living in cities, often called New Urbanism. The other was more specific and unexpected: more and more people began to see Pittsburgh as a place that others wanted to live.

New Urbanism is an outgrowth of several related trends, all of which come back to the premise that cities offer a more sustainable lifestyle model for the future of the planet. During the 1980’s and 1990’s many social scientists began offering warnings about the consequences of American growth into the suburbs. Studies were done (and refuted, of course) that showed a whole host of social ills stemming from the continued spread of residential development further out away

from cities, consuming land less suited for development while leaving older cities decaying behind. At the same time the technology behind environmental and energy efficient homes created awareness about living more sustainably. When the 21st Century began, it was possible to build new homes that could use much less energy for the public at large.

Around that same time, planners in many of the faster growing parts of the country began making Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) a hot item. Most of these developments were in the very same hotbeds of suburban sprawl – Washington DC, Orlando, Las Vegas – that were being decried for their unsustainability. The TND offered amenities that evoked memories of older American cities and towns, like walkable neighborhoods with commercial and retail districts in close proximity to the housing. People began to value the ‘small town’ feel of these mixed-use neighborhoods, especially since they frequently left them to get into a commute that was anything but a throw back. More visionary urban planners advocated redevelopment of the nation’s existing cities, citing the same lifestyle advantages of a TND but with the added benefits of having access to mass transit and established infrastructure without needing more virgin land. As New Urbanism gained popularity the movement got a boost from the new reality of higher gasoline prices that followed Hurricane Katrina in summer 2005 and which haven’t abated since.

The year 2005 was also a watershed year for Pittsburgh. There isn’t any single incident or action that can be pointed to as the turning point in how people from all over the country perceived the region, but with the benefit of hindsight we now can see that everything changed about the region’s image that year.

Perhaps it was really as simple as Mayor O’Connor’s ‘Redd Up’ campaign and never-ending boosterism for his home town or the compelling story line of the Steelers return to the Super Bowl, but it’s now clear that metropolitan Pittsburgh got onto the national radar that year. Pittsburgh was again named ‘Most Livable City” by Rand McNally. Site selection magazine listed Western PA as a top city for relocating a business. The businesses and universities involved in green technology, robotics, healthcare, nanotechnology, computer animation, and many other new fields all seemed to pass through Pittsburgh.

Within a few years, Pittsburgh had another Super Bowl win, a Stanley Cup champion, hosted the G-20 conference, made seemingly every “Top” list for best places and even became home to a new U. S. president’s favorite breakfast joint.

In an even more surprising turn of events, the past few years of recession only added more luster to Pittsburgh’s reputation.

While the region took its lumps during 2009 and 2010, the severity of the downturn was less in southwestern PA. Unemployment levels remained about two points lower throughout the

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recession and by the fall of this year were falling below seven percent. More importantly, the prices of houses in metropolitan Pittsburgh managed to appreciate during the recession. At mid-year 2011 home prices had risen four percent in Pittsburgh compared to the pre-recession levels. That was the highest level of appreciation of any of the 50 largest U. S. cities.

Many of the good economic items listed above apply to the entire metropolitan area, but it’s apparent that the City of Pittsburgh has seen more than its share of benefit. In part, that’s because there has been net migration into the region and for newcomers to Pittsburgh (the region) there is a tendency to look for housing close to their jobs, which has frequently been Pittsburgh (the city). Natural gas and energy are the hot industries du jour, but the strong and steady job creation has been centered in Oakland’s universities and hospitals for more than a decade. And those new nurses and doctors and researchers have as often as not, been looking to live conveniently close to their jobs. This fact has underpinned the success of a number of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

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Summerset, Lawrenceville and South Side: Surrounding Oakland For homeowners looking for the proximity, comfort and scale of a Traditional Neighborhood Development, Pittsburgh has a different twist: actual traditional neighborhoods. This is especially true to the north and south of the region’s job creating hub.

More than two decades ago, developers began planning and executing the reclamation of Lawrenceville and the South Side, two of the region’s decaying industrial neighborhoods.

Those redevelopments took two vastly different paths, however.

On the South Side, vast tracts of flat land existed to be developed in prime locations along the Monongahela River, once the shuttered steel mills – and their environmental hazards – were torn down and removed. Such an undertaking was economically unfeasible for the normal development process so the responsibility for cleaning up and clearing those old sites

More importantly, the prices of houses in metropolitan Pittsburgh managed to appreciate during the recession.

At mid-year 2011 home prices had risen four percent in Pittsburgh compared to the prerecession levels. That was the highest level of appreciation of any of the 50 largest U. S. cities. fell to the local government, with lots of financial input from the state and federal coffers. The result of the major cleanup was a major development opportunity that eventually became the South Side Works, a large-scale mixed use retail and office development that also included 83 apartment units located on the floors above the neighborhood retail stores.

The Soffer Organization succeeded in developing the South Side Works, but only after more than a decade of slow progress. While that process was playing out, smaller residential developers were taking advantage of the South Side’s already growing night life and restaurant scene, plus its amazing proximity to develop nearly that many townhouses further west at the Fox Way Commons and South Shore Place.

South Side Works and the early projects were part of a grand master plan for an unusable industrial site. The current South Side projects are infill projects, taking smaller parcels of land that were vacant between existing neighborhoods on the Flats or even smaller lots lying above the South Side on the Slopes.

These projects, like the Riverside Mews and Windom Hill Place by Sota Construction and One80 Development, take advantage of the views and locations to provide urban settings and architecture that has heretofore been limited to cities on the coasts. The prosperity of Pittsburgh is also attracting architects who are bringing other urban sensibilities to blend in with our traditional neighborhoods.

To the north of Oakland, the rather large community of Lawrenceville has been redeveloped almost entirely by infill for two decades. Because it is one of Pittsburgh’s oldest neighborhoods, Lawrenceville has always offered more opportunity for entrepreneurs to buy old homes and renovate them for profit, but as the neighborhood has developed its own new sense of cool, the demand for newer architecture has lead to opportunities like what has been happening on the South Side.

In fact, Lawrenceville has become a haven for architects during the past decade and some of them have taken to building new homes on one and two lots throughout the neighborhood.

Botero Development and E Properties are two current developers who have seen past the confinements of the traditional architecture to create living spaces that are both modern and energy efficient. E Properties is currently building six large townhouses along Butler Street opposite Doughboy Square.

The Square is something of a gateway to Lawrenceville and it is the center of a mixed-use development by October Development that will include both renovated homes and new construction.

In mirror image to the South Side’s redevelopment, Lawrenceville is in the process of getting its big riverfront development after smaller infill projects have succeeded.

Beginning in 2009, the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority has been working with Perkins Eastman Architects and developer Buncher Company to design a unified Allegheny Riverfront vision. The result, which was unveiled in spring 2011, is an ambitious plan for construction along the Allegheny from the Convention Center through the Strip District and ultimately into the 40th Street corridor. The vision includes lots of commercial and transportation spaces but at the heart of the plan is the residential development, which allows for as many as 3,000 new dwelling units clustered along the river. The bulk of these are planned for the area between Eleventh Street and 21st Street in the Strip, wedged between Smallman Street and the river. Another cluster of new homes would be built between 40th and 43rd Streets in Lawrenceville at the riverside.

The plan is ambitious and would be wildly successful if only half were accomplished within a couple of decades. Taking a look at photos of the J & L Steel or Levinson Steel sites from 1985 and comparing them to the South Side Works of 2005 gives you an idea of what can be accomplished in Pittsburgh with persistence and a great location. Construction on the first buildings isn’t scheduled to start until at least the end of 2012 but some Pittsburghers may be hosting New Year’s Eve parties there when 2014 is rung in.

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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economy. Even though Summerset was having success in phase one, the project was unfortunately part of the National City loan portfolio. When the bank collapsed in late 2008, the project’s financing went into limbo just as the investment for the infrastructure of phase two was needed. Finding another financing partner for the remaining 500-plus units took the better part of 2010, even as deposits and waiting lists piled up.

Now, with roughly a dozen homes under construction and nearly that many waiting, Summerset is rolling again.

The biggest new urban development in the city, Summerset at Frick Park, may offer the best glimpse of the impact of the new economy in the region. The Rubinoff Company began developing the site in the late 1990’s with the help of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Located above Nine Mile Run on the vast hillside south and east of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels, Summerset at Frick Park has a total of 710 units. The housing is a mix of single-family detached units, townhouses and rental condos. The style of the neighborhoods is a throw back to the kinds of communities that surround Summerset, like Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and Regent Square.

The 220-unit first phase of Summerset is completely closed out and during the course of its construction an identity emerged that was a reflection of the kinds of buyers that were moving there. Craig Dunham, who spearheaded the project for Rubinoff saw Summerset develop into a neighborhood that was focused on comfort and sustainability. The walkable community became more tight-knit, with cases of multi-generational homeowners buying to keep grandparents and children close by, and the key to it may have been how different the residents were from one another. In a city that was once known for being a melting pot, Summerset was becoming a new model for diversity.

Dunham believes that Pittsburgh’s new economy, which is largely centered in Oakland, has influenced the diversity of Summerset’s residents. “We had buyers from Oakland who came from other regions and other countries,” Dunham says.

“They have diverse backgrounds, and come from different cultures. That rich and diverse employment base in Oakland is reflected in Summerset’s population.”

The neighborhood’s developers have had to be persistent in their vision of Summerset because of a tough break with the

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Dunham reports an interesting shift in demographics that is somewhat related to the delay the developers were forced to endure. When Summerset was able to start building houses again in April 2011, it was with a backlog of interest in their existing home designs. In October, however they were able to introduce new products.

“We were looking at where the people were coming from who were under contract now that represent that pent up demand and 60 percent came from somewhere in the city; 32 percent came from out of state and 15 percent came from elsewhere in the region,” he explains. “We had an unbelievable number of buyers who are moving up from within the neighborhood. Since we have been actively marketing in the last four months, we’ve seen a change in the mix. Now only 35 percent are coming from the city; 15 percent have come from out of state and half are coming from a suburb within the region.”

Summerset’s residents were never a homogenous group but the profile of the buyer has definitely broadened in recent years, says Dunham. “There are four main kinds of buyer: doctors, researchers and professors are one group. There are a number of CEO’s, executives and entrepreneurs. The third group are downsizers or startups, and then we have a significant group who were motivated to move close to family,” he says. “Some of those are the people from out of state but we also have ten examples of multi-generational buyers, parents who bought to be near kids or vice versa.”

The Center of It All Perhaps no neighborhood in the city has been transformed as much during the past decade as Downtown. For most of the Murphy administration, the city government hired expensive consultants and aligned itself with out-of-town developers to figure out a way to stimulate interest in Downtown by shoe horning big retail attractions into the Golden Triangle. After several major projects failed to become that beacon, the private sector took over and thus began a series of projects

that went in a different – although logical – direction.

That direction was residential.

New Urbanism has many facets to it and one of those is downtown living.

The irony in the failed ideas of the City of Pittsburgh’s government is that they ignored some of the fundamentals of the real estate market that are true wherever development takes place.

The most basic of those is that amenities follow where people live, not the other way around. In the same way that Target doesn’t build a store in an empty field in the hope that builders will eventually build nearby, entrepreneurs weren’t going to open restaurants or retail stores Downtown just because Lazarus or Lord & Taylor built a new department store. Perhaps the best evidence of this was the fact that even after the first successes in downtown residential, the growth in population (and therefore potential consumers) was still lukewarm enough that the commercial development remained a trickle. All that changed a few years ago.

Jeremy Waldrup is the executive director of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP). He chuckles when asked about the current population. “We try to be very specific when we answer that,” he says. “In the Golden Triangle – the area from the Point to the Crosstown – there are 4,500 residents. We also look at ‘greater’ Downtown, which includes the Triangle, the Strip, the North Shore and Uptown and has about 7,300 residents.”

Most of the early residential projects, from the ‘sliver’ buildings right up to the development of Piatt Place, were built on the condominium business model. While that’s a cleaner model for developers to do, condos also somewhat limit the pool of buyers. When the recession began in 2008, a couple of the condo projects had slowed and developers changed direction, in part because the financing for apartments became more attainable. The results surprised even the developers, who may

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have underestimated both the demand for Downtown and the income level of a whole new demographic group.

The PDP is tracking 560 units under construction or scheduled to come available during the next 12 months. The majority of those are rentals rather than condos.

The apartments have filled the niche of what is referred to as lower end housing in center city, although the rents are almost entirely between $800 and $1,400 per month. That rental range appears to be just what the market wanted.

Millcraft Industries was in the process of trying to sell the remaining half of the 61 condos at Piatt Place when this sea change took place. They were also in the midst of kicking off an ambitious conversion of seven buildings on Fifth Avenue – including the former Murphy’s store – into apartments that would rent for between $700 and $1,200 per month. As the project, called Market Square Place, was being constructed in 2009 the developer was pleasantly surprised by the response. The prospective renters of the 46 apartments were younger professionals and many were also a resident no one counted on, a renter who wanted to live Downtown and commute the opposite way each day. Before the project was completed, Millcraft had leases on all 46 units.

A few blocks away, Trek Development was undertaking a similar project by adapting the former Century Building from offices into 60 apartments that were to rent at rates targeting ‘middle’ incomes. Like Market Square Place, the Century Building attracted more prospects than it had apartments, in part because the building was a very ‘green’ renovation. The apartments were smaller, used sustainable materials and had energy efficient designs, and the building is smoke free. Intentionally or not, the Century Building had hit a hot spot among younger urban residents.

Coincidental to these successful apartment projects was the renovation of Market Square. With a new streetscape and hundreds of new consumers literally within a block or two from the Square, the 16 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

merchants in Market Square experienced an overnight rejuvenation. In less than a year, almost a dozen new restaurants and clubs, retail shops and specialty stores have opened in the neighborhood. After two decades of decline, Market Square is hopping again. In fact, all of Downtown has experienced rejuvenation as more than a thousand new residents have moved in during the past decade. Streets are crowded after 5:00 PM. High end steak houses abound. And the success is breeding more success.

“Rental properties are running at the high 90 percent occupancy levels,” notes Waldrup. “When you couple that with the burgeoning restaurant scene and the hundreds of events that go on in the Cultural District you have quite a lively Downtown.” Walrup also noted that the resurgence in Market Square has been a catalyst for the eateries but reported, “There have been 24 new restaurants open throughout Downtown in the last two years.”

As the evidence of Pittsburgh’s economic vibrancy continues to mount, investors and developers are doubling down with even larger projects in Downtown. Millcraft Industries purchase the former State Office Building overlooking Point State Park and is in the process of investing $30 million to renovate it into 210 apartment units in a project it calls Rivervue.

Behind the Rivervue, another developer is renovating the former Verizon headquarters on Stanwix Street into 158 apartments. That developer, Philadelphia Management Corp. or PMC Property Group, has zeroed in on downtown Pittsburgh in a big way. Earlier in 2011, PMC bought the Penn Garrison Apartments, one of the early downtown housing projects that were for rent. Within a few months the company acquired the Verizon building as well, but that was only the start of a buying spree. In November, PMC was successful in buying the 200 Ross Street building from the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority to convert it into 100 apartments, and the company is reportedly in negotiations to buy the Regional

Enterprise Tower – which was the old ALCOA headquarters – for conversion into retail and more apartments.

With Pittsburgh’s two biggest employers – UPMC and PNC Financial Services – adding thousands of jobs and new space to downtown offices, the attraction to living Downtown will not peak any time soon. It takes little imagination to picture a Downtown that resembles Walnut Street in Shadyside or Forbes Avenue in Oakland every day and evening. With a little more vision, imagine a Downtown that continues to attract residents until the business districts of Oakland and center city merge.

Moving Back For an older city like Pittsburgh to become an attractive place to live again takes more than a few good breaks. Old industrial cities grew outward, like spokes on a wheel, and the momentum towards spreading away form the center is tough to reverse. In Pittsburgh, the momentum has shifted because people are finding more and better jobs at the center of the city, in Downtown and Oakland. But there’s more to it than that.

People like being near water and the city’s riverfronts have been prepared for new construction at just the right time. Americans also seem to be more aware that living in bigger homes is not a sustainable way to operate, either financially or environmentally.

For more than a decade the private sector in Pittsburgh has been at the forefront of green building and living, which gives would-be city dwellers a plethora of choices that aren’t available in other regions. Even the economy has given city living a boost, as a new generation of Americans thinks about their lifestyle in a more conservative way and looks at a shorter commute and a more densely populated community as good things.

Life does seem to work in cycles. The region’s oldest neighborhoods are now among the region’s hottest places to live. City neighborhoods are drawing young hipsters, green living devotees, empty nesters, reverse commuters, wealthy professionals and more students every year. NH

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Other rates and terms are available. Property insurance is required and flood and title insurance may be required. No origination fee or closing costs for loans up to $249,900. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest and charges. Examples: The monthly payment on a 60-month loan of $15,000 with no debt protection is $275.50; on a 120-month loan of $15,000 with no debt protection is $158.29. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums, actual payment obligation will be greater. Debt protection is optional. See bank for details. MEMBER FDIC www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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Dream Home

Your Current Property Could Be Your

(in Disguise)

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| Winter 2011

AFRAID TO BUY IN TODAY’S MOODY REAL ESTATE MARKET? REMODELING AND RENOVATION CAN MAKE IT WORTH THE WAIT.

