The
Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) is completing work on six new houses in
South Oakland. Located at Dawson, Frazier and Ward Streets, the homes are being designed by
TAI + LEE Architects; contractor is Infiniti Homes and Construction of Penn Hills.
“In 2002, the
Oakland Task Force developed the
Future of Oakland Plan, a master plan for the community” says David Blenk, executive director of OPDC. “We're trying to fulfill that role—it’s an overall vision for the neighborhood.”
Five homes are being built in a modular style manufactured by
SMI Homes of Strattanville, PA. A sixth, located at 3510 Frazier, is a traditional duplex. Constructed on formerly vacant lots, the 1,500 square-foot, three-bedroom homes feature two-and-a-half bathrooms, basements and porches. Homes will sell at a mix of market and affordable housing rates.
“It’s a new way of doing things,” says Blenk of the modular construction.
“In the right application, we would definitely continue it.”
Two of the homes will be occupied by February. Financing is provided by the
URA,
Citizens Bank and the
Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development.
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Source: David Blenk
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene