A new townhome development in Downtown Jeannette is helping to fill a great need for rental units that exists throughout Westmoreland County.
The $3.2 million project, which spans 401-439 South Sixth St., will bring 18 new townhomes to an area that is undergoing a major revitalization, including the development of new single-family homes by
Westmoreland Community Action.
“We’re literally creating a new street. To try and go in piecemeal wouldn’t have worked,” says Chad Ruffner, with Greensburg-based
Homes Build Hope, which purchased the block’s blighted properties for $595,000. “We have a waiting list of people. Our market study indicates a need for rental units.”
The agency received federal funds to acquire and demolish the neglected structures, and is submitting an application to
PHFA for low-income housing tax credits. “It’s also created a catalyst to do something about the Glass Factory, which has sat vacant for twenty-five years,” adds Ruffner. “We're very hopeful because it's part of larger projects that are tied in together.”
Ranging in size from 699 to 1,973 square feet, the two-story one-, two- and three-bedroom townhomes will include balconies, storage and parking. Designed by Latrobe-based Scott Moore Consulting Inc., the project also calls for a new community room and landscaping. Contractor is Steve Catranel Construction Company. Construction is expected to start in May 2009.
Working in partnership with Columbus-based
Miller-Valentine, Homes Build Hope—which has co-developed more than 200 rental units throughout Westmoreland County—is currently completing an 84-unit development in Hempfield Twp. off Rte. 30.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Chad Ruffner, executive director, Homes Build Hope
Image courtesy Moore Consulting, Inc.