Construction is Under Way at Edgewater at Oakmont

Construction crews are back on track with building new homes at the housing development.

After recent weeks of nonstop rain, crews weren't making much progress, said Jason Corna, broker of record for Edgewater Realty—a joint entity by developer Kacin companies of Murrysville and EQA Landmark Communities of Pittsburgh. They took advantage of the sunny days this week to continue to work on the construction of 16 homes.

The housing development, located in the former Edgewater Steel mill along College Avenue, calls for 240 homes—park homes, cottage homes, paired, manor flats, townhouse, courtyard homes and condominiums—ranging in price from $200,000 to $600,000.

Though homes have specific floor plans, buyers can customize the plans to make the homes their own, Corna said.

"People have added elevators and moved rooms, windows and walls," he said. "Buyers like to customize the floor plan."

Currently, 26 homes have sold. The first residents are scheduled to move in by the end of July.

There also will be a riverfront park of almost four acres. It will include sidewalks for biking and running, and a gazebo overlooking the river. Another park will be located at the center of the housing development. Both parks will be dedicated to the borough upon completion.

Developers plan to extend Allegheny Avenue and add commercial retail space. Corna said boutique-style shops with office space above will be located in the commercial structure. He also said there are plans to bring in a specialty grocery store.

Though several businesses have expressed an interest in locating at Edgewater, Corna said it's too soon to which ones will be placed there.

There will be a parking lot behind the commercial structure to alleviate traffic and the need for street parking.

It's been a long process, Corna said. It's been six years since the company purchased the property. Development of the land began last year, and construction began in March. The project should be complete in five years.

Corna said Oakmont is the perfect location for the new housing development because of its small-town feel and its proximity to Pittsburgh via Route 28 and the turnpike.

"It's attractive because of the riverfront accessibility, but the development also blends in with the Oakmont community," he said. "People like the feel of the community. They like to walk to restaurants, shops, movies and libraries. A lot of times, developers have to create that situation.

"In Oakmont, it's already there. It's such a vibrant town."

Anyone interested in learning more about the development can call 412-877-1055, see www.liveatedgewater.com or visit the Edgewater at Oakmont office, 300 College Ave. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.