BY ERIN O’DONNELL

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ittsburgh has been particularly blessed to have eschewed the real estate catastrophe that has plagued the nation over the last few years.

Yes, we have witnessed a “hiccup,” but comparatively speaking, the real estate gods have handled us with kid gloves.

This economic climate has, however, taught current homeowners to question their motives for moving. Fear of not selling has turned many would-be buyers into “happy hangers.” It has taught many to reconsider improving their current properties until the clouds blow over and things start looking brighter.

Reality television does a wonderful job of reiterating that selling and buying is not as simple as it may have once been.

Home and garden networks have given many a first time homebuyer sticker shock and sweaty palms for the viewing audience to witness. Have you not squirmed when watching a hopeful family confronted with the harsh realities of real estate purchasing for the first time? It’s a hard pill to swallow, because it reminds us of one of life’s maxims: nothing is as simple as it looks.

When we review the HUD statement at closing, it’s plain to see that closing costs, administrative fees, and commissions eat up a considerable amount of resources. If the thought of

selling in a finicky market isn’t enough to deter a seller, the realities of mortgage troubles that have recently befallen buyers might just be the nail in the coffin. This is especially true if the seller will have to hold two mortgages simultaneously until a would-be buyer can secure a loan. “I’ve had many of my clients tell me that they’re terrified of moving in this market,” says Eric Kettering, owner of KBK Remodeling. “No one feels like they have job stability, and they’ve started to doubt their ability to afford a new home when tomorrow seems so uncertain.” This has fueled the recent surge in families asking professionals like Kettering to upgrade their homes until they’re ready to brave the uncertainty.

So what can a current homeowner do to turn his or her home into a space worth holding onto? The obvious springs to mind: upgrade the kitchen and bath. It is true that these rooms drive resale value more than any other feature in the average home, but there’s much more to consider when holding onto a property in exchange for buying a new one.

Remember that when upgrading or renovating a home for the current owners’ satisfaction, the factors change considerably.

Materials may be of higher grade (if you’re going to live there, you may choose differently than you would if immediately selling), the layout could be more age-specific (older homeowners riding out the real estate slump may want single-level living), and more attention might be given to the outdoor space (creating an outdoor “room,” versus just a porch or deck). www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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O

n average, there are three main objectives that clients are looking to accomplish through renovating: allocating space for children’s activities, opening up ground floor spaces for entertaining, and creating a master suite. How owners decide to do this depends on factors like budget and timelines, of course, but it’s also a matter of municipality.

Setbacks will determine which direction a homeowner can build an addition. Once this is determined and the blueprints have been created, the fun begins…

If an addition has been “built out” from the home, this means three levels (basement to second floor) of space will be introduced. Additions encourage the judicious use of the basement level, which, from a familial perspective, is priceless. Once younger members of the family have their own area in which to play and be reckless, it opens up possibilities for furniture upgrades and entertaining on the home’s main level.

Basement finishing is the most requested renovation that Kettering receives from clients. “We’re getting a lot of kitchens and baths, but we’ve seen a disproportionate rise in basement work lately.”

Finishing a basement should not eat away at the majority of your budget, unless you are creating something other than extra space or kidfriendly playrooms. Bigger expenditures may include features like a home movie theater, which have become increasingly popular. This also minimizes resources spent finding entertainment outside of the home. This is not only a sound short-term fix for the selling-wary, it is also a long-term savings. If an owner is interested in opening his or her house for more entertaining or even for grandchildren, this could be a spectacular option, budget allowing.

What we find occurring more often in the design world, however, is simply the addition of subterranean gyms, video game rooms (for Wii sports, etc.), and music rooms. The latter is an opportunity to keep instruments (especially large instruments like harps, cellos, and pianos) from taking up space on the first floor, while also minimizing noise or conflicting interests. Take it from one who has lived through the reality of a drum-playing sibling: bedroom walls are thin and sound travels! If a homeowner is taking a rare opportunity to relax in the great room, it is impossible to bear the tempestuous sounds of Beethoven wafting forth from upstairs. Basement music rooms can also be easily soundproofed—there are no windows to accommodate. Your nerves will thank you.

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Renovations for the main level often include the creation of a “great” room that makes better entertaining possible, especially for parties of great size. On a regular basis, however, this space is going to be occupied by adults (remember, the children will be spending more time bouncing off the walls in the finished basement). This is also the time to buy furniture to replace the temporary items owners use until they have the house “of their dreams.” Since that “perfect” home might have to wait out a recession, it makes sense to stop fantasizing and to start living. If you’re spending capital to renovate a house to your liking, even if it’s for the time being, this is also the time to make it everything you want it to be. This is where a professional design team is especially useful.

“We tailor the room to accentuate an owner’s new, usually upgraded, furniture. This includes valuable pieces they’ve had wrapped in storage waiting for this opportunity. The space must be built around utilitarian use as well as décor,” says Nancy Policicchio, project designer for Desmone & Associates Architects.

Keeping with current trend, the great room should adhere to the concepts of open space and connection. The formal and informal dining rooms can flow into one another, and bar space is a great way to ease that transition because it is a partition that allows for visual continuation above waist-height. This also adds to the feeling of depth and grandeur. Interior designer Lori Kreke believes this to be especially useful for the holidays.

“It’s great for special occasions when all of the dining and living spaces on this floor are used concurrently for parties. Many of our renovation clients just move their sofas to the perimeter of the room to easily accommodate up to 50 seated guests. This is possible when the first floor is no longer partitioned by walls.”

When it comes to improving living space on the second floor, homeowners are requesting that the master bedroom be transformed into a suite that provides a more luxurious introduction to the day, and a more commodious environment at night.

Double doors open to an updated bedroom where another set of double doors enclose the refreshed and upgraded bathroom.

Renovation is the ideal time to add the newest bathroom necessity: his-and-her accoutrements. Gone are the days of frustrating feuds over mirror time, or the comical choreography couples develop while trying to simultaneously brush teeth, shower, put on makeup, and shave in a room the size of a steamer trunk.

With his-and-her sinks come greater counter space, longer mirrors, and domestic harmony. The tub and the shower will also be separate, and for those who aren’t looking into an addition, a

bathroom upgrade is something they will still glean great benefit from as they wait to brave the real estate market. Bathroom trends have come to include new materials and concepts that rival new homes’ designs.

Policicchio appreciates concepts that are clean and minimal. “I like it when the tiled ledge of the tub extends straight through to the adjacent shower, doubling as a shower bench. A single pane of glass separates these spaces, but the plane of tile (or stone) creates a fluid transition that’s easy on the eye.” Showers with benches are incredibly smart choices for those individuals who think they’ll be remaining in their home in the latter part of their lives. Slip-resistant tile floors, ledges, benches, and walk-in showers with no steps at the entrance instantly buy a homeowner another few decades of safe bathroom use. Again, these aren’t modifications that need be clunky or unsightly. When renovating or remodeling your existing home, take the future into consideration, especially in the bathroom where such customization can be done beautifully and seamlessly while the room is undergoing major reconstruction.

And since we’ve entered the age of technological dependence, it only stands to reason that we find it impossible to tear ourselves away from the television screen during our daily routine,

removed and better layouts created to make the interior more current and company-friendly. Sometimes, just some simple maintenance will do the trick. “It’s amazing how many homeowners do not maintain their homes until it’s time to sell,” says Kettering. “If things are fixed while living on the property on a regular basis, it makes preparing the house for sale virtually painless. It also makes the house a more comfortable place to live in the meantime.” Some underestimated, and very easy, improvements include fixing door handles, purchasing newer appliances, and replacing doors or windows that have seen better days.

Re-sealing decks, re-painting, and repairing wood details are also ways to get big results for not-so-big effort or expenditure.

If an owner has glossed over the aforementioned necessities, it’s safe to assume that they’ve also overlooked the outside “room.”

“Outdoor space is not about the simple wooden deck anymore,” says Kreke, “it’s about another kitchen, living room, and dining area beyond the confines of the home.” Homeowners are starting to add pergolas for aesthetics and greater dimension out of doors. Beneath these custom-built, shade-producing structures, the modern outdoor space comes to life: sturdy, weatherresistant furniture made of newer materials and resins; décor with clean lines and modern shapes; cushions that self-drain when made wet, and that also withstand stains and constant use;

Bathroom trends have come to include new materials

and concepts that rival new homes’ designs. including our bathroom rituals. Granted, the television can be seen and heard from the bath if one strategically places mirrors and sets the volume at full-blast, but it’s not the most efficient use of resources, and it will enervate everyone else in the house, specifically those trying to sleep. There are all-weather television sets that can withstand the humidity and moisture from a bathroom, but if including a television in the bath, let a designer or general contractor know right away. “The bathroom will be built to accommodate the television,” says Policicchio, “because there are limited options to place the device once the room is complete. Allocate the space for the screen and wiring first, and then design with that in mind.” For those homeowners who prefer to be unencumbered by a screen protruding from the wall, Koehler has developed technology that places the screen within a mirror. When not in use, the screen is undetectable, displaying only a mirrored surface. When turned on, however, a portion of the mirror acts as a typical television screen for the viewer’s convenience.

Renovations don’t have to be preceded by additions, of course.

Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms regardless of adding space to other parts of the house are the best ways to get more from an existing property. With the aid of a designer or architect, existing spaces, especially living rooms and dining rooms, can have walls

sturdy outdoor area rugs that act as visual “anchors”; a centralized outdoor kitchen complete with sink, outdoor dishwasher, under-counter refrigerator, pizza oven, and fireplace; and a dining area with chairs and tables chosen not only for eating, but for comfortable lounging post meal (e.g. chairs with armrests, wider frames, and lower heights, as well as tables that can accommodate club chairs versus the standard dining chair). Add customization, like hand-painted tiles from Italy or glass inlay and sculptural metal detail, and one has added another room to the home, albeit al fresco.

Though the resale value may not be affected as much as building a new kitchen, outdoor rooms do add value to the living experience. Policicchio believes that this is one way to make entertaining flexible and unique. “A well-planned outdoor space gives a homeowner the opportunity to do more al fresco entertaining in the warm seasons, which means she’s getting good use out of her home while she waits to sell. Also, adding a fireplace can extend the use of the outdoor room by months.” The options are limitless and can be quite creative. One of Kreke’s and Policicchio’s recent clients added a dog-washing station to their outdoor room to help make this once messy indoor chore much easier to perform in its new, dedicated space. www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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we try to gauge if their request is something they would really want to live with for years and years.” Kreke agrees that less is truly more when it comes to renovating a house to enjoy until an imminent resale, especially because it’s the architectural details that stay with the house, not the décor. Over-stylization makes it impossible for potential future buyers to envision themselves in the space, and could end up hurting, rather than helping, in the long run. “We’re also moving away from murals painted directly onto the wall. The clients who have taken my advice to use an oversized canvas instead of muraling directly onto the walls have thanked me years later because their tastes changed, or because they were able to take it with them when they moved.”

Renovations and remodeling extend the enjoyment of an existing property while owners strategically plan their next real estate purchase, but there is a danger to going overboard. Customization must not cross the line into the danger zone: overdone and overly-personalized.

“If our client proposes something over the top, we will give it to them in a more reasonable fashion,” says Policicchio, “and

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That said, do not shy away from details or making your house infused with personality. Simply be mindful that when choosing updates and layouts, a professional voice might prove aesthetically, and economically, beneficial. “You can make a home ‘better’ by adding useful features, but it won’t make it pleasing. If you’re going to the trouble of performing renovations, have a careful plan and do it correctly the first time,” Policicchio suggests. “Discuss it with an architect and a designer. This is your chance to make a property more pleasurable to live in for another decade or so.

The choices you make during renovation will be the difference between mere functionality, or truly making your house a home.”

PLANNING FOR TOMORROW, TODAY There’s some truth to the adage that “time flies when you’re having fun.” It’s also true that time flies if we’re simply going about our daily business. Then, before we know it, we’re served with the reality that we’re not getting any younger and that our home isn’t accommodating to the aging process.

Renovating is the prime time to start asking yourself two questions regarding the future: how long do you plan on staying in your current residence, and if you upgrade and renovate, is there a possibility that you would consider staying longer than previously anticipated? Answers to these questions will help you ascertain whether age-appropriate modifications should be included in the architectural and design plans.

If you think you may be in your home well into your golden years, Eric Kettering of KBK Remodeling suggests that you discuss the following options with your contractor or design team: • Bathroom vanities are usually 30”- 32” high. If raised to 36”, however, we are prevented from having to bend over.

The closer our counter is to waist-height, the less strain placed on the lower back.

• Comfort height toilets also aid the joints and muscles,

W

requiring less effort during sitting and standing.

• Curb-less shower entrances are both functional and aesthetically-pleasing. It also makes it easier to bring walking aides or wheelchairs into the shower, if necessary.

• Add lighting throughout the home to illuminate darker areas and to make navigation safer.

Two of Kettering’s clients have recently had elevators installed. A necessity for those with physical impairments, it’s also useful for anyone looking to transport large items from floor to floor.

As Policicchio mentioned, benches in the shower needn’t be unsightly. Adding a basic ledge of beautiful stone or tile is functional and modern.

Manufacturers have designed walk-in tubs. This prevents the need for lifting the leg over the tub’s side. Once the door to the tub is closed, it tightly seals to prevent seepage.

Kitchen shelves on hinges work wonders for those with a limited overhead reach. Simply ask your contractor for shelves specifically made to move vertically. Grab a hooked instrument, pull the shelf down towards you, grab what you need, and push the shelf back to its rightful height without straining your back and shoulders.

here Quality & Craftmanship Matter

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TK CarpenTry ry & ConsTruCTion, Cons inC inC. Todd Klippa, Owner

445 Maple Lane • Coraopolis, PA 15108 PA Registration, PA 006101 Phone: 412-600-9099 • Fax: 724-695-3256 www.tkconstructioninc.com • email: tk@tkconstructioninc.com www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING Yes, it is possible to have “too much of a good thing” when remodeling or renovating a home.

Owners must be cognizant of the fact that there is an average sales price in every neighborhood.

If renovations go overboard and the remodeling prices the home out of its surrounding area’s average, it could pose a problem for future buyers.

Kettering agrees: “It all depends on your location.

There is a cap. I’ve had to tell clients that they will never get back what they’re putting into a renovation. Some clients, however, are planning on never moving, so they are less apprehensive about resale value.”

Darla Jobkar, a realtor with Northwood Realty Services, suggests that owners take particular care to budget wisely and to seek the opinions of professionals when deciding between moving or remaining and upgrading. “Sellers should be aware of the costs involved to sell their home so that they can make a knowledgeable, and sound, financial decision.” To know the figures early in the game is useful, because many sellers are unaware of how expensive preparing a home to sell can be. Sometimes, sellers make the necessary repairs, stage the property, and then find that if they had only kept the property maintained in the first place, they could have gotten a few more years’ enjoyment out of it.

To find out what the average sale price is in your neighborhood, some research is required.

It’s imperative that you budget and plan before renovating, because run-away expenditures can happen. As Kettering mentioned, be aware of the “cap” over which the value of what you put into your home will not be returned to you when sold.

As a seasoned realtor in the area, Jobkar suggests owners use local and county websites to browse home sale statistics. “A realtor (a member of the National Association of Realtors) or a certified appraiser can give a more accurate analysis, and it’s worth it to ask for one. Every year, the National Association of Realtors publicizes a Cost vs. Value Report, which is a valuable resource as well.”

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24 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

Ultimately, the homeowner will have to make a decision based on what their wallet, and heart,

tell them. The decision may even have more to do with sentiment than logic. Regardless of what the reasons may be, it does make sense to pick the brains of those who know the industry and market, have experience working with similar clientele, and who can give you objective counsel. “Be it downsizing, upsizing, relocating, or a question of financial security, it’s a personal decision that requires professional advice,” Jobkar states. “It is of the utmost importance that when it does come time to sell or to buy, that you remember to hire only qualified and experienced real estate professionals and companies, mortgage reps, inspectors, and settlement firms.”

Last, but not least, do not search for the holy grail of homes. It is rare that buyers on the hunt find a property that fits all of their criteria and requires no work. “If you move, the money spent on commission, closing costs, and customization could be six figures,” says Policicchio. “Think of the costs, stress, and the temporary sense of displacement associated with moving, and then weigh your options. You may just decide that it’s simply not worth it.”

Darla Jobkar (Realtor) has over 18 years of experience in the real estate industry, currently working for Northwood Realty in Adams Township and Peters Township. A Pittsburgh native, she is familiar with many of the communities in the city and its surrounding counties. Darla is a top-producing agent, having

dedicated herself to upholding the highest level of professionalism and expertise in the industry. She may be reached at (724) 413-4663, or via email at darla@earthlink.net. Visit Real Estate in Pittsburgh on Facebook to read her national blog regarding the Pittsburgh market. www.darlasellsrealestate.com.

