Something For Everyone, And Minutes From Everything

Imagine looking out your back window at magnificent horses, beautiful against the backdrop of the farm where they live. Imagine further that you live not in a distant rural community, but close to work and only minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport, with every convenience near at hand. Well, here is reality for you: this and a great deal more can be had at Fayette Farms, in thriving North Fayette Township.
Thanks to partners Bill Fink and Leon Chiri, Fayette Farms has distinguished itself as a most inviting new-home community. Comprising 330 acres of rolling farmland, when completed the community will have 547 homes of various sizes and styles. It all came into being on a handshake when Fink and Chiri decided to become partners in making Fayette Farm a reality.
Fink, who worked in the computer industry after graduating from college, had helped pay his way through school by laboring in the building industry. He learned enough that, in time, he built his own home, and the experience taught him something. "I thought," said Fink, "that I could bring some real professionalism to the business of homebuilding." Building houses, as a matter of fact, became almost a hobby for Fink. And the houses he built not only sold well, but also exhibited the kind of quality he put into his own home.
The homebuilding hobby became a full-time business in 1988 and Paragon Homes, Inc. was born. Paragon at first concentrated on grand custom built homes, often in Pittsburgh's many high-end golf course communities. Over time, Fink received repeated requests from people who didn't have the means to purchase the luxury-edition homes in these communities, but who very much wanted reasonably priced, more modest versions with similar amenities. Fink turned the requests over in his mind and came to a conclusion. "I wanted to develop a community with amenities like those found in the high-end golf course communities, such as the clubhouse and pool, but in a community affordable to most people." In addition, he wanted to offer home styles to meet the needs of different lifestyles. In addressing the question of location, Fink arrived at some very definite preferences.
The growth to the west of Pittsburgh was providing good jobs and income. National and international companies were finding the area to their liking. Quick access to Pittsburgh International Airport was one of the area's attractive features, new roads were scheduled to make the trip to the airport even easier, and the nearby Mall at Robinson provided limitless shopping possibilities. The project, Fink believed, should be located west. But land, and lots of it, would also be required for the community to accommodate all that Fink envisioned.
Fink finally found the perfect acreage just minutes from the Mall and Airport and in the superior West Allegheny School District. In fact, the district had just built a brand-new elementary school across the street from the land.
If there is a jewel in the crown of Fayette Farms, it is the 20-acre horse farm that lies at its center. It is, indeed, a working horse farm, a touch of Bluegrass Kentucky peacefully at rest in the midst of the community. The area's rolling topography provides scenic views of the pasture, located across a creek, and protected open space.
Because they wanted to offer a home style for everyone, Fink and Chiri organized Fayette Farms into four unique enclaves. "Since the initial planning it was important to us to offer each home style in its individual enclave so that homes are consistent with those of their neighbors, but to meld all the enclaves into one great community where there is something for everyone." In order to do this the developers designed the community layout to provide acres of scenic woods and open space that give each enclave its individual feel.
Only five carefully selected builders, all with first-rate credentials, are participating in the construction of these homes. Paragon Homes, which has earned a sheaf of local and national awards, is one of them. Paragon has responsibility for the detached villa homes, and has only six of 28 lots left in the first phase. Heartland Homes is looking to the completion of the townhomes and single-family homes. The first phase of single-family homes is completely sold out, and the grand opening for phase two was just held. As for the extraordinary custom estate homes, a quartet of Pittsburgh's finest homebuilders is in place. One of these is Fink's Paragon Homes. Joining Paragon are Bachman Builders, Custom Homes Inc. and Londonbury Homes
With four different housing styles, there are four different price points. Single-family homes start from the $230s, townhomes from the $150s, maintenance-free villa style homes from the $190s, and the custom estates from the $400s. The community will have its clubhouse and pool groundbreaking this spring.
Meanwhile, Fink has become aware of just how Fayette Farms' appeal takes in all ages.
"I've noticed," he said, "that we now have three multi-generational families—children, the parents of the children, and the grandparents of the children living in different areas of the community. People really seem to appreciate the ability to live nearby their loved ones, but still have the space and privacy that they have come to enjoy."
In so far as family matters go, changes have also occurred in Fink's business life. He has been joined in Paragon Homes by his son, Steven.
At this juncture in the homebuilding cycle, Fink is estimating that costs to the consumer can only go up in the months ahead. Oil-based products are part of the price pressure, but it is felt across the board by homebuilders. "Homes," he said, "will absolutely be more expensive in the months ahead. Interest rates are presently low, and having the foresight to build before material costs hit the upswing can save a person tens of thousands, and lock in instant equity. My estimation is that steel, concrete and other building costs will be up perhaps three to five percent."
The obvious way to beat the increases is to buy now. Fayette Farms, Fink said, gives today's buyers value, amenities and convenience, all in one lovely country setting. "We have a great location, quality builders, and convenience to shopping, entertainment, and quick proximity to the airport."
All that, plus a choice of many different home styles, and an active horse farm, too.