Summerset Offers City Living in New Neighborhood

It was a big idea from the very beginning. Take a large, former industrial site in the midst of the city, secure the cooperation of both the public and private sectors, and turn it into one of the most enticing residential communities in Pittsburgh. After some 10 years of hoping, wishing and working, master-planned Summerset at Frick Park is very much a reality. When Summerset is completed, 700 new homes will have been built on 230 acres, ranging in price from $200,000 to up to $1 million.
"It has always been a challenging project," said Craig Dunham, principal of The Rubinoff Co., the managing general partner of Summerset Land Development Associates. "But it is now acknowledged to be a success."
Where mountains of slag were once piled high, there are now 200 new homes in a pristine neighborhood in Squirrel Hill. The second phase of the project, which includes an additional 290 units with a variety of single-family, apartment, condominium and townhome options, recently got under way. More than half of the 50 lots released in 2007, said Dunham, have already been sold. In fact, a new home design was introduced as part of the latest phase and the 10 homes are nearly sold out.
That momentum is quickly making Summerset one of Pittsburgh's most desirable neighborhoods. "Nearly 70 new homes, town homes and condos have been sold at Summerset in the last 14 months," Dunham explained. "The strong sales we're experiencing is proof that a new, traditional neighborhood appeals to Pittsburgh homebuyers."
Situated alongside Frick Park, the exceptional East Side neighborhood was developed upon the principles of New Urbanism. A design and planning movement, New Urbanism emphasizes green living in neighborhoods tailored to the needs and desires of urban dwellers.
When it comes to lifestyle preferences, detached homes, condominiums, townhomes and rentals appeal to a cross section of people. Equally important, this is a pedestrian's neighborhood, with interconnected streets, sidewalks, rear garages with alleyway access, common green spaces and a community swimming pool. Over time, trails will connect various areas to Frick Park and Nine Mile Run stream.
If it all has the feel of the best of Pittsburgh's most memorable neighborhoods, it should as the homes evoke tradition and provide the most modern conveniences. Linger outside and you're in a traditional Pittsburgh neighborhood. Step inside and you're in an energy-efficient home.
You need a wide net to cover the demographics living here. Young families, empty nesters and single professionals have all taken up residence at Summerset. "You have a lot of friends and neighbors who are just like you, and a lot of friends and neighbors who are not," said Dunham. "What is consistent is that our residents love living at Summerset. They tell us the neighborhood's proximity to downtown and Oakland and the desire to have a new ‘old' home is what attracted them to the neighborhood."
Based on the current sales momentum, many more Pittsburghers will agree.