Eric Kettering is the founder/owner of KBK Remodeling in Elizabeth, PA. KBK specializes in upscale bathroom and kitchen remodeling, and offers a wide range of services including custom cabinetry, trim work, and tile installation. Eric comes from a long line of finish carpenters and cabinet makers. His years of experience and love of his craft have made him a trusted vendor to the region’s top interior designers. Eric can be reached at 412-4520859, or at eric@kbkremodeling.com. www.kbkremodeling. com.

Lori Kreke (Interior Designer) and Nancy Policicchio (Project Designer) are design professionals at Desmone & Associates Architects in Lawrenceville. Desmone was founded in 1958, and is a third generation family-owned architecture and interior design firm. Their philosophy is that of design excellence and superior client service. Desmone provides services for various industries, including the residential, commercial, healthcare, industrial, religious, and educational sectors. One Doughboy Square, 3400 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. 412-683-3230. www. desmone.com. NH

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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A BETTER LIFESTYLE FOR THE

Best Years of Your Life There is a memorable line from a famous, blockbuster movie where Kathy Bates’ character takes revenge on two young women who have cunningly stolen her parking space and feel vindicated, being “younger and faster.”

The girls scream in horror when Bates decides to repeatedly rear-end their parked car in retaliation. When they accuse their avenger of being “crazy,” Bates shares a powerful truth of her own: “Face it ladies,” she says “I’m older, and I have more insurance.” Aside from being humorously directed and expertly acted, this scene is a poignant reminder that along with age comes clout, power, and wisdom.

Keeping this in mind, it’s no surprise that those who may be “older” with “more insurance” have found it exceedingly satisfying to

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take revenge not on parked cars, but on the misconception that aging has anything to do with apathy, complacency, and settling for a life of boredom, isolation, and quietude. If Appalachian Trail hikes, kayaking trips, Mediterranean cruises, barn dances, water aerobics, and cattle drives seem like the stuff of “retirement living,” then you need to acquaint yourself with the modern concept of the 55+ living community and the experiential provisions that are attracting younger residents throughout the country. As Traditions of America Director of Operations David Biddison explains, the “most common misconception is that 55+ communities are similar to assisted living or independent living communities. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Low Maintenance 55+ Living is Your Community’s Best Kept Secret www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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America has always been a country that prides itself on independence. Our values have been built upon the philosophy of hard work, taking calculated risks, and breaking away from the pack in order to lead. But what happens when the unavoidable nature of aging kicks in? We soon realize that a strong social support system and an active, enjoyable lifestyle are equally important for a well-rounded living experience. This is why 55+ communities aren’t only serving the practical property needs of middle-aged Americans, but their wellness, social, and experiential needs as well.

“Retirement Community” is a Misnomer According to a recent AARP article, 55+ living has nothing to do with professional retirement at all, and it is a myth that residents in such communities spend their days playing shuffleboard and quietly doing crossword puzzles. Older Americans espouse the prospect of remaining physically active, cerebrally engaged, and socially connected. In other words, they believe in fun, and they are taking advantage of a living format that provides them with the time and opportunities to do exactly that.

Biddison stresses that at some Traditions of America (TOA) communities, “more than half of the residents work full or parttime.” The allure of a 55+ community for a non-retiree is that there is more time to devote to one’s professional pursuits and career when there is no longer the need to rake leaves, shovel snow, or find a roofer. Since so many of these residential communities promote wellness and an “active” approach to living, it stands to reason that they offer “on-campus” amenities that preclude the need to go elsewhere in search of sport or leisure.

This too is an attractive option to someone who works full days and has little time left over to battle traffic and parking in the search for a gym or a masseuse. When a sports facility or spa is yards away from one’s front door, there is less excuse- making and much more acting.

Shelli Sommariva, Marketing Manager at St. Barnabas Retirement Communities in Gibsonia and Valencia, believes that

“... a common misconception is that 55+ communities are similar to assisted living or independent living communities. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

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on-campus facilities are what make modern-day retirement communities appealing to more and more prospectives. St. Barnabas has gone to great lengths in building a reputation for their on-site facilities that are state-of-the-art and quite unique. An indoor mall, multiple restaurants, credit unions, ATM’s, salons, auditoriums, gift shops, stores, a wood shop, billiards, putting greens, bocce ball courts, fishing ponds, walking trails, and an indoor conservatory pool are anything but banal on-site attractions. Such facilities definitely do not conjure ideas of inactive, complacent living, which may be why more and more people in their middle age are attracted.

There are also professional and financial advantages for “younger” residents, especially when still in the workforce. Many 55+ communities are located near major highways and transportation corridors, making access to downtown and the airport easier, quicker, and more straightforward. Also, buying the “retirement” home earlier in life allows one to accumulate more equity in what could be her last owned property. It’s a consideration that is best made when not under the pressure of immediate need.

The Simple Life “If you’re working, traveling, and very busy, maintenance free is the way to go,” says John Deklewa of Deklewa Builders in Bridgeville, PA. Though not all who are looking for 55+ housing will choose to move into an age-restricted community, there is something to be said for taking the first step towards making life easier, and that would be downsizing and one-level living. “Pittsburgh has a large older population, so buying a home with a first floor master bedroom is a huge draw, as is the fact that by living on a single level, it’s so much easier to clean and maintain your home.” Deklewa Builders specializes in single family, townhouse, and traditional neighborhood developments in Western Pennsylvania, and has been building premier, customized, and energy efficient homes with single level options in seven local communities. Deklewa believes that it’s not only those in the 55+ category that find maintenance free neighborhoods and plans alluring.

This is an ideal living situation for anyone who does not have the time to put effort into their home (young working professionals find low maintenance options especially attractive these days), or for someone who wants the freedom to maintain her property without the headache of finding service companies. “People can do the extra work if they want, like planting flowers and trimming shrubs,” Deklewa explains, “but once a year, all the shrubs and trees get pruned, fresh mulch is put down, and the grass is always cut.” During the winter months, low maintenance residents leave the plowing and shoveling of roads, driveways, and sidewalks up to the community.

It’s a matter of practicality: if a family is looking to downsize and take responsibility off the agenda, single level living in a low

maintenance community (townhomes, condos, etc.) is useful. Think of all of the time spent traversing stairways alone. Keeping everything to one floor cuts down on time spent commuting from room to room, and it also eliminates a safety hazard. In multi-level condo communities, elevator shafts have become omnipresent fixtures, helping to accommodate homeowners in their later years.

Though single-level living is ubiquitous in states like Florida, Pittsburgh’s topography makes it more difficult to find land flat enough to accommodate a moderately-sized single-level foundation. Frost and weather-related issues are unique unto our region as well, and we’ve grown accustomed to basements. This adds to the limited number of single-level residences and housing plans in the area, but it also stands as testament that there are builders who are receiving demand for such structures, and who are aiming to satisfy those needs for consumers, “young” and “old” alike.

Lastly, there is the very important issue of safety. “The Home Owners Association has every homeowner’s emergency contact information on file, so when a resident is traveling, he knows that his house has a community watching over it. Living in such close proximity, neighbors look after one another’s investments,” says Deklewa. No matter what one’s age or living situation, it’s good to know that low maintenance living comes with a heightened sense of investment protection and neighborly camaraderie.

LIVE BETTER at Liberty Hills Traditions of America is Pennsylvania’s leading 55+ builder with active lifestyle communities across the state. Our award-winning new homes feature single level living with designer kitchens and first floor master suites. And, since we take care of shoveling the snow and all the yard work, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent clubhouse and 5-star amenities.

Determining the Community that is Right for You If a buyer prefers something more involved than single-level, low maintenance living, then an age-restricted retirement community should be considered. Get to know the different options, however. Terms like “assisted living” or “retirement community” are often used interchangeably, but they all stand for distinctly different living formats. To determine what kind of community is right for a homeowner’s needs, one must be careful to acknowledge these differences and to be aware of what each offer.

Retirement Communities reference home plans that are restricted to homeowners 55 years of

100 Liberty Circle Freedom, PA 15042 Directions: Just 5 minutes from Cranberry! Take Rte. 19N to a left onto Freedom Rd. Take Freedom/FreedomCrider W. for 5 miles. Turn left onto Rte. 989 S then turn right onto ConwayWalrose Rd. Liberty Hills’ entrance will be on the right.

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Traditions of America communities are age qualified. 80% of households must include one resident age 55 or better and all residents must be at least 19 years old. Prices, terms and availability are subject to change without notice. *See your New Home Counselor for details.

Upgrade your life* – and your home – for less. Learn more:

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age and older. This can be a single-family home, condominium, duplex, townhome, or any other housing structure that also employs on-site amenities for its residents’ enjoyment (e.g. spas, gyms, clubhouses, outdoor pools, etc.). A maintenance fee is usually collected to maintain the grounds and the facilities. Retirement communities are not health-related communities, and do not offer medical assistance or care. It is similar in concept to a “shelter” model housing plan.

“Fit Six Program.” The program includes the promotion and encouragement of health in various aspects of a resident’s daily life, namely the areas of social, intellectual, vocational, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. A personal trainer is available for assessments and to lead classes across five different activity levels. In conjunction with their active lifelong learning program, weekly day and overnight trips, cruises, and outof-state excursions, a CCRC becomes an attractive option for people who want recreational amenities and medical intervention available at all times, as well as those who want to prevent the need to move again.

In many 55+ communities, including Traditions of America, specific architectural standards are upheld, which protects market value and prevents aesthetic unsightliness. When living in a 55+ community, there is economy of scale as well. Biddison Different communities will have different payment options, so if sees 55+ living as a direct financial advantage to those seeka potential resident fears being locked into a long term contract, ing low maintenance living for the best possible price. “The there are some CCRCs that offer alternatives. UPMC’s Senior association is able to contract for landscaping and snow removal Communities, such as the complete CCRC at Sherwood Oaks, services at a lower cost than an individual homeowner might offer month-to-month contracts if an individual is uncomfortable purchase on his own. Residents with making a front-loaded enjoy luxurious amenities—heated investment for his retirement swimming pools, saunas, whirlhousing. In general, adminispool spas, fitness centers, Pilates Some research has found that tration understands that plans studios, etc.—at a fraction of the may change, and so they’ve price they would pay for a club spending time with friends can devised contracts that cater membership.” to this common concern. add as much as 10 years to an Regardless, the benefits seem to outweigh the contractual individual’s lifespan.

Continuing Care Retirement Comfears, and Gordon finds that munities (CCRC) offer a spectrum residents are happy to have a of living options that include medical care if needed. Assisted broader plan in place for the future. “They can pre-plan for their living and independent living fall within this category. Individuhealthcare for the rest of their lives at a greatly reduced cost.” als can take advantage of meal plan options, linen service, and Campus Living medical care. A resident can enter at the independent living level, but graduate to higher levels of assistance if needed, (i.e.

Some people are taking 55+ living to an entirely new level of a skilled nursing facility on site). mental stimulation. While traditional 55+ communities often offer programs, classes, or opportunities to engage intellectually Jill Gordon, Director of Marketing at Friendship Village in the with their peers, Campus Continuum is a project that develops South Hills, believes that CCRCs give people a chance to move semi-retirement and retirement communities on university camto a community they can comfortably remain in as they age. puses. Presently, a few campuses nationwide host CCRCs, but Moving once, and only once, is a huge draw to those who want Campus Continuum aims at providing residents with universityto eschew the hassle of packing up and transporting their lives centered activities like seminars, collegiate-level courses, and when they need more aggressive medical care or supervision. workshops. In addition, they have access to campus facilities like Financially, Friendship Village makes sense for those looking to sports centers, fitness facilities, libraries, theaters, and laboratoreceive a return on their investment, when in most assisted or ries. skilled nursing facilities, this isn’t an option. “Because we are not-for-profit, we offer return of capital plans that protect an Universities benefit financially from opening their gates to 55+ asset while simultaneously protecting the estate from the high residents. It’s a sale or lease on campus property; fees are costs of nursing care. Residents here can choose from a 90% collected for access to campus amenities; and if residents feel return or a 50% return plan, and that asset is returned to them as though they’ve been treated kindly, they are apt to make via their estate, or if they move.” donations or bequests. And if residents aren’t working full-time off campus, options abound on campus. As “older,” wiser resiWhen potential residents come to Friendship Village, they dents, the 55+ community is a wealth of professional experiare often surprised by the amenities offered. Friendship Vilence that university administration can tap for student benefit. lage is backed by Lifespace Communities, Inc., and all 12 of Tutoring, mentoring, and career counseling are wonderful the Lifespace Communities throughout the region espouse a 30 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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opportunities to work with students directly.

Also, volunteering programs are available to 55+ residents, as most universities have scrupulous volunteer standards and requirements for their student body.

Campus living, even if the 55+ residence is technically located off campus, is especially attractive for those seeking access to cultural programs, rigorous learning, volunteering, and working with younger adults. It’s one of the “younger” populations amongst 55+ living communities, as the average “on-campus” resident is 55-75 years of age, whereas the average age of CCRC residents is 84.

NEW LOOK, NEW INFORMATION A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE

T H E C O M P L E T E LY R E D E S I G N E D

SAhomebuilder.com INTERACTIVE • IMMERSIVE • INFORMATIVE

Power in Numbers It has been proven that a strong social network contributes to a healthier and longer life.

Friends are more than a means of entertainment or diversion: they can reduce the risk of dementia, keep your brain functioning strategically and nimbly, contribute to a sense of well-being and serenity, positively affect your exercise routine, and be the greatest source of healing during times of mental, emotional, or physical pain or anguish. Some research has found that spending time with friends can add as much as 10 years to an individual’s lifespan. Gone is the notion of sedentary, solitary individuals rocking away on a porch and longingly recalling their halcyon days of youth. 55+ communities and CCRCs emphasize living a life that combats depression and isolation. “This is very true for individuals after losing a spouse,” says Nanci Case, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for UPMC’s Senior Communities. “People start to retreat in this case, and it’s our priority to help them actively build a social network.”

Michael Haye, Executive Director of Longwood at Oakmont, finds that people are shocked at the level of activity and interaction amongst residents. “The biggest surprise for people comes when they observe how much is going on: socialization, life-long learning, and engaged and interactive living on a regular basis.”

Perhaps the biggest advantage that homeowners find from living in a 55+ community is the extremely strong social aspect. Residents www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

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that the repeated encounters with peers lead to very deep, longterm friendships. Biddison considers this “an extended family” concept. “They travel abroad together, exercise together, and get together socially. They reach out to each other when one is in need.” In some TOA locations, there have even developed niche support groups for widowed women.

Strong activities planning also serves as the proverbial glue that keeps neighbors socially engaged. Sommariva references the perpetual action and entertainment options on St. Barnabas’ campuses, including opportunities for residents to interact with the public. At St. Barnabas’ well known Kean Theatre (a 350-seat theatre that is also open to the general public), plays, musicals, concerts, oldies music events, murder mystery dinner theatre, and the Kean Quest amateur talent contest take place.

Often, the sense of belonging is greater than it had been for residents coming from traditional single- family homes. Many who live in 55+ communities create bonds with their neighbors over the experience of similar lifetime milestones. If a 60-year-old couple is surrounded by a plan of homes inhabited by newlyweds, it’s difficult to build empathy over events like the birth of a new grandchild or a parent’s death. This isn’t to say that having neighbors of vastly different ages isn’t opportune, but it’s convenient and preferable for many individuals in their middle-age and beyond to be surrounded by people who get what they’re going through and who can connect with them on a level that is unique unto their generation.

It’s All in the Mind

... making the move to a 55+ community or CCRC isn’t a concession, rather it’s choosing to make the most out of one’s current life stage. That’s anything but apathetic and compromsing. generally have more direct contact with their neighbors than they would if living in a traditional single-family home. Because the home, activity centers, and most of the facilities used on a daily basis are within the boundaries of the community, it is likely

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Many of us have grown up with the mindset that by 50, we’ve paid our dues, done our part, and must make way for the “new” generation. This is amplified by Hollywood’s draconian standards for age, as well as our own fears that maybe it is too late to find our life’s calling, buy that dream house, make that trip to the jungle, get the Porsche, etc. Somehow, we differ to an internal stopwatch that rings at middle age. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. With people now living longer than they ever have in history, making the move to a 55+ community or CCRC isn’t a concession, rather it’s choosing to make the most out of one’s current life stage. That’s anything but apathetic and compromsing.

By delegating some daily responsibility to professionals if we so choose, a plethora of opportunities are presented to get out and live more than a person in her 30’s could. Consider this: If it’s between struggling to cook three elaborate meals a day following rotator cuff surgery, or going down to the community restaurant with friends and letting a kitchen of cooks create healthy and savory fare for dinner, there’s no contest.

It’s this level of convenience that retirement communities strive to uphold.

Case stresses the importance of maximizing one’s life so that true enjoyment is experienced as one ages. She is passionate about the programs and options that those living in UPMC’s Senior Communities have at their fingertips every day. “For those who choose not to drive, we have transportation to cultural events downtown, malls, restaurants, and social events.”

