River’s Edge of Oakmont begins final residential phase, adding 52 houses
River’s Edge of Oakmont begins final residential phase, adding 52 houses
May 11, 2020
Riverfront views and walkability are the main attractions at the River’s Edge housing development in Oakmont. It’s just a short walk from the town’s collection of bars, boutiques and restaurants — and, of course, Oakmont Bakery.
River’s Edge is built using the principles of a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND), which prioritizes well-connected streets and blocks, human-scale public spaces, and stores and schools within walking distance. There will also be trails through the development along the river, to be completed this year.
“Residents could walk into town for a little exercise and a cup of coffee in the morning, to watch sports at a pub in the afternoon or go out for a nice dinner in the evening,” says Ashley Riggs, with builder and developer Brooks and Blair. Once things are back to normal, that is.
The 30-acre development started in 2013 at the former Edgewater Steel site along the Allegheny River. Construction is now underway on the final phase of the project, which will feature 52 homes. There are 45 single-family homes completed in the development along with 135 multi-family apartments.
“Oakmont is an active, lively community unto itself, says Riggs. “It has old-fashioned charm, historical landmarks, restaurants and shops and a fine school system all within walking distance to our community. The River’s Edge of Oakmont has been designed to relate to Oakmont’s rich architectural fabric and neighborhood character. Between the Edgewater community — located directly next to us — and our community, our combined communities have added about 450 residences. We’ve helped grow the population dramatically, which has brought an even higher level of commercial operations to the area.”
Homes range in size from 2,600 to 5,500-plus square feet and feature spacious open-concept living rooms with fireplaces and multi-level outdoor covered porches.
The long-term project was designed so residents are surