New Housing Opens in Homestead Boro.

By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
June 06, 2016
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Community leaders and developers cut the ribbon Thursday (June 2) on a new mixed-use development in Homestead.

One Homestead is located on East Eighth Avenue at Amity Street and has 51 housing units, including three-story loft apartments, two- and three-story townhouse units, and one- and two-bedroom apartments with patios or sunrooms.

The complex incorporates original Eighth Avenue buildings --- including the old Homestead post office, recently used as the borough police station --- as well as new construction. The developer was A.M. Rodriguez Associates of Pittsburgh and Akron.

One Homestead "was a very challenging project, but it will stand the test of time," said Victor Rodriguez, president of the company. "We put a great deal of thought into the design. We look forward to continuing to work with the Borough of Homestead on new developments, including the opening of a new brewpub in the old Levine Hardware store on 8th Avenue.”

Funding was secured for the project from a variety of sources including Allegheny County, federal housing funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, state funding from the Keystone Communities Program and the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, low income tax credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority, equity from RBC Capital Markets, the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone and a construction-bridge loan from the Bank of New York Mellon.

“It’s really gratifying to see the completion of this project. Homestead has worked for a long time on making improvements to its community, and finding developments and partners that are a good fit for the borough,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive.

“Allegheny County has a strong partner in A.M. Rodriguez Associates, and knowing that they are so deliberate in their decisions and planning gives a great deal of confidence that the project will meet every expectation," Fitzgerald said.

In addition to providing much needed affordable housing for the community, the project also includes energy efficient features such as triple-pane windows, green construction, a solar array and tankless water heaters.

Three apartments, the leasing office and a community room are located in the old post office. The renovation retained its most significant architectural features.

Fitzgerald attended the ribbon cutting, along with state Sen. Jay Costa, Jr. (D-Forest Hills), state Rep. Paul Costa (D-Wilkins Twp.), Homestead Mayor Betty Esper and Homestead Council President Lloyd Cunningham.

The multi-year project was begun in 2011 with the housing units available for initial occupancy beginning next month.

"This project epitomizes what true partnership is all about," Sen. Costa said. "We all share the goal of revitalizing this community and providing opportunities for growth and development that will benefit everyone who lives, plays and works here. This type of coordination and cooperation is the cornerstone to the success of this project."

The development is part of a coordinated effort between Rodriguez Associates, Allegheny County and Homestead borough. The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County assisted in acquiring vacant parcels and reselling them for development.

Originally published June 06, 2016.

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