At Cumberland Woods, residents are given access to health seminars through the UPMC network, many of which bring in well-respected speakers and offer unmatched education. “Our new Legacy Theater at Cumberland Woods offers performances, movies, seminars, UPMC speakers, and educational opportunities for residents and the general public. The Heinz History Center and Breast Cancer Society have also gotten involved with Legacy programming.”

Much of the success residents find living in these communities relies on their ability to add perspective to the situation. Most of us living on the outside aren’t familiar with the programming and social activity that occurs within these neighborhoods, and so we have drawn conclusions that are often incorrect. To take the best of what life and a community can offer an individual at every stage in their life is at the core of finding sustaining happiness. Age is truly a state of mind.

The Intangibles “There is no possibility of going back to the off-campus lifestyle,” says Elaine and Robert Rak, residents at Traditions of America, Mechanicsburg, PA. The Raks, like many of their peers in 55+ housing plans, do not miss the tedium of yard work, the isolation from neighbors, or living far away from major shopping and entertainment destinations. They chose a TOA location that allows them to make day trips to visit their grandsons in D.C., and also avoid summer beach crowds in coastal communities. Their current home is a single floor layout with a loft for visitors.

Like most residents and marketing staff who are familiar with what retirement living communities offer, the Raks consider their

relationships with neighbors priceless and unsurpassed. “We were looking for an intangible reflected in the personality of the folks we initially met at TOA. There is a kinship with our neighbors…we are all relatively the same age and have common interests. We participate in many activities like weekly happy hour and game night, pot luck dinners, and other scheduled events.

We have time for each other and we enjoy being together.” In their previous community in Rockville, Maryland, the Raks knew their neighbors, but lamented the fact that they were mostly young families with children and a similarly-situated circle of friends. As grandparents with different interests, it made 55+ living alluring.

Residents at Friendship Village agree that leaving their current amenities is a nonoption because the format has become an integral part of their daily existence. “I get security, companionship, stimulation, and all of my needs met,” one resident proclaims. “There is so much to do and a variety of things to choose from—I am much busier.” Since Friendship Village is a CCRC, my future medical care needs are virtually pre-planned, and nursing care is immediately available.

Both communities are agreeable to their respective residents for different reasons, but the common denominator is the relief of responsibility. There is much to be said for walking away from the drudgery of home maintenance to make free time for pleasure and pastimes that are difficult to pursue when working long work weeks and raising a family. “People may believe that moving to a community is somehow giving in to the idea of aging; however, the lifestyle only serves to enhance one’s enjoyment of living and to maintain, or create, a true sense of well-being,” says Gordon. Haye agrees that planning for one’s future is the greatest gift that an individual can give herself and her family members. Many of his residents make decisions for continuing care so that their children will be saved from that responsibility.

“Moving to a CCRC or a retirement community is not an act of defeat, it’s actually giving yourself an improved quality of life.”

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What is the financial security of the community? These are questions that an established CCRC or 55+ community will be able to answer. Haye stresses that ever since the economic downturn, it is especially important to know how a community is funded, who its parent agency (also known as the “sponsor”) is, how the debt is guaranteed, and the history and stability of the establishment. “Any continuing care retirement community will have a disclosure statement with a financial report for prospective residents. Take the time to read it carefully because it will highlight the stability of the residence you’re considering.”

Is the community for-profit or not-for-profit? Gordon suggests that potential residents ask this question because it will lay the groundwork for policy and operations in the community. Since Friendship Village is not-for-profit, there are some financial advantages, such as the asset protection program that gives 50% or 90% return on the residents’ investments. Longwood at Oakmont, which is non-profit, has created a benevolent care fund for residents who may run out of resources. “The fund makes sure that a resident’s needs are addressed if he happens to run out of funds. A for-profit may not offer such services,” Haye explains.

Biddison projects that the attraction of 55+ living will continue to gain popularity with prospective residents in their middle age.

“Every day for the next 20 years, 10,000 Americans will turn 60. With today’s increasingly harried pace of life and fragmented social fabric, low maintenance communities for people 55+ serve the mature homebuyer best.” Now, with such housing opportunities cropping up across the nation, specifically in the central and western regions of Pennsylvania, aging populations have a wider variety than ever to choose from. “We believe the future is bright for these communities and their residents.”

Questions to Ask Before Making the Move to 55+ Moving to a new community is a big step, especially when your prospective neighbors will become a monumental part of your daily living experience. When all of the amenities and facilities you need are centrally located, you spend less time driving to remote locations, and more time enjoying life in the same environment in which you live. This also means that you want to have a solid idea of what the philosophy, rules, future plans, and people are like on campus before signing on the dotted line.

The first thing you should do when visiting a 55+ community is contact the marketing department. They will have the materials and the knowledge to answer your preliminary questions. A visit to the site should follow, as well as an in-depth interview and a few sit-downs with residents. Here are a few basic, but vital, questions to ask: 34 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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Meet the natives. College-bound students visit a university campus before signing the acceptance letter. This is just as important for a 55+ or CCRC hopeful. A visit to “campus” is a must, and many programs now offer weekends, or extended visits, when potential residents can get a better feel for the community. Traditions of America offers opportunities for prospectives to meet current residents and join in activities like TOA’s “Live Better Now” event. Biddison finds that most people who visit for a brief meeting with the marketing team usually end up staying the entire day on campus. “We offer on-site design selections with our professional designer and a full time lifestyle director. Visitors may have only stopped for a brochure, but when they begin to consider the lifestyle they desire, they spend the afternoon.”

Make sure it’s a fit. If you’re looking for a community that has medical services on site, then a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) will be a more appropriate fit than a 55+ community. If continuing care is not a concern at present, then it opens up the possibilities of a strictly age-restricted community that has amenities and facilities, but no clinical staff. Haye does suggest that those seeking a CCRC or 55+ community take medical intervention into deep consideration before moving, since it will determine the need for future relocation and medical decision-making. “The residents get to know our clinical staff at Longwood and build trust with them, whereas if one gets sick and goes to a hospital in a non-CCRC, he may end up choosing a facility in crisis mode that’s not best for him.”NH

Your life. Your peace of mind.

Your freedom.

Cumberland Woods Village • spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments • 28 floor plans to choose from • full-service apartments available • secure parking • two restaurants • full-service beauty salon • fitness center and activities room • card and billiards room

Find your place at Cumberland Woods Village, a new senior community that offers you the best of both worlds in comfort and convenience. Here, you can experience the serenity of our secluded wooded setting, and be just minutes away from the shopping, dining, and attractions of McKnight Road. Cumberland Woods also overlooks the campus of UPMC Passavant, so you can feel secure knowing that high quality care is never far away. To learn more about our spacious floor plans, flexible pricing options and more, call 412-635-8080 or visit upmcseniorcommunities.com.

Cumberland Woods Village UPMC Senior Communities

Builder Profile

(L-R) Greg Green, Don Montgomery, Mark Rust and Murray Rust.

O

ne of Pittsburgh’s most innovative urban builders is a suburban-based company with century-old ties to the city’s steel industry. For brothers-in-law Murray Rust III and Don Montgomery, a family tie became the basis for a business that is now operating in its fifth decade.

Rust’s family owned Rust Engineering, a designer with a global reputation in the steel and heavy industrial markets. Murray worked at the firm in the 1960’s after graduating from Lehigh University but was looking to get out on his own after the firm was acquired by Litton Industries. Montgomery was an architect working in Boston at the time and had experience with residential design and an interest in bringing new designs to the market.

In 1972 they had the opportunity to acquire some land in the North Hills and founded Montgomery & Rust to develop and build homes.

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The land was 32 acres in Hampton Township, located off Clearview Road above Harts Run. They created 32 lots with the vision that residents of Pittsburgh were growing tired of the pollution and crowded conditions and would be interested in moving away from the city. As it turned out they were right.

Montgomery’s architecture at Hartswood Farms reflected his time in New England. The homes were built with cedar siding and split shake roofs, materials that aren’t uncommon in Western PA now but were a departure from the brick-centric designs of post-World War II homebuilding.

Builder Profile

MONTGOMERY RUST INC.

&

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Builder Profile

Later in the decade, the two joined forces with Prescott Cole to create another North Hills community that would give an indication of how Montgomery & Rust would develop in years to come. The project was the Village of Bradford Woods, a planned community of 50 single-family and 80 townhouse dwellings. Even though the project was located well north of the urban center – and nearly as far out of Pittsburgh as anyone lived at the time – the planning and architecture was meant to create a sense of ‘town’ and was one of the groundbreaking planned residential developments of the day. Long before the term ‘urban sprawl’ became part of the lexicon, the Village was developed with green space built in as a buffer around the homes. Walking trails and three ponds were part of the neighborhood. Until this day, the homeowners’ association maintains covenants on the use of exterior materials and roofs, sidewalks and driveway construction. Like Hartswood Farms, the architecture of the Village was reminiscent of New England villages, with street names like Marblehead, Salem and Mystic Harbor.

As the firm started its second decade in business it seemed as though Montgomery & Rust had hit upon a winning formula: find land well beyond the average Pittsburgh commute distance and bring classic New England architecture and sense of village to a more Midwestern market. But as the collapse of the steel industry precipitated a more rapid exodus from the city’s neighborhoods to the suburbs, Montgomery & Rust changed gears.

In 1980, their relationship with the Urban Redevelopment Authority led to two opportunities to undertake developments at the opposite end of the spectrum from their work to that time.

One of the blighted areas the URA was working on was what had been known as Clifton Park, a set of row houses that were 38 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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vacant in the Perry Hilltop neighborhood overlooking the heart of the North Side with great city views. In 1980, Montgomery & Rust acquired the empty shells of the houses for $100 each and took on the challenge of building them out and selling them. While the views were spectacular, the neighborhood has seen better days and the project needed to attract pioneers to succeed.

Montgomery & Rust hired architects Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff + Goettel (then L. P. Perfido & Associates) to design the renovations and the new townhouses they planned to build. They also had a secret weapon that came in handy.

“The URA had the ability to offer eight percent mortgages [market rates were double that at the time],” Rust remembers. “We held an open house on a cold February day and sold 28 units in one weekend.”

That same year the URA turned to Montgomery & Rust with an opportunity for a project near where Rust was raised in Shadyside. Another developer had been struggling to get underway with the Village at Shadyside, a planned community of 84 townhouses, 44 units of condominiums in three mid-rise buildings, along with one detached home. A tough economy was derailing the project but Murray Rust thought the project had a good plan – designed by Pittsburgh’s Urban Design Associates – and took on the task of bringing the project to market.

The architecture for the project did an exceptional job of fitting into the context of the surrounding neighborhood, with the new townhouses looking like renovated Shadyside row homes. After a strong start, construction on the project was stalled by the fallout from the Savings and Loan debacle in the late 1980’s. The construction was able to be completed throughout the 1990’s, with the last units completed in 1999. While the financing for the project hit a couple of bumps in the road, the homes themselves had smooth sailing. The neighborhood has appreciated as well as any in the region and its location – its Penn Avenue side is directly across from Bakery Square and Trader Joe’s – is among the hottest in the city.

By the mid-1990’s Montgomery & Rust had earned a reputation as a developer/builder with a vision for planned communities and architecture. Fulfilling that vision meant striving to find the next ‘big thing’ in materials, methods and design. One of

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5958 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 412.661.7550 Norman Center II, Upper St. Clair, PA 412.835.2300 2335 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 724.916.0100

Builder Profile

He told me to show up and they would tell me what to do. He also said that while I was at it to pay attention and ask lots of questions.” the relationships that developed out of that search was with IBACOS, a research consortium of manufacturers, architects and builders who work to make residential construction more energy efficient and livable.

“We bought into the IBACOS concept right away – comfort, low maintenance, low energy costs – and since Washington’s Landing, all our homes are built that way,” says Rust. “To do that you need to put dollars into the home but it feels good to put a better product on the market and I know we get other work from it. At the end of the day, it’s just good for our customers. They get a great return on their investment.”

Washington’s Landing was Montgomery & Rust’s first experience with building an IBACOS prototype design. That project started with a chance meeting between Rust and Mark Schneider – then with Rubinoff Co. – who needed a residential partner for the project. The neighborhood was 88 units located on the Herrs Island between the Allegheny River and its back channel. With water on both sides and spectacular downtown views, the homes in Washington’s Landing are in a unique setting in Pittsburgh. Don Montgomery’s designs and the choice of materials like standing seam metal roofs and Werzalit siding made for durable, attractive and energy efficient homes. Begun 40 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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in 1995, Washington’s Landing was built out in a little more than five years.

While the firm did not completely abandon suburban development – they were the contract developer for The Trillium in Fox Chapel, The Links townhouses at Treesdale and the Fair Hill neighborhood in Franklin Park – Montgomery & Rust was becoming recognized well beyond Pittsburgh for its successes in urban and traditional neighborhood development. As Washington’s Landing was filling out they were brought in to do the interior build-out for the 1600 Murray Avenue condos that Mosites Co. was developing. They also renovated the Brake House Lofts, a former Westinghouse air brake factory in the Strip, with developer Eve Picker.

Their expertise in sustainable construction and planning brought them to the table during the early stages of the massive project to reclaim the former J & L Steel slag pile along Nine Mile Run in Squirrel Hill, just east of the tunnels. The community is the Summerset at Frick Park and it was being developed by several firms, including Montgomery & Rust’s partners at the Rubinoff Co. Over a period of several years, the project took a number of forms, originally proposed as a massive 2,000 unit development but ultimately settling on a mixed community of 710 homes.

“There were nine different levels of environmental review during the planning,” says Murray Rust with a bit of amazement.

“Originally the plan was to cover Nine Mile Run and to excavate about four million yards of slag. We were able to change from that idea to one that left the creek open and cut back the slope more gradually.”

Builder Profile

standards like EnergyStar®. The Summerset standard is a home which uses 30 percent less energy than normal (Murray Rust’s own home in Summerset was tested at 53 percent less). One of the townhomes was submitted for the National Association of Home Builders Energy Value Home and walked away with a silver medal.

Montgomery & Rust’s portion of Summerset includes the Estate and Village detached homes, as well as a number of townhomes.

In a bit of déjà vu, the project has slowed over the past few years, not from lack of demand but from the lack of financing at a critical stage.

In the late 1980’s the loan for the Village of Shadyside had been from First Federal Savings and Loan and construction was stalled while the financing worked its way through the Resolute Trust Corp. process. As the financial crisis of 2008 broke, the construction lending for Summerset was coming from National City, which led to another lengthy delay as that institution collapsed and its subsequent takeover and reorganization dragged on. The flow of lending slowed just as a phase of development was ready to start but the flow of prospective buyers remained strong.

“The next phase of the project is on the south side of the creek so there has to be a new environmental approval and approval for a bridge,” explains Rust. “The lack of available financing made that investment more difficult but there are still buyers.

Right now we have ten or eleven contracts and a waiting list with eight or nine more.”

Part of Summerset’s appeal is the style of the community, an urban traditional neighborhood. The homes feature efficient floor plans and have rear entries off alleyways, much like the hundred-year-old neighborhoods all over the city. What is untraditional is the amazing energy-efficiency. Each of the Montgomery & Rust homes is designed with IBACOS standards for energy and quality, which are tougher than commercial

Montgomery & Rust’s focus on getting ahead of the current standards has helped attract the kind of buyer that was widely assumed to be lacking in Pittsburgh until a few years ago: younger, better educated and willing to pay more for higher quality in homes of more moderate scale. The buyer in Summerset is often a two-professional working couple with small children who values the urban lifestyle but also wants the comfortable, low-maintenance home. Building that kind of home also fits the desires of the next generation of ownership at Montgomery & Rust.

In 2008, the two founders conveyed the ownership in the business to Murray’s son Mark and Greg Green, Don Montgomery’s son-in-law. Neither came into the family business as part of their life plan or under remotely similar circumstances.

Green graduated from Bowling Green University in 1998 and worked in Michigan for a year with an environmental firm. A career in construction was not his aim.

“I graduated with a degree in environmental policy and geology, but after working in the field, I did not see a great future or opportunity. I had just met Jessica [Montgomery’s daughter] and Don offered to hire me and have me learn the business from the ground up.” Green says Montgomery gave him a tool belt, hammer and speed square on day one and assigned him to a roof framing crew at Washington’s Landing. “He told me to show up and they would tell me what to do. He also said that while I was at it to pay attention and ask lots of questions.”

What Green observed was construction that showed a lot of attention to detail. The framing was stick built rather than pre-

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Builder Profile

“I’d like to see us doing more in the city,” he says. “There are still opportunities to recycle old steel mill sites. Even if a project morphs into taking an old industrial building like the Brake House, that’s something we’d look at with a lot of interest.” fabricated. The exterior walls were filled with blown in insulation.

The materials used and the designs of the homes themselves were a few steps up from standard. His next assignment gave him even more insight into the business, as he was thrown into the pricing and awarding of contracts for the 1660 Murray condo. Taking over another contractor’s subs gave Green a sense of how valuable Montgomery & Rust’s subcontractor relationships were. As the owner who is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, Green realizes now how important these early trials by fire were.

