Oxford Development Company, Green Development, and the Allegheny County Housing Authority, today cut the ribbon on Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon, a green 60-unit apartment community at 2903 Midland Avenue in the Township of Mt. Lebanon. Local officials including State Senators Wayne D. Fontana and Pam Iovino and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald were on hand to open the facility and speak with new tenants.
“We’re extremely excited about the completion of Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon and this grand opening. This affordable housing project addresses a need that we identified for seniors living in the South Hills. We are grateful to so many partners – including HUD, PHFA, ACTION-Housing and others for joining together with the Housing Authority, Oxford Development Company and Green Development to make this project a reality,” said Fitzgerald. “Just as importantly, this building was designed using Passive House design standards, has energy efficient appliances and windows, and utilizes green storm water management. Those investments today will ensure the building’s sustainability for years to come. This is a fantastic addition to the South Hills and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate with the community today.”
Located on a portion of the former DePaul Institute, the units are reserved for senior citizens age 62 and older. A market study of the area found a shortage of affordable, age restricted housing options.
“The project allows current residents of Mt. Lebanon, Brookline, and other South Hills communities to downsize to smaller, more affordable housing while staying in their community near family and friends,” said Steve Guy, President and CEO, Oxford Development Company.
Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon includes a first-floor community room, lounge area and outdoor deck overlooking the site. The second floor has a common wellness area and common area on the third floor is open for passive creation such as crafts and games.
The property offers a mix of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments which range from 625 to 911 square feet. Interior features include full kitchens and baths, operable windows, on-floor laundry rooms, community rooms and lounges, and community balconies and outdoor access on two floors. Each unit has individual cooling and heating control systems and Energy Star rated appliances and windows.
The site will have a walking trail, raised garden areas for the residents and a best practice storm water management program with rain gardens.
American HealthCare Group, LLC, the supportive service program provider will be on-site. There will be individualized programming to meet the needs of the residents and group programming to engage socialization and wellness activities for the residents of the building. Additionally residents enjoy the benefit of on-site management and maintenance.
“Quality affordable housing in their communities is a right for our region’s seniors,” Frank Aggazio, Executive Director, Allegheny County Housing Authority said. “This coupled with strong community partnerships and committed and engaged neighbors is integral to the success of our seniors’ ability to age in place.”
Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon has received Passive House certification. Passive House is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. Standard requirements focus on energy consumption, reduction of heating and cooling demand, and tight construction of the building envelope. This results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. Passive House buildings typically use 86 percent less energy for heating, and 46 percent less energy for cooling when compared to a standard code-compliant building.
Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon was designed by 4080 Architects with Sota Construction as general contractor.
The construction of Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon was made possible with the support of public agency funding. Sources that came together to support this project include: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Capital Fund program, Allegheny County Economic Development & ACTION-Housing, Inc. (AHI-Demor), the Allegheny County Housing Authority, and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the low-income housing tax credit program, housing trust funds, and Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE).
Tax credit
