On a very warm afternoon a few days ago, I paused to admire the steady current of the Allegheny River. A few quadruple sculls raced by, powered by the gracefully synchronized strokes of their rowers. Then, the lush, green foliage of a Pittsburgh summer softened the rocky hills that rise from the opposite bank, curtaining most traces of modern life. I enjoyed this bucolic, cooling, and somewhat 19th century view from the River’s Edge development in Oakmont, designed by Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, and built by Brooks and Blair Property Development.
New Residential Construction Details in Pittsburgh Inspired by History
The 19th century charm of the view of the river continues in the look of the homes and townhomes that constitute River’s Edge. Architects and developers were acknowledged for their thoughtfully traditional design with a 2017 AIA Pittsburgh Honor Award. The community’s wood, brick, and stone facades, deep front porches, as well as traditional-looking windows and doors draw upon our collective American memory of Victorian- and Edwardian-era home styles, and mesh quite well with the visual character of Oakmont. Yes, it’s all new construction. But a nostalgic feeling of small-town intimacy emerges as you explore the streets that crisscross this 28-acre community.
The Draw of Adjacent Shopping, Culture, and School Districts
The smalltown intimacy only deepens with the adjacency of Oakmont’s shopping district of boutiques, cafes, pubs, and a well-known bakery. “Being just a hop, skip, and a jump from Oakmont means you’ve got all the charm and features of the town right at your doorstep,” comments Daniel Mancosh, Principal at Brooks and Blair Homes. “Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, enjoying a meal at a local eatery, needing something from the hardware or catching a show at The Oaks Theatre, it’s all right there, and there’s always something to do.” The reputation of the local school district is also important to families with school-age children.
Embracing Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND)
The traditional neighborhood design (TND) approach used at River’s Edge is popular with buyers. Across the Northeast and Midwest, there’s a movement towards proportional harmony, human scale, walkable layouts, mixed-use areas, front-porches, and a unified streetscape. Summerset at Frick Park, Crawford Square and SouthSide Works are other recent Pittsburgh-area developments who have also brought these principles into play. These communities are a far cry from the high density housing interventions Pittsburgh experienced in places such as East Liberty. These promised efficiency and density over warmth and community. Their eventual destruction highlights what happens when residential living schemes do not embrace what makes people feel at home.
Craftsmanship and Customization in New Construction
The promise of craftsmanship in detailing and materials is also a draw in successful, newly planned communities. Customers want the quality of a traditional home as well as the look. “At Brooks and Blair,” comments Mancosh, “we take immense pride in exceptional craftsmanship. Every home and condominium we build is crafted to an incredibly high standard, ensuring that each detail is just right. We don’t cut corners, and we offer a variety of unique upgrades, making the final product truly spectacular for our buyers. Among the popular upgrades requested by clients are coffered ceilings and elegant built-ins to create entertainment centers in living rooms, customized office spaces, or even functional closets & mudrooms.”
Ashley Fullerton, Director of Sales at Eddy Homes, another prominent Western Pennsylvania home builder, suggests that well-conceived floor plans also play a significant role in attracting home buyers: “Today’s luxury buyers want thoughtfully designed spaces that are both functional and elegant, with architectural integrity and timeless appeal. Open layouts, soaring ceilings, gourmet kitchens, and spa-inspired baths remain must-haves, alongside a seamless flow and refined details throughout.”
Shared Amenities Enhance Community Life
Another draw for buyers looking at a newly constructed home in a planned community are shared amenities. Communally held and maintained greenspaces, clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, and more, are often on offer. River’s Edge, for example, promises all of the above…plus a fire-pit great room for the chillier months.
Growth in Allegheny County’s New Residential Construction Market
New construction is an important part of the real estate mix in Allegheny County. 5,820 new residential building permits were applied for in 2024, promising new as well as newly minted, options for buyers.
Pittsburghers seem increasingly interested in new residential construction for several reasons, led by economics. Affordability is appealing to young professionals, new families, and retirees looking to limit expenses without sacrificing aesthetics or quality. According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, for-sale inventory is up almost 20% over last year. However, middle- and upper-middle income buyers can afford 21.2% of what’s available. That’s a massive decrease from the 49% they could afford in 2019. Finding well-constructed and well-design homes can be challenging, and new construction can be an attractive option.
What’s Helping Construction and Communities in Pittsburgh
What they include in a new home matters, as well. The growing incorporation of elevators into home designs attracts older residents who want to age comfortably. New builds often feature wiring and layouts tailored for modern technologies—like smart home systems as well as high-speed internet. This appeals broadly to buyers seeking convenience, efficiency, and future-proof living. Mancosh comments about River’s Edge, “Our appeal spans a wide range of people, attracting everyone from suburbanites seeking a stronger sense of community to city dwellers craving the conveniences of urban living with the added serenity of our location.”
Darlene Hunter, Vice President and Regional New Homes Manager at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, sums up the appeal: “Buyers like selecting their own location and homesite. Personalization lets them suit their tastes and lifestyle from the start. Add on modern designs and layouts, energy efficiency, and then smart technologies. What is better than new, fresh, clean, and yours only!”
Story by Keith Recker
Styling by Natalia Dragunova
Photography by Erin Kelly
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