Mark Rust’s involvement in the business was in part motivated by a long-standing interest in community redevelopment initiatives and an involvement with Habitat for Humanity, but it took a little while for those interests to align with his career.

He graduated from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business with a master’s degree in Business Administration in 1990 and what appears to be the family’s uncanny bad luck with business cycles, to pursue a career in investment banking. Even though the financial industry was mired in a credit crisis, Rust was able to land a job with boutique investment bank, Ferris Baker Watts in Baltimore. It was there that he got involved with Habitat. After 15 years with the company he began to get the itch to be his own boss and when he saw problems coming into the industry in 2006, Rust came back to the family business as a way to blend his finance background with an urban redevelopment business.

Of course, the summer and fall of 2008 proved to be a difficult time for any business to transition to new ownership, let alone a homebuilding company. As the founders and the new owners were plotting a course through the financial crisis they received a call from the TV show, Extreme Home Makeover, asking them to be the contractor for an upcoming episode in Pittsburgh.

Instead of focusing on daily headlines about failing banks and stock market collapses, the managers at Montgomery & Rust got to figure out a way to build a five-bedroom house in Penn Hills in one week.

“The producers wanted a family-owned business to rebuild a family’s home,” explains Mark Rust when asked how the firm was chosen. “They did their homework and said they heard about our reputation and knew about my involvement with Habitat.” Rust also says he takes the explanation with a grain of salt. “Once everyone got on site I spoke to one of the crew who 42 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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told me that the advance research guy is asleep about half the time,” he jokes.

The subcontractor relationships that Greg Green learned to value made a difference to the Makeover project. “When it came time to plan the house, all of our subs volunteered their time,” he says. Pulling together dozens of contractors and suppliers – plus a number of commercial contractors whose owners were friends of Murray Rust and Don Montgomery – the team started construction on October 17, 2008 and completed the house in time for the big reveal on October 24. The exposure Montgomery & Rust received was matched by the satisfaction of delivering a home of their standards to someone who needed a hand.

While doing more television isn’t part of the company’s strategic plan, the new generation of owners does foresee some changes in direction.

“What I see that we need to do strategically is to get more projects. That’s not rocket science,” explains Mark Rust. Montgomery & Rust runs fairly lean, with seven people in the office and five managing the work in the field, but they provide services like architecture and manage projects so that their customers get involved in the whole process of building. Rust realizes his staff has talent that could be spread across more work. “I’d like to get the firm where it’s not dependent upon the success of one project.”

The company is currently working to get started on two small projects in Ligonier, a 17-unit mixed residential style neighborhood called The Armory and four single homes on Church Street. A handful of lots are also still available at their Hampton Woodlands community, but Montgomery & Rust’s resources are mainly tied to the completion of the Summerset at Frick Park, which has several hundred homes yet to build in coming phases.

Mark Rust and Green know that the demand is healthy at Summerset but that the pace of construction is within their capacity, so they are keeping their eyes open for other opportunities. For Rust, the most interesting ones would be focused on redevelopment.

“I’d like to see us doing more in the city,” he says. “There are still opportunities to recycle old steel mill sites. Even if a project morphs into taking an old industrial building like the Brake House, that’s something we’d look at with a lot of interest.” NH

Project Profile

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Project Profile

One of the by-products of the recent recession has been a significant change in the home buying habits of the American consumer.

Perhaps because the downturn started with the “pop” of the housing bubble, homeowners have begun to take a more conservative view of the value of their homes and there is ample evidence that consumers have left behind the mantra that “bigger is better.”

BUILDING with

From

Values

Pittsburgh Builders Who Care

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Project Profile

T

he consumerism that has been a driving force behind the global economy for twenty years or more has created an environment where value is defined by getting the most for our money. For manufacturers, that has lead to commoditization of many products that were once value-added. Appliances that lasted 30 years or more (remember the old toaster your parents gave you when you finally moved out on your own?) now cost $9.99 at Wal-Mart and needs to be replaced every few years. Making things cheaper and cheaper became the business model instead of making things last.

Values. Each firm operates their businesses separately in four different quadrants of the metropolitan area, but each works within the standards that Values That Matter has established, values that each of the four had clung to as they built their own businesses.

s r e m FFrroom uild B h g are r u b C s o t Pit Wh

That mindset eventually over took how we thought about a new home. Building more for less was an approach that helped production builders. At the same time, custom homebuilders were viewed as uncompetitive, charging more than was necessary for the average homeowner. The reality was that as consumers began to look for more – in this case, bigger homes – the idea of better faded into the background.

The idea of spending money on quality in place of size became a more foreign concept but a consultant, designer and businessman named Al Trellis believes that a renewed focus on value is the medicine the doctor ordered for the housing industry. Trellis has spent a lot of time over the years trying to help builders communicate value and connect to their customers.

His more than 40 years of experience has led him to create a business – known as Values That Matter - which helps builders who share his vision about what is important to customers, reach value-driven buyers.

Coming out of a scary recession, more buyers may be ready to embrace that vision. Here in metropolitan Pittsburgh, four builders who ran their businesses with a vision of value have created a unique way to go to market by sharing Al Trellis’ vision.

In the fall of 2010, local builders Signature Homes, Eddy Homes, Paragon Homes and R. A. Snoznik Construction Inc. joined forces to act as the exclusive Pittsburgh area builders for Values That Matter (VTM), branding themselves, Build With

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The partnership developed after Al Trellis spent two days in Pittsburgh in the winter of 2010 talking to members of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (BAMP).

Signature Homes’ Michael Kamon had known Trellis for almost two decades and convinced BAMP’s board that Trellis could help inspire the local builders to think about homebuilding differently as they struggled to meet the challenges of difficult market conditions.

The emphasis on value resonated with the four builders, who built similar styles of homes and even had some history of working together. Matt Moritz and Eddy Homes, had done projects with Michael Kamon in the past, and shared Kamon’s belief that they couldn’t continue to do the same things in the same way and expect to get better at serving the market. When Kamon reached out to other builders about the idea of applying Trellis’s message he was surprised to find that the other three builders were already thinking of the same thing.

The message Trellis gave is that the small builder has to be able to connect with customers in ways that the bigger builders cannot. Big builders have the resources to spend an awful lot on marketing and sales to drive buyers in a way that is difficult for smaller builders to compete with, but their size also makes it more difficult to create a process for identifying the needs of an individual customer and managing the process of construction to match those needs as they develop during construction. Big companies can manage their supply chain and squeeze efficiencies in distribution and subcontracting in ways that customer oriented builders often cannot. But their most effective managers end up farther away from the customer. These dynamics helped to create the impression that a buyer should go to a custom builder when he could ‘afford’ to. That’s a perception that Build With Values expects to shatter, one customer at a time.

Project Profile VTM has crafted designs that respond to consumer lifestyle needs and effectively communicates the differences Values That Matter brings to the marketplace. The designs are based on extensive national research to see how a family uses the house – where kids study, how much storage, how to use new technology – and the results of the research can be incorporated into the house plans of local builders or adopted wholesale as a new design. Build With Values is adopting VTM’s architectural and design standards that were established over the years and their plans are reviewed to ensure they meet those standards on any home that has the Values That Matter brand.

Functionality. The focus is on right-sizing for the family’s style of living, areas of group and individual activity, efficient layouts and abundant storage.

The Build With Values partnership is about more than research and home plans. The willingness to engage directly with the client is an important component of the Values That Matter program. VTM helps make it possible for the little guy to compete with the big guy, but it can only provide resources to help them compete with the production builders’ economies of scale. These builders ensure that their main competitive advantage – the customer attention – is a value that they bring to bear with their clients.

These builders ensure that their main competitive

The designs are a direct response to extensive research of buyers’ needs, which resulted in five central values that VTM feels should be intrinsic in all homes:

advantage – the customer

Aesthetics. This involves architectural design, interior details and better materials.

they bring to bear with

“The biggest impact that [VTM] has on our business is related to how we design the home to match how the owners are going to use it,” says Steve Fink of Paragon Homes. “Those of us custom builders who do it every day are talking to our customers and are in a better position to make suggestions in response to their needs so that they don’t find themselves in a few years wishing they had built something differently.”

attention – is a value that their clients.

Sustainability. This includes energy efficiency, recycled materials, water conservation and environmentally responsible construction practices.

Affordability. Trellis emphasizes efficiency in construction and planning, low maintenance materials and cost saving appliances, and a home that retains the highest value rather than is less expensive.

Family Lifestyle. Technology and 21st Century habits inform planning for complete Internet access, wireless networking, study areas and docking stations for I-Pods and other digital devices.

Ange Knox manages operations for Eddy Homes and feels that the access that the customer gets is a benefit of the Values That Matter approach. “With Values That Matter, the customer is talking to one of our owners when he or she is planning the home and having it priced and built. You create a relationship and end up being an extension of their family while the home is being built.”

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Project Profile Knox finds that kind of customer service to be a big advantage for a custom builder. She has worked in the past for larger companies and is pleased to be able to relate to customers more directly.

“I hadn’t been here a year yet when I took a call from a customer who said Eddy had built his house 25 years earlier and needed some help,” she remembers. “He needed to re-paint the interior of the house and his wife really loved the colors of the original paint but he didn’t have any idea what those were.

I went back into our files and there were all the color chips completely documented. It was great to be able to call him back with the solution to his problem.”

Each of the Build With Values builders shares Knox’s feel for customer service but as the market tightened it became more difficult for custom builders to keep the potential home buyer aware of their advantages. Like all businesses, the local homebuilder had to watch expenses during the recession and because the downturn was rooted in a decline in the housing market, builders saw fewer prospects to whom they could relate the value of this custom approach. Production-oriented builders had the resources to invest in marketing and had the volume to tolerate smaller margins. The four Build With Values contractors saw the Values That Matter program as one that could pump new life into their own marketing and benefit from VTM’s research.

From

Pittsburgh Builders Who Care

“With Values That Matter, the customer is talking to one of our owners when he or she is planning the home and having it priced and built.

You create a relationship and end up being an extension of their family while the home is being built.”

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Project Profile

Signature Homes has had a successful community in Franklin Park called Fields of Nicholson and is beginning to build homes in the Park Place traditional neighborhood development in Cranberry Township. Both neighborhoods are aiming at qualityoriented buyers and both have felt the impact of the recession in slowing traffic. Michael Kamon sees Values That Matter as a boost to his marketing of those projects.

“I designed our new home plans in Park Place to be under the same umbrella and really looked at the whole program for ways to differentiate ourselves from other builders in the area,” Kamon says. “We put VTM floor plans on three lot signs at Park Place and gave each one three different architectural treatments – Traditional, European and Craftsman – so that buyers could see just how unique these homes are.”

Kamon also changed the plans and marketing materials at Fields of Nicholson to reflect the designs that Builds With Values received from Al Trellis. While both this neighborhood and Park Place have had plenty of promotion over the years, Kamon felt it was worth reinvesting so that buyers understood the advantage of their new approach.

in space utilization, which makes a difference to a builder that is expanding their product lines into new segments of the market.

“These plans are very open and livable. They are designed to allow for generous living areas without having to build a bigger house to allow for those spaces,” Knox says.

Eddy Homes is in the final stages of development for a new neighborhood in which it plans to feature Values That Matter certified designs. The community is called The Crossings and is located in Peters Township in Washington County. Homes in The Crossings can be built for as little as $325,000. The VTM designs allow Eddy to serve a buyer that may be the dominant player in coming years without sacrificing the quality and extras they are used to building into their homes. Permits have been issued for a model home and two spec homes will soon start.

Not that Eddy Homes expects them to be speculative for long.

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Eddy Homes has also modified its marketing materials to promote the Build With Values brand and to reflect the new design elements that Ange Knox feels differentiate their homes.

She also says that VTM has altered the segment of the market that Eddy Homes serves.“Eddy was traditionally in the high end of the market but Al Trellis encouraged us to look at the $500,000 point or even lower,” she explains.

“[VTM] has provided us with exclusive floor plans and elevations that haven’t been seen in Pittsburgh before,” Knox continues.

“They have an expansive library of plans that are all copyrighted so we won’t see them showing up with other builders.” The design of the homes is efficient, both in terms of energy usage and 50 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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“We have 10 deposits, although we don’t count them as sales until we have a contract,” says Knox. “That said, we anticipate having six homes under construction in the spring.”

Ray Snoznik has a similar market profile to Eddy Homes in Westmoreland County, with a portfolio of large and luxurious homes. He believes that the buying habits of Americans have changed as a result of the recession and that the Values That Matter designs match up to the expectations of today’s buyer.

Last winter Ray Snoznik said he sensed a change in buying habits from his customers, even though he wasn’t necessarily talking with people who had lost money on their home.

He referred to them as ‘recovery buyers.’ He hasn’t seen that change.

“What everyone is looking for is to not be upside down on a house,” he says. “Buyers are looking for more bang for the buck. That’s how we’re staying busy. We’ve been giving more

Project Profile bang for the buck, not by cutting out but by giving more amenities.” Snoznik explains that VTM’s designs help with the process because they provide the buyer with a number of lifestyle spaces that don’t actually add to the cost of construction. That allows the builder to provide more value without simply forfeiting profit, which is a common business model that is unsustainable. “We have conversations with the buyer about where we would spend the money if it was ours,” says Snoznik.

“I’m not going to tell someone how to spend his money but I can suggest things like choosing a layout that has rooms that can serve more than one purpose. That’s like getting two rooms for the cost of one.”

A look at R. A. Snoznik’s website reveals the difference in direction Ray Snoznik thinks the home buyer is taking. His site has a link to sample floor plans – all of which show suggested furniture placement and give the buyer a clear idea of what the finished product will look like – as well as a gallery of completed homes. Of the five designs shown, only one is over 3,000 square feet and two are smaller than 2,400 square feet, yet the plans are spacious and include details that reflect how a family would use the home.

customers deserve the kind of support and advice that only an experienced custom homebuilder can provide.

“Home is where the heart is,” says Ange Knox. “One of the most personal things you can do is to build a new home because it’s where your life will be centered and your children will be raised. It’s important that a builder offer advice and guidance to the customer because it’s such an emotional process and the customer deserves to have it done correctly.” NH

Pittsbur From gh Build Who Car ers e

Snoznik is also the first of the four builders to have a Values That Matter home under construction. The home is located in the Glenn Aire subdivision in Unity Township near Latrobe. It’s a five bedroom home that includes several Values That Matter details, like the construction of flexible space over the garage and the use of a first floor study that has a bathroom adjoining so that it NORTH can be used as a guest room. The selection Avonworth Heights in Ohio Township, call Maureen Divers, 724-719-1412 process highlighted another benefit of the VTM Copper Creek in Marshall Township, call Jon Moritz, 412-418-7404 partnership that the four local builders hadn’t The Fields of Nicholson in Franklin Park, call Cathy Taylor, 412-398-5642 considered initially – the sharing of information Paragon Place in Robinson Township, call Paragon Homes, 412-787-8807 with national VTM builders. This buyer actually Park Place in Cranberry Township, call Dan Sosso, 412-725-8882 chose a floor plan from a Values That Matter Scarlett Ridge in Franklin Park, call Jon Moritz, 412-418-7404 builder from another part of the country.

Values That Matter Communities:

“Thus far I haven’t actually worked with the three other builders locally on a home but our customer in Glenn Aire saw some things in the plans from a national builder,” Snoznik explains.

“They were still a little reluctant to go ahead until they saw that home on a multi-list in another city. That sealed the deal.”

What we are currently seeing is the beginning of a new wave in Pittsburgh, and today’s customers have shifted away from the boxy assembly line style homes and volume minded builders.

The Values that Matter builders believe their

SOUTH

Brookview Villas in Peters Township, call Paragon Homes, 412-787-8807 Brookwood Manor in Peters Township, call Jon Moritz, 412-418-7404 The Crossings in Peters Township, call Jon Moritz, 412-418-7404 Deerfield Ridge in South Fayette Township, call Paragon Homes, 412-787-8807 Walkers Ridge in Collier Township, call Paragon Homes, 412-787-8807

EAST Glenn-Aire in Latrobe, call Ray Snoznik, 724-640-6682 The Village at Stonegate in Penn Township, call Ray Snoznik, 724-640-6682 Northpointe in Hempfield Township, call Ray Snoznik, 724-640-6682 Cherry Knoll in Delmont, call Ray Snoznik, 724-640-6682

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INTERIORS

PLACES IN THE HEARTH THE AGE OLD FIREPLACE IS SETTING HEARTS AFIRE The American poet Thomas Bailey Aldrich asks “What is more cheerful, now, in the fall of the year, than an open wood fire?” The question begs a momentary pause as the air turns frosty and we pull on a toasty sweater, crave the crunch of a good wool jacket, sparking youthful memories of bonfires or burning autumn leaves.

But in today’s world, an “open wood fire” is but one of numerous options available as folks

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huddle ‘round the hearth for camaraderie, good cheer and, yes, an elemental warmth not easily replaced by fuel efficient furnaces. And fireplaces, those hallowed spaces in which fire is contained, have grown up, become more sophisticated, sleek, or elegantly simple, and purely dependent on the demands of contemporary living, whether that “living” is done indoors or in newly defined outdoor spaces.

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INTERIORS estimator and economic model recently updated by the NAHB, findings revealed that the standard new single-family detached home is defined by features, based mainly on averages from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction. Among those features is the fireplace, and, the elimination of a fireplace reduces the estimated home price by about $24,000.

The Fireplace Has a Past ...

S

ince a time when man, and woman, first walked the earth, fire has played a pivotal role in shaping civilization as we know it. Used for heat, cooking and protection, a fire had the power to create or destroy, illuminate or obfuscate, purge or punish depending on society’s rituals and beliefs. Humankind’s ultimate goal was to control and contain that fire in early rings or fire pits for life sustaining purposes. Much later, crude stone fireplaces served those same utilitarian needs. In 1678, Prince Rupert, a nephew of Charles I, improved the airflow and means of venting by simply lifting the grate higher. The 18th century proved a fertile time for fireplace improvements as Benjamin Franklin, who gave us electricity, devised ways that fireplaces and wood stoves could operate more efficiently. Another Benjamin, later known as Count Rumford, adjusted the structure of fireplaces so they radiated heat into a room while allowing smoke to rise up the chimney more naturally, serving as the foundation for the modern day fireplace. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fire side chats” gave hope to a nation in the throes of the Great Depression while “yuletide carols,” as we are told, were often sung by a fire. Regardless of the era, the sheer romance of a good fire still lingers large in the human psyche.

Fireplace Popularity Rises in a Blaze of Glory Today, fireplaces rank high on the list of “must-haves” in new home construction. Further, given the economic climate, many choose to remodel their homes and, more often than not, that remodel includes a fireplace, if for no other reason than to add to the home’s future resale value. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), fireplaces are among the top three features new home buyers seek after outdoor porches and upgraded kitchens. In a recent online house price 54 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

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Mike Buckiso, vice president, Fireplace and Patio located in Mount Lebanon, Murrysville, Cranberry and Ross Township, sees a surge in the addition of fireplaces in both new construction and home remodels. “The fireplace has become a desirable product in new construction, actually in multiple home locations such as a family room, master suite and outdoor patio,” he said. “A number of higher end homes, those over $400,000, are requesting all three. Typically most indoor fireplaces are gas while those who include an outdoor fireplace prefer wood.” According to Buckiso, clients are looking at fireplaces for distinct reasons: to create a healthy environment in the home with direct vent fireplaces; to qualify for the LEED program (a government standard for housing efficiency), and for “zone” heating, heating only the rooms you readily use. “You can turn down the thermostat when you are awake thereby saving money and acting responsibly at the same time.”

Buckiso has noted an increase in home additions and remodels as well, with folks seeking to incorporate fireplaces into their plans. “Fireplaces hold their value and add value. You can get your investment back if not more.”

Karen Leto, president, Acme Clay Products of McKees Rocks, has also seen the popularity of fireplaces rise in recent years.

“Most every new construction we see is getting at least one fireplace,” Leto explained. “I think people want fireplaces for two reasons, aesthetics and efficiency from the heat output.”

She added that fireplaces are now a standard option in Pittsburgh homes and are mentioned among real estate amenities.

“If you don’t put a fireplace into a new home, you won’t appeal to the masses if you’re thinking about ultimately reselling.”

In similar fashion, Gerard Damiani, principal, Studio d’Arc, an architectural firm on Pittsburgh’s South Side, finds there is a renewed interest in fireplaces. “Historically, it was about the hearth, the quintessential essence of a dwelling,” he explained.

“Now, it’s less a primary heat source and more an aesthetic addition to the home.” He views his clientele as “mixed” in the wood fire vs. gas burning battle. “Some like the rawness of a natural fire, the smell of the smoke. It connects them back to

INTERIORS the earth and the primordial feel of a fire.

Others don’t like the maintenance of the after-smell and want a gas burning flame.”

But whichever his clients desire, he too, has noted an increase in requests for a fireplace because “It adds to the value.”

Please verify all a & indicate al

Located in the heart of Westmoreland This is a proof only. All colors here may or may not match final printed copy exactly. This is a during the creation of your advertisement. ABC Advertising shall not be held responsible for an County, George Spanos, president, Nickos to identify changes or to correct errors.

Chimney Company, has been in the fireplace Should the number of sets of changes requested exceed two, add business for 35 years. Situated in Latrobe, between the ski resorts of the Laurel Highlands and metro Pittsburgh, he is experiencing “quite a mix” of styles. “As you move toward the Laurel ridge, you see a lot of stonework. It’s a very traditional market with traditional mantles and surrounds, usually of granite, marble or tile.” But he has seen a growing interest in what he calls “a fusion” of contemporary with traditional designs, particularly among his younger clients.

Hearth and Home Today there are as many different fireplace styles and appliances as there are homes.

For some, a wood burning fireplace or wood burning stove is the ultimate, with a range of presentations. More convenient and easier to operate are pellet stoves, which can be very efficient and feature less of a pollution factor. Wildly popular are gas logs and gas burning fireplaces in natural vent, vent-free and direct vent styles each with various advantages given the space in the home, the purpose for adding a fireplace, and one’s individual tastes and style. And the “green“ effect of each has also become a consideration for the savvy homeowner.

Mary Cerrone, of Mary Cerrone Architecture and Interiors located in Squirrel Hill, has worked with renovations as well as new construction and finds that, today, there are so many more options. “I’ve done a lot of renovations that involved the conversion of an old fireplace. Some were disconnected from gas lines that we reconnected with newer models and redid the entire look. I’ve also had clients where we did burners in which you put denatured alcohol so there is no exhausting to the outside; for others

ROTHMAN AWNING CO., INC.

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INTERIORS and inserts have become increasingly more popular.

He has seen the bulk of his business in retrofitting, redesigning, adding and upgrading fireplaces with the largest percentage embracing gas fireplaces. “It’s very clean, user friendly, and very efficient. Many choose it for three main reasons: for “zone” heating areas where most of people’s time is spent; for supplemental heat into the ambient air, and as an emergency heat source since it doesn’t need electricity.”

Most everyone has a good memory of an outdoor fire ... we’ve built fire “places” into ledges, like a door that opens with flames emerging, particularly in contemporary condos due to physical limitations, but many primarily for aesthetics,” she said. “But there are also those who want a wood burning fireplace.” With one in her own home, Cerrone finds that building a fire is an activity. “It’s always different each time you build a fire. You experience it. It makes a little mess, but that’s the trade-off for a real fire.”

Spanos believes that wood fireplaces continue to be on the increase because of location. “We are blessed with areas in Pennsylvania rich in hard woods. There’s always a romance attached to a wood fire and, as much as the industry strives to duplicate it, the wood is different, the cracking of the fire, the smell of the wood.” He also acknowledges that with the recent gas exploration in Pennsylvania, gas fireplaces, stoves

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Today’s contemporary homeowners do not want faux logs, explained Damiani. “They want flame, but not fake logs. Now it’s a gas fireplace but it’s all about the flame and that’s a shift.” He finds that some want a minimal, very sleek look. Whichever clients choose, he observes that those who once huddled around the T.V. are now gathering by the fire. “It’s conversational … situational, the focal point of the room.”

Going green is also on the minds of those making selections about a given type of fireplace. “The green movement has affected all aspects of new construction and remodeling,” noted Leto. “The vent-free models are 99.9 percent efficient and can be placed in areas that have a non-accessible option for a chimney. There are more selections and choices in the vented models, with direct vent gas burning models almost 70 percent efficient.”

“Direct vent gas inserts, for example, can heat up to 1,900 square feet and do work in a power outage,” Buckiso said.

“Ten to 15 years ago, people wanted to see a flame. Now, they want to know they can use this as an alternative heat source that’s green.”

According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association (HPBA), fireplaces and stoves can provide easy ways to save money and aid in the green movement. They suggest that, when looking at the newest wood stoves, to note that they are certified by strict EPA standards that cut internal and external emissions by more than 70 percent. Look for efficiencyrated products and burn biomass, fuels that are derived from renewable and sustainable sources. (For more information on “green” fireplaces, go to www.hpba.org).

INTERIORS

The New, Sophisticated “Camp Fire”

“ ...out in the woods, like a camp fire.”

Most everyone has a good memory of an outdoor fire.

For some, it may be the summer campfire where lifelong friendships were formed. For others, perhaps it’s the roaring bonfire on a crisp autumn evening before the big game.

And yet for others, it may be a beloved uncle’s Fourth of July barbeque, where hamburgers and hot dogs sizzled on a hot grill, whose later embers toasted marshmallows to a caramelized cocoa color.

Those memories are again becoming reality with the resurgence of outdoor living including its main accoutrement, the outdoor fireplace. George Spanos of Nickos Chimney took notice of the burgeoning outdoor market. “It started when people in the area began to eat outdoors more, particularly with the rise of outdoor seating at restaurants.

Now, from porches to decks to outdoor kitchens, everything in the house is in the backyard with the fireplace as the focal point, and this trend continues to grow.”

“This has been the biggest year for outdoor living,” Mike Buckiso of Fireplace and Patio Place said. “People are staying home more and taking fewer vacations. We partner with great outdoor room folks to offer outdoor living spaces including a fireplace, which is where people do their entertaining.”

Karen Leto of Acme Clay Products agrees. “Outdoor is a growing segment of the industry. It’s a new lifestyle. It’s the whole cooking thing outdoors … they’re creating a lifestyle for themselves.”

A recent poll taken by the HPBA found that outdoor cooking remains a popular activity with some 70 percent of Americans preferring to cook out rather than eat out to save money. The

survey continued that Americans also found cooking out more fun and relaxing than dining out while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. George Damiani of Studio d’Arc has worked with clients who desire outdoor fire pits, adding that the idea is that of being “out in the woods, like a camp fire.” He has done some with gas pilots, to burn wood outside as well as crafted fire pits around pools, and as an extension of a living room.

With all the options available, making a smart choice can be confusing. Many suggest doing your homework and answering key questions such as “Where do I want the fireplace to be situated?” Do I want it for a heat source, an aesthetic addition, or both?” “What style and fuel source is right for me?” and “How much do I want to spend?’ among others. Ultimately, it’s about the needs and wants of the homeowner. “It’s about your lifestyle,” offered Spanos.

“Some products require more maintenance than others so it is dependent on who does what in the home and how much a person is willing to do. If you’re retired, in good shape, and have property with or access to an abundance of trees, a wood fireplace may be for you. If you work, have a busy life, a gas fireplace or pellet stove may be easier and more convenient.”

At the end of the day, however, there may be nothing better than sitting in front of a good fire, whatever your choice. NH

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www.northwood.com

Columbus Square North Side Single family PRICED FROM $179,000 to $289,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Fourth River Development LLC 412-231-4444 n n

www.ColumbusSquarePittsburgh.com

The Condominiums at St. Mathews City of Pittsburgh n Condominiums PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-521-2222 n

www.theenclavepgh.com

SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.fineviewhomes.com

Oxbridge at South Side

City of Pittsburgh/ South Side n Townhomes PRICED FROM $349,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-833-3600 n

www.howardhanna.com

Summerset at Frick Park City of Pittsburgh/ Squirrel Hill Traditional Neighborhood Development n Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, apartments PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Summerset Land Development Associates 412-420-0120 n

Robinson Township Classic Custom Homes from $500,000 On 2.5 Acres Each www.VisitParagonHomes.com

Steve Fink

Voice: 412-787-8807 Fax: 412-787-0429 email: Steve@VisitParagonHomes.com

www.summersetatfrickpark.com

Sweet Briar Village City of Pittsburgh/ Mt. Washington Townhomes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh Coldwell Banker Real Estate AGENCY 412-521-2222 n n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Vista Grande

City of Pittsburgh/ Mt. Washington n Luxury condominiums PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-344-0500 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Windom Hill Place

Avonworth Heights

Ohio Township n Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $400,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Avonworth Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686

AGENCY

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Barrington Manor Franklin Park Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-367-8000 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

City of Pittsburgh/South Side n Contemporary townhomes - condo PRICED FROM $679,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY One80 Real Estate Services LLC 412-318-4139

Beechwood

Wylie Ave. Homes

Berkeley Square

n

www.one80res.com

East Allegheny / Hill District n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $140,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY Northwood Realty 412-367-3200 n

www.northwood.com

Bethel Park n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Bethel Park AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1704 n

www.loveheartland.com

Monroeville Single-family homes PRICED FROM $280,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gateway Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-856-8300

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

The Berkshires South Fayette Township n Townhomes and singlefamily homes Single-family $210,000 $160,000 Town Homes SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-914-2057 n

The Residences Pittsburgh Downtown Pittsburgh n Skyhomes PRICED FROM $514,500 AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-355-0777 n

Riverside Mews City of Pittsburgh/South Side n Contemporary town homes PRICED FROM $449,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT City of Pittsburgh AGENCY One80 Real Estate Services LLC 412-318-4139 n

www.one80res.com

60 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

ALLEGHENY COUNTY Asbury II n n

Monroeville Carriage homes

PRICED FROM $229,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gateway AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161 www.howardhanna.com

www.ryanhomes.com

Berringer Court at Sonoma Ridge Moon Township Carriage homes PRICED FROM $230,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1724 n n

www.loveheartland.com

Breckenridge Highlands Baldwin Borough Townhomes and single family homes PRICED FROM $160,000 townhomes and $210,000 Single-family n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Baldwin-Whitehall Ryan Homes 412-884-3024

AGENCY

www.ryanhomes.com

Briarwood

Franklin Park Single-family homes PRICED FROM $320,000 SCHOOL DISTRICt North Allegheny n n

AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1716

www.loveheartland.com

Brookfield Manor

Bethel Park/South Park Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Bethel Park/South Park AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1704 n n

www.loveheartland.com

Burwood Acres Robinson Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $320,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Montour AGENCY S&A Homes 412-276-0422 n n

www.sahomebuilder.com

Burwood Estates Robinson Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $385,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Montour AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630 n n

Camelot Woods O’Hara Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-782-3700 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

ALLEGHENY COUNTY Carriage Estates

Cimarron

Franklin Park Lots PRICED FROM $80,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600

Deerfield Ridge

Moon Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $210,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-295-8359

South Fayette Township Custom Single-family Homes PRICED FROM $375,000 AGENCY Paragon Homes 412-787-8807

n

n

n

n

n

n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

www.ryanhomes.com

Franklin Park Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $650,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-367-8000 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Centennial Point

Collier Township n Townhomes PRICED FROM $150,00 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chartiers Valley AGENCY S&A Homes 412-276-0422 www.sahomebuilder.com

Chartiers Landing Robinson Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $295,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Montour AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630 n

n

Ohio Township n Single-family homes and townhomes PRICED FROM $240,000 Single-family-homes; $180,000 townhomes;

Plum Borough n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $285,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Plum Borough AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-733-5390 n

www.howardhanna.com ricciuticonstruction.com

Cherrington Pointe Moon Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $700,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-262-5500 n

n

Avonworth Ryan Homes 412-367-1927 and 412367-7382 AGENCY

www.ryanhomes.com

Carnegie Garden style condominiums

PRICED FROM $194,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Carlton AGENCY RE/MAX Select

www.elane.biz

English Farms Pine Township Custon single-family homes PRICED FROM $380,000 n

Cobblestone

Ohio Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $260,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Avonwarth AGENCY S&A Homes 412-364-2626 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

West Allegheny AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-498-8120

Pine-Richland S&A Homes 724-538-4900

www.EddyHomes.com

www.ryanhomes.com

www.sahomebuilder.com

Fayette Farms Estates North Fayette Township Custom Homes PRICED FROM $400,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT West Allegheny AGENCY Keller Williams 412-787-0888 n

Jefferson Borough Single-family homes PRICED FROM $275,000 AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-655-0400 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

n

Fayette Farms Meadows and Towns

North Fayette Township Single-family homes and townhomes PRICED FROM $220,000 Single-family homes $140,000 Townhomes SCHOOL DISTRICT West Allegheny AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1728 n n

Estates at the Villa

City of Pittsburgh Townhomes PRICED FROM $170,000

Hampton Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $600,000

n

n

n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Baldwin Whitehall AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-884-3024

AGENCY

Hampton Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600

www.ryanhomes.com

www.pittsburghmoves.com

The Courtyards of Cobblestone n

Evergreen Place

n

n

Ohio Township Single-family carriage and villa homes PRICED FROM $234,400 SCHOOL DISTRICT Avonworth AGENCY Epcon Homes and Communities 412-548-3298

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-772-8822

AGENCY

www.loveheartland.com

Fields of Nicholson

Franklin Park Borough Custom carriage-homes from $542,400, Custom villas from $434,400 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Forest View Indiana Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-772-8822 n n

ricciuticonstruction.com www.howardhanna.com

www.signaturehomesadvantage.com

Ross Township Townhomes PRICED FROM $220,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

North Hills Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-487-0500

AGENCY

www.epconcarriagehomes.com

www.howardhanna.com

Richland Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 n

www.howardhanna.com

AGENCY

n

Marshall Township Luxury estate custom homes PRICED FROM $1,200,000 AGENCY North Allegheny Eddy Homes 412-221-0400 n

North Fayette n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $180,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Estates at Jefferson

n

Field Brook Farms

Fayette Farms

n

www.sahomebuilder.com

Copper Creek

Voice: 412-787-8807 email: BestService@VisitParagonHomes.com

Realty

412-633-9300 ext. 214 724-309-1758

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Copper Leaf

Chavelle Estates

South Fayette Custom Building Lots Coming Soon!

Unique Home Designs Custom Builder Quality

E lane @ Carnegie

Cobblestone n

Castletown

Deerfield Ridge

www.VisitParagonHomes.com

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Fairwinds Richland Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $260,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Ryan Homes 724-444-3177

AGENCY

www.ryanhomes.com

L

Falconhurst Forest

Luxury Custom Homes www.EddyHomes.com

Learn about the Values That Matter www.BuildWithValues.com

O’Hara Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $750,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300 n n

From

Pittsburgh Builders Who Care

Fayette Farms Villas

Foxwood Knolls

North Fayette Township n Single-family Villa Homes PRICED FROM $190,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT West Allegheny AGENCY Paragon Homes 412-787-8807 n

Moon Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-249-6835 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

www.howardhanna.com

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

61

ALLEGHENY COUNTY Franklin Run

The Isles at The Highlands

n

n

n

n

Franklin Park Single-family homes PRICED FROM $330,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT

North Allegheny Heartland Homes 724-871-1716

AGENCY

Plum Borough Patio and townhomes PRICED FROM $184,900s SCHOOL DISTRICT Plum AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161

Langdon Farms Pine Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $600,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 or 724-776-2900

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

www.loveheartland.com

Jefferson Estates Gardens at Fox Hall

Jefferson Borough Carriage homes PRICED FROM $199,000 AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-655-0400 n

O’Hara Township n Custom single-family condos PRICED FROM $850,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-782-3700

n

Georgetowne

n

n

Pine Township n Luxury townhomes PRICED FROM $529,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Prudential Preferred Realty 412-367-8000

AGENCY

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Kings Court Richland Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $200,000

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Legacy Village Sewickley n Carriage homes PRICED FROM $210,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Avonworth AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-0173

The Links at Deer Run

The Manor at Hartwood

West Deer n Golf course community, carriage homes PRICED FROM $239,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Deer Lakes AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686

n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Long Ridge Kennedy Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM 1710,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Montour AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-653-0680 n

Indiana Township Single-family homes

PRICED FROM $900,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox

Chapel Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

McCaslin Ridge Hampton Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hampton Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600

AGENCY

www.ryanhomes.com

www.pittsburghmoves.com

www.loveheartland.com

McCormick Farms

Moon/Crescent Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM High $400’s SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-487-0500

n

www.kingscourtplan.info

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

n

homes across all western Pa Communities from $300,000

–Hampton Woodlands

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Hampton Single-family homes PRICED FROM $450,000 n n

Neville Manor

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hampton AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-487-0500 or 412-860-6625

n n

Chartiers Valley Heartland Homes 724-871-1710

AGENCY

www.pittsburghmoves.com

www.loveheartland.com

Heritage Estates Ohio Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $240,000

Newbury

n

n

Avonworth Heartland Homes 412-364-1020

AGENCY

Picky People PICK Paragon

www.loveheartland.com

M

any home buyers think that custom equals expensive, but at Paragon we would love to make your dream home a reality whether your budget is $300,000 or over $2,000,000 At Paragon, we have a simple philosophy: build a great home designed around the customer’s needs and dreams. Contact us today and put our buyer-friendly process to work for you, after all, they are Your Dreams, Your Home, and should be built Your Way.

Hidden Falls Indiana Township/Fox Chapel Borough n Single-level townhouses PRICED FROM $540,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300 n

C a l l T o d ay :

The Highlands

412.787.8807

w w w. v i s i t p a r a g o n h o m e s . c o m

n

Newbury

South Fayette Single-family homes and towhomes PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-0175 n n

North Park Manor

Pine Township Single-family Homes PRICED FROM $600,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Pine Richland AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 n n

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

www.ryanhomes.com

HyTyre Farms West Deer Township n Carriage Homes PRICED FROM $224,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Deer Lakes School District AGENCY Richland Holdings, LLC 724-443-4800 n

www.sahomebuilder.com

www.loveheartland.com

www.howardhanna.com

Plum Borough Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Plum Borough AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-793-4797

South Fayette Carriage homes PRICED FROM $360,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY S&A Realty 412-276-0422 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

n

Collier Township Carriage homes

PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Lake MacLeod Pine Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $750,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-487-0500 or 724-625-1277

AGENCY

www.lakemacleod.com

62 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

Lenox Place Finley Township n Carriage homes and townhomes PRICED FROM $189,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT West Allegheny AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630 n

www.lenoxplacecondos.com

Madison Woods Moon/Crescent Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Northtowne Estates

Marshall Township Townhomes PRICED FROM $170,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1720 n n

www.loveheartland.com

| Winter 2011

ALLEGHENY COUNTY Oakwood Heights

West Deer Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $229,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Deer Lakes AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 n n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Patriot Pointe Jefferson Hills Borough Single-family homes & townhomes PRICED FROM $190,000 single-family; $220,000 townhomes with first floor owner’s suite n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Jefferson Hills Ryan Homes 412-653-0680

AGENCY

Oakwood Heights West Deer Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Deer Lakes AGENCY S&A Homes 724-538-4900 n

www.ryanhomes.com

n

www.sahomebuilder.com

The Overlook at Forest Manor

Harmar Township Manor homes PRICED FROM $500,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Fox Chapel Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

Paragon Place Robinson Township n Custom estate homes PRICED FROM $550,000 n

Pine Hollow Pine Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $310,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Pine Richland AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-940-4051 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

Private Acreage South Fayette n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Paragon Homes 412-787-8807 n

www.VisitParagonHomes.com

Providence Pointe n n

Allegheny Heartland Homes 724-871-1716

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Montour AGENCY Paragon Homes 412-787-8807 www.VisitParagonHomes.com

Park Place

Indiana Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $769,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300 n

www.howardhanna.com

Marshall Township Single-family homes

PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North AGENCY

www.loveheartland.com

Saddlebrook Farms

Bethel Park Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $321,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Bethel Park AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700 n n

Pine Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $400,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600

AGENCY

www.pittsburghmoves.com

New Cul-de-sac lots just approved.

Adjacent to Nevillewood Great Collier location minutes from Robinson and the South Hills

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Voice: 412-787-8807 email: BestService@VisitParagonHomes.com

Sangree Farms Ross Township n Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Hills AGENCY Minnock Real Estate Services 412-369-7253 n

Scarlett Ridge n n

Franklin Park Custom single-family

PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North

Allegheny Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686

AGENCY

ww.EddyHomes.com

www.VisitWalkersRidge.com

Sterling Ridge

Village at Pine

n

n

South Fayette n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $320,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-344-0500 www.pittsburghmoves.com

Stonebridge Hampton Township Single-family homes, carriage homes PRICED FROM: $500,000 single-family homes; $289,000 Custom carriage homes SCHOOL DISTRICT: Hampton AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n n

Sewickley Heights Manor Aleppo Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Quaker Valley AGENCY Minnock Construction Company n n

412-366-4770

Rabold Fields n

Walkers Ridge

Silver Pines n

Pine Richland Townships

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Stonecrest Pine Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $330,000

Single-family homes PRICED FROM $850,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Pine Richland AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-934-3400

n

Sonoma Ridge

www.loveheartland.com

n

Moon Township n Village single-family homes and estate homes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1724

South Fayette Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-914-2057 n

www.ryanhomes.com

Parkview Estates

Richland Township n Single-family and carriage homes PRICED FROM $230,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Heartland Homes 724-871-0171

AGENCY

www.loveheartland.com

Raintree Manor Hampton Township Townhomes PRICED FROM $225,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Hampton AGENGY Minnock Construction Company 412-366-4770 n n

www.loveheartland.com

Springer Manor The Reserve at Fox Chase Fox Chapel Area Patio and carriage homes PRICED FROM $299,900 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Allegheny Valley AGENCY Dennis Associates 412-828-7606

Riverwatch at O’Hara Woods Fox Chapel n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $400,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Fox Chapel Area AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-963-7655 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Moon/Crescent Township n Custom villas PRICED FROM $325,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Staunton Heights

Moon / Crescent Townships n Multi-family homes $299,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Moon Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

The Village at Sweetwater

Sewickley Townhomes PRICED FROM $370,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Quaker Valley n n

AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1716

www.loveheartland.com

Villages at Neville Park

Collier Township Townhomes with first floor owner’s suite PRICED FROM $200,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Chartiers Valley Ryan Homes 412-276-0644

AGENCY

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pine-Richland Heartland Homes 724-871-1700

www.ryanhomes.com

AGENCY

Vineseian Place

Wilkins Township Single-family, single level living, quite cul-de-sac neighborhood PRICED FROM $375,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Woodland Hills AGENCY One80 Real Estate Services 412-318-4139 n n

Sturbridge Court Wexford/Franklin Park Single-family homes PRICED FROM $550,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-772-8822 n

n

www.one80res.com

www.howardhanna.com

Walkers Ridge

The Summit

n

n

PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Marshall Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $800,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT North Allegheny AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 www.pittsburghmoves.com

Trotwood Acres n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Montour Heartland Homes 724-213-3800

AGENCY

Collier Township Single-family homes Chartiers Valley Paragon Homes 412-787-8807

AGENCY

www.VisitParagonHomes.com

Walnut Ridge

Emsworth Condominiums PRICED FROM $160,000 n

Robinson Township Luxury townhomes PRICED FROM $180,000 n

n

n

n

www.howardhanna.com

www.ryanhomes.com

n

n

Parkes Farm Estates

Pine Township Townhomes NEW VILLAGE COMING FALL 2011 SCHOOL DISTRICT PineRichland AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-940-4051 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Avonworth Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-363-4000

AGENCY

www.walnutridgecondos.info

www.loveheartland.com

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

63

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

BEAVER COUNTY

Washington Park

Garden View Estates

Mt. Lebanon Condominiums PRICED FROM $359,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mt. Lebanon AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-343-1620

n

n n

www.washingtonparkcondos.com

Center Township Single-level homes and villas PRICED FROM $210,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Center Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-378-4479 n

www.howardhanna.com

Goldenrod Meadows Whispering Creek Hampton Township n Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM: $450,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Hampton AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Willowbrook

South Fayette Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Fayette AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-0177 n

www.loveheartland.com

Woods of Sewickley

Sewickley Hills n Custom single-familyhomes PRICED FROM $410,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Quaker Valley AGENCY S&A Realty 412-364-2626 n

www.sahomebuilder.com

Woods of Sewickley Hills Sewickley Hills Single-family estatehomes PRICED FROM $360,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Quaker Valley AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-325-2367 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

North Sewickley Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Riverside AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-776-9705 www.northwood.com

Nottingham

Ellwood City Townhomes and patiohomes PRICED FROM $160,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Riverside Beaver County AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 n n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Seven Oaks

Brighton Township n Golf-course

community with single-family custom homes and triplex carriage homes PRICED FROM $269,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Beaver Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Shenango Woods

Chippewa Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $180,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Blackhawk AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-847-1659 n

Woodbridge Villas

Carriage Manor

Center Township Townhomes or condos PRICED FROM $175,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Center Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-775-5700

n

n n

www.howardhanna.com

BUTLER COUNTY Acton Franklin Township Single-family lots PRICED FROM $39,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Slippery Rock Area AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-282-1313 n

Traditions of America at Liberty Hills

www.northwood.com

Adams Crossing Adams Township Carriage homes PRICED FROM $239,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 or 724-444-4663 n n

www.adamscrossing.com

Belle Vue Park Cranberry Township Traditional single family homes PRICED FROM $255,900 neotraditional and $350,000 estates SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n n

New Sewickley Township/ Economy Borough n 55+ Lifestyle Living/ Single-family and garden homes/ Maintenance Free

Belle Vue Park

Chippewa Township Single-family, townhomes and ranch style patiohomes PRICED FROM $274,000 single-family, $190,000 townhomes and $215,000 patio-homes n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Blackhawk Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-774-2900

AGENCY

www.pittsburghmoves.com

PRICED FROM

$200,000s AGENCY Traditions of America 724-869-5595

Clearwater Estates n n

Franklin Township Carriage homes

PRICED FROM $170,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Riverside AGENCY Coldwell

www.ryanhomes.com

Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 or 724-752-0383

Blackthorn n

Penn Township Single-family home sites/ Single-family homes

n

www.howardhanna.com

www.pittsburghmoves.com

64 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

PRICED FROM $575,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars

Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686

AGENCY

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Cherrywood Springs Center Township Single-family home sites PRICED FROM $39,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-282-1313 n

n

www.northwood.com

Ehrman Farms Cranberry Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $550,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-538-4858 n n

Foxmoor

Cranberry Township n Condominiums and townhomes PRICED FROM $130,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Re Max 724-933-6300 X207 n

Cranberry Township Townhomes and carriage homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Georgetown Square Associates 412-366-4770

The Gables at Brickyard Hill n n

n

Adams Township Single-family homes

PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars

Area

S&A Homes 724-538-4900

AGENCY

www.sahomebuilder.com

Adams Township Custom single-family homes, townhomes with first floor master suite, two-story townhomes PRICED FROM: $300,000 single-family homes; $280,000 townhomes with first floor master suite; $230,000 twostory townhomes SCHOOL DISTRICT: Mars Area AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Indian Meadow

Adams Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM: $600,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Mars Area Agency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n

n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

John Quincy Adams Estates Adams Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Kaufmann Run Adams Township Townhomes and singlefamily homes PRICED FROM $170,000 townhomes; $220,000 single-family homes SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-776-5610 and 724-776-7222 n

n

www.ryanhomes.com

n

$66,000/$379,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT South Butler AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-282-1313

n

Heritage Creek

Area

PRICED FORM

Brookstone

Blackhawk AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-728-4600

Adams Township Luxury carriage homes

n

n

The Village at Timberwood Trace

SCHOOL DISTRICT

n

Georgetown Square

Cranberry Township Townhomes PRICED FROM $180,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-772-3645

www.northwood.com

Chippewa Township n Carriage homes PRICED FROM $167,000

Chatham Court

n

www.TraditionsofAmerica.com

n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

n

n

Chippewa Heights

Cranberry Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $600,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 n

n

n

www.ryanhomes.com

BEAVER COUNTY

BUTLER COUNTY

Adams Township Custom Carriage Homes

PRICED FROM: $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Mars Area AGENCY: Century 21 Town

& Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Leslie Farms Connoquenessing Borough n Single-family and carriage homes PRICED FROM $199,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 n

Madison Heights Cranberry Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM: $700,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Seneca Valley AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

BUTLER COUNTY Marshall Heights Cranberry Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-538-5239

Orchard Park

Shadow Creek

Cranberry Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1712

n

n

n

n

n

www.ryanhomes.com

www.loveheartland.com

Meadow Ridge Forward Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY S&A Homes 724-538-4900 n n

www.sahomebuilder.com

Meadows Ridge Forward Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $230,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1714

Park Place Cranberry Township n Traditional neighborhood development single-family homes, townhomes, condos, rentals, retail PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-776-1863 n

n

www.loveheartland.com

Meredith Glen Estates Adams Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $750,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Myoma Woods Adams Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $340,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1700 n

www.loveheartland.com

Mystic Ridge Cranberry Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley n n

Heartland Homes 724-871-1716 AGENCY

www.loveheartland.com

Napa Ridge at Brandywine

Connoquenessing Township n Townhome community PRICED FROM $239,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 or 724-283-0005 n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The Oaks

Buffalo Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $299,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Freeport Area AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 n

www.homesattheoaks.com

Plantation at Saxonburg Clinton Township Single-family lots and homes PRICED FROM $65,000 lots $399,000 homes SCHOOL DISTRICT South Butler AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-295-9090 n n

Plantation at Saxonburg

Clinton Township Single-family and carriage homes PRICED FROM Singlefamilies $250,000 Carriage homes priced from $190,000’s SCHOOL DISTRICT South Butler AGENCY S&A Realty 724-538-4900 n n

www.sahomebuilder.com

The Preserve West Cranberry Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM: $550,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Seneca Valley AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Redmond Place Cranberry Township n Custom Carriage Homes PRICED FROM: $370,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Seneca Valley AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101 n

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Seaton Crest

Adams Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM the $330’s SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY S&A Realty 724-538-4900 n n

www.sahomebuilder.com

Cranberry Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM: $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Seneca Valley AGENCY: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101

WASHINGTON COUNTY

n

Park Place

Traditional Neighborhood Development www.cranberryparkplace.com Northwood Realty Services

www.PghPropertyOnline.com

Shady Lane Farms

Center Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area Timberlee AGENCY Prudential n Butler Area Park Place.indd 1 Preferred Realty n Single-family-homes 724-283-0005 SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com AGENCY: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Shannon Mills 724-687-0157 n Connoquenessing www.howardhanna.com Township n Single-family homes Village at Camp Trees PRICED FROM $280,000 n Adams Township in SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Butler County and Pine Area Township in Allegheny AGENCY Howard Hanna County Real Estate Services n Custom Single-family 724-282-7903 PRICED FROM $600,000 www.howardhanna.com SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area and Pine-Richland Stratford Heights AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty n Center Township www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $290,000 The Village at SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Sarvers Mill Area AGENCY Prudential n BuffaloTownship Preferred Realty n Custom townhomes and 724-283-0005 cottage homes www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Freeport Taylor Ridge Area n Adams Township AGENCY Howard Hanna n Custom single-family Real Estate Services homes 724-353-2223 PRICED FROM: mid $400,000 www.howardhanna.com SCHOOL DISTRICT: Mars Area AGENCY: S&A Realty The Village at Treesdale 724-538-4900 n Adams Township www.sahomebuilder.com n Custom carriage homes PRICED FROM Low $300’s Taylor Ridge SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars n Adams Township Area n Custom single-family AGENCY Howard Hanna homes Real Estate Services PRICED FROM:$450,000 412-687-0157 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area www.howardhanna.com AGENCY: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services The Vineyards at Brandywine 724-687-0157 n Connoquenessing www.howardhanna.com Township n Custom single-family homes Timber Ridge n Lancaster Township PRICED FROM $229,000 n Custom single-family SCHOOL DISTRICT Butler Area homes AGENCY Prudential PRICED FROM $450,000 Preferred Realty SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca 724-776-3686 Valley www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-687-9097 n

724-776-1863

n

www.howardhanna.com

The Vineyards at Brandywine Connoquenessing Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $240,000 n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Butler Area S&A Homes 724-538-4900 AGENCY

Wakefield Estates Cranberry Township 2/15/10 12:31:09 PM Custom Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Seneca Valley AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Walkers Ridge Worth Township Farmlettes PRICED FROM $74,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Slippery Rock AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-458-8800 n n

www.northwood.com

Weatherburn Heights Middlesex Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mars Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-776-7222 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

WASHINGTON COUNTY Alto Piano Cecil Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Canon-McMillan Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-302-2304

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

Anthony Farms Peters Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $600,000 AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-276-5000 n n

www.howardhanna.com

Brookwood Manor Peters Township Luxury custom estate homes PRICED FROM $900,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Century 21 Frontier Realty 724-941-8680 n n

www.EddyHomes.com

www.sahomebuilder.com

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

65

WASHINGTON COUNTY Brookview

Concord Green

Hamlet of Springdale

Majestic Hills

n

n

n

n

Peters Township n Carriage homes PRICED FROM $349,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Keller Williams 412-831-3800

The Brookview Villas n

Custom villa homes

PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters

Township Paragon Homes 412-787-8807

AGENCY

www.visitparagonhomes.com

Cameron Estates

South Strabane Township n Single-family and carriage homes PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Trinity AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-0179 n

www.loveheartland.com

Chadwick Estates Peters Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $350,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1736 n n

www.loveheartland.com

North Strabane Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT CanonMcMillan AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1730 www.loveheartland.com

The Courtyards At Arden Mills

Oakbrooke Estates

Cecil Township n Townhomes PRICED FROM $160,000

n

www.loveheartland.com

Hiddenbrook

www.epconcarriagehomes.com

Peters Township n Villa homes PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1738 n

The Crossings

Peters Township

Luxury custom villa homes

PRICED FROM $300,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters

Maple Ridge

Cecil Township Single-family homes and carriage homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT CanonMcMillan AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1706

Chartiers Township n Single-family carriage and villa homes PRICED FROM $239,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Chartiers Houston AGENCY Epcon Homes and Communities 724-223-1844

n

Heartwood Farms n

n

n

www.ryanhomes.com

n

Township AGENCY Century 21 Frontier Realty 724-941-8680

www.loveheartland.com

Hill Station Manor

North Strabane Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Canon-McMillan Ryan Homes 724-745-6410

AGENCY

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Canon-McMillan Ryan Homes 724-745-6064

AGENCY

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

SCHOOL DISTRICT

PRICED FROM $774,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters

Canon-McMillan Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-873-7355

www.howardhanna.com

www.ryanhomes.com

n

Cecil Township Single-family homes

PRICED FROM $210,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Canon-

McMillan AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1706

Orchard Hill

Peters Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $575,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700 n

n

AGENCY

www.epconcarriagehomes.com

McMurray Highlands

Great Meadows

Peters Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-835-1869

n

www.loveheartland.com

Meadow Ridge

n

Cecil Township Carriage and villa homes PRICED FROM $228,500 Canon-McMillan AGENCY Epcon Homes and Communities 724-223-1844 n

www.ryanhomes.com

Cecil Township n Townhomes or condos PRICED FROM $254,900

www.EddyHomes.com

Mission Hills

Peters Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $679,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-941-8800

n n

Peters Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $280,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-835-1869 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

Overlook

Peters Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $270,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-835-1869 and 724-941-5809 n n

Peters Township Single-family homes Township Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700

AGENCY

www.ryanhomes.com

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Distinctive Homes featuring Andersen Windows and Doors

Jeff L. Martin Custom Builder, CGP 66 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

| Winter 2011

724.831.6650

www.PrimroseHomesInc.com

WASHINGTON COUNTY The Overlook Peters Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $399,900 n

Timber Run

Weavertown Woodlands

Cedar Hills

Foxfield Knoll

Cecil Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $190,000

n

n

n

n

n

n

n

North Strabane Township Carriage homes PRICED FROM $280,000

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Peters Township AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-941-8800

Canon-McMillan AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-745-6410

AGENCY

Paxton Grove

Walnut Ridge

Chartiers Township Single-family-homes SCHOOL DISTRICT ChartiersHouston AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-222-6040

n

www.howardhanna.com

n n

www.howardhanna.com

www.ryanhomes.com

ottingham Township N Single-family homes PRICED FROM $210,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Ringgold AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1730 n

www.loveheartland.com

Waterdam Farms The Ridge at Spring Meadows Peters Township n Single-family

homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Peters Township AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-835-1869 n

www.ryanhomes.com

Sycamore Reserve n n

North Franklin Township Single-family homes

PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Trinity AGENCY: Keith Homes

724-223-0285 www.keithhomes.net

WESTMORELAND COUNTY

North Strabane Township Carriage homes PRICED FROM $300,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Canon-McMillan AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-344-0500 www.pittsburghmoves.com

Canon-McMillan Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-222-6040

www.howardhanna.com

n

arriage homes and C luxury townhomes PRICED FROM $170,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT CanonMcMillan AGENCY Heartland Homes 724-871-1732 n

www.loveheartland.com

www.northwood.com

Cherry Knoll

WESTMORELAND COUNTY Acropolis Heights

Unity Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $620,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Allegheny Woodlands Allegheny Township Custom single-family and cottage villas PRICED FROM $199,900 single-family and $164,900 cottage villas SCHOOL DISTRICT Kiski Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-568-9903 n

n

Weavertown Village N orth Strabane Township

Rostraver Township Carriage homes PRICED FROM $179,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Belle Vernon Area AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-929-1370

www.howardhanna.com

Delmont Single-family homes PRICED FROM $225.000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY ReMax Realty 412-856-2000

Unity Township Custom single-family homes

PRICED FROM

$289,900–$580,000 Greater Latrobe AGENCY Scalise Real Estate 724-539-3525 SCHOOL DISTRICT

n n

ricciuticonstruction.com

Cherry Wood Estates Mt. Pleasant Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $225,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Mount Pleasant AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Chestnut Hill

Murrysville Single-family homes PRICED FROM $600,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161 n

n

www.howardhanna.com

Gleneagles at Cherry Creek Hempfield Township Golf course community patio homes PRICED FROM $211,500 n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

North Huntingdon Township n Single-family

homes PRICED FROM $240,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-863-3506 n

Foxtail Court at Rolling Ridge

Hempfield Area Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660

AGENCY

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

www.ryanhomes.com

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

67

HOME Winter A P68 U BGREATER L I C A T I OPITTSBURGH’S N O F C A R S NEW ON P U B L I |S H I N G I2011 NC. • 500 MCKNIGHT PARK DRIVE • PITTSBURGH, PA 15237 • 412-548-3823

Greater Pittsburgh’s NEW HOME is the first, comprehensive source of market information for newcomers, current residents as well as all professionals in the residential real estate business for the Greater Pittsburgh area.

NEW HOME will give insight about today’s marketplace, our regional economic outlook, individual and project profiles as well as in-depth feature articles on the issues and personalities driving our region’s residential market.

Our editorial content presents the very best our region has to offer in new housing communities, locations and developments that showcase home building and remodeling projects for today’s consumer. Discover state of the art features in comfort, technology, craftsmanship, innovation and style in modern residential living.

Before you buy, build or remodel a home, Greater Pittsburgh’s NEW HOME is required reading! Let us help you create the home that meets your personal dreams, goals and needs.

WESTMORELAND COUNTY Glenn Aire Unity Township n Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $390,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Greenfield Estates Unity Township n Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Scalise Real Estate 724-539-3525 n

Hampton Heights (Formerly Carradam Golf Course) n North Huntingdon Township n One acre homesites PRICED FROM $400,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY RWS Custom Homes 724-861-0571 www.rwscustomhomes.com

Harrington Way at Wendover Hempfield Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $249,900 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hempfield Area Northwood Realty 724-327-5600

AGENCY

www.northwood.com

Heritage Estates Murrysville n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-327-0123

The Legends North Huntingdon n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $450,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY Scalise Real Estate Inc. n

724-864-5500 Lincoln Hills North Huntington Township n Single-family homes, townhomes and grand villas PRICED FROM mid$300,000 Singlefamily, $239,900 townhomes and $289,900 grand villas SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY RWS Custom Homes 724-861-0571 n

Kingsbury North Huntington Township n Two-four acre estates PRICED FROM $450,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY RWS Custom Homes 724-861-0571 n

www.rwscustomhomes.com

Laurel View Place Derry Township n Single-family lots PRICED FROM $49,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Derry Area AGENCY Northwood Realty Services 724-537-0110 n

Allegheny Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Kiski Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-733-5390 n

ricciuticonstruction.com www.howardhanna.com

Lindwood Crest Hempfield Township n Patio homes PRICED FROM $170,000 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hempfield Area AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-832-2300 www.howardhanna.com

Mallard Landing Murrysville n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $470,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161 n

www.howardhanna.com

Northpointe

Hempfield Township Custom single-family homes PRICED FROM $270,000 n n

Hempfield Single-family homes PRICED FROM $190,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Hempfield Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-836-1804 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Oak Farm Estates Penn Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $250,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT PennTrafford AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Oakton Manor North Huntingdon n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $259,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-327-0123 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Palmer Place Unity Township Custom single-family PRICED FROM $650,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Greensburg Patio homes and townhomes PRICED FROM $174,900 n n

Hempfield Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $170,000’s n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hempfield Area S & A Realty 724-837-6124

AGENCY

www.sahomebuilder.com

www.northwood.com

70 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME

Rostraver Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $170,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Belle Vernon Area AGENCY S & A Homes 724-872-8403 n

Murrysville n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $360,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Ryan Homes 412-325-2367 www.ryanhomes.com

Salem Ridge Village

Rostraver Township Single-family PRICED FROM $249,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Belle Vernon Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Sinan Farms

Murrysville n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $500,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-327-0123 n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Stonegate

Rostraver Township n Multi-family homes PRICED FROM $199,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Belle Vernon AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services n

www.howardhanna.com

Southmoreland Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660

AGENCY

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The Trails Level Green Patio homes and single-family homes PRICED FROM $299,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT PennTrafford AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161 n n

www.howardhanna.com

Victoria Highlands Unity Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $290,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Latrobe AGENCY Bob Shuster Realty 724-864-8884 n n

www.rwscustomhomes.com

Village at Foxfield Unity Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $210,000’s n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Greater Latrobe S & A Homes 724-837-6124

AGENCY

www.sahomebuilder.com

The Village at Ligonier Ligonier Borough Carriage homes PRICED FROM $199,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Ligonier Valley AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-836-3660 n n

www.howardhanna.com

The Village at Stonegate

Penn Township Villas PRICED FROM $264,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT PennTrafford AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 or 724-327-0444 n n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Greensburg-Salem Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-850-7249

www.howardhanna.com

The Reserve at Lago Greensburg Patio homes PRICED FROM $229,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hempfield Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-850-7249

SCHOOL DISTRICT

n

AGENCY

AGENCY

Scottdale Single-family home lots PRICED FROM $35,900 n

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

www.howardhanna.com

| Winter 2011

Rolling Hill Farm

Rolling Ridge

Murrysville n Luxury condominiums PRICED FROM $275,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Kacin Companies, Inc. 724-327-7700

n

www.sahomebuilder.com

www.sahomebuilder.com

Park Lane

Meadowlane Heights

n

Hempfield Area AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660

Marquis Place n

Tinstman Estates

Penn Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $290,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT PennTrafford AGENCY S & A Homes 724-837-6124 n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

n

MarRose Estates

Rivendell

n

www.rwscustomhomes.com

n

www.pittsburghmoves.com

Moreland Manor

Penn Township

First Floor Master Suites Maintenance Free Exterior Customized to Your Family’s Lifestyle 724-838-3660 or 724-327-0444

WESTMORELAND COUNTY The Villas of Willow Estates North Huntington n Townhomes and grand villas PRICED FROM $239,900 and $289,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY RWS Custom Homes 724-861-0571 n

www.rwscustomhomes.com

Westmoreland Community Action Reed Avenue

Jeannette Single-family homes PRICED FROM $63,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Jeannette City AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-838-9643 n n

www.northwood.com

The Villas at Grayhawk

Unity Township Villa style condominiums PRICED FROM $239,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Cedar Ridge Realty 724-832-3501 n n

www.thevillasatgrayhawk.com

Westmoreland Farms Murrysville Single-family homes PRICED FROM $210,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-327-9330 n n

www.ryanhomes.com

Westmoreland Community Action

Westmoreland Farms

n

n

Jeannette n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $75,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Jeannette City AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-838-9643 www.northwood.com

Murrysville n Single-family homes and villas PRICED FROM $229,900 single-family; $176,900 villas SCHOOL DISTRICT Franklin Regional AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-387-4300

Westmoreland Human Opportunities

Wimmerton Place

Yok Wood Ridge

n

n

Monessan n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $70,000

n

n

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

www.prudentialpreferredrealty.com

n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monessen Northwood Realty 724-838-9643

AGENCY

Unity Township Patio homes PRICED FROM $195,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660

www.northwood.com

Unity Township Single-family homes PRICED FROM $200,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Greater Latrobe AGENCY Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660

Woodhaven Ridge Westwind Estates Hempfield Township n Single-family homes PRICED FROM $220,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT Hempfield Area AGENCY Ryan Homes 724-836-1804 n

www.ryanhomes.com

Hempfield Township Townhomes PRICED FROM $114,900 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hempfield Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-850-7249

AGENCY

www.howardhanna.com

Willow Glenn/Willow Heights

Woods of Brandywine

n

n

n

n

North Huntingdon Single-family homes PRICED FROM $270,000 and homesites starting at $49,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT Norwin AGENCY Howard Hanna Real Estate 724-863-3300 www.howardhanna.com

Manor Borough Single-family homes PRICED FROM $320,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT PennTrafford AGENCY Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-327-0123 www.pittsburghmoves.com

www.howardhanna.com

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

71

OTHER COUNTIES OTHER COUNTIES

Volant Highlands

Mercer County

Pierce Bluffs

Washington Township n Single-family home sites PRICED FROM $27,900

Camelot Estates

n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hermitage n Single-family homes PRICED FROM

n

Clarion County Fairway Estates Foxburg Single-family lots PRICED FROM: $39,900 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Allegheny Clarion Northwood Realty Services 724-282-1313

AGENCY:

www.northwood.com

Wilmington Area AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-658-6645 www.northwood.com

Carriage Hills Pulaski Township Single-family lots PRICED FROM $35,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Greene County Colonial Place Franklin Township n Single-family homesites n

PRICED FROM

Wilmington Area Northwood Realty Services 724-658-6645

AGENCY

www.northwood.com

Waynesburg Northwood Realty 724-627-4300

AGENCY

www.northwood.com

Lots starting at $29,900 AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-458-8800

Hermitage Single-family homes

PRICED FROM

Lots starting at $40,000 AGENCY Northwood Realty 724-458-8800 www.northwood.com

www.northwood.com

Legends of Grove City n n

Pine Township Villas, patio homes and Single-family homes

PRICED FROM

$184,900 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Grove City Northwood Realty 724-4588800

AGENCY

www.northwood.com

$28,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT

n

Valleyview Heights Pulaski Township Single-family lots PRICED FROM: $35,000 n n

SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Wilmington Area AGENCY Northwood Realty Services 724-658-6645

The Legends at Grove City Single Family Homes Carriage Style Homes www.LegendsAtGroveCity.com Northwood Realty Services

724-458-8800

www.northwood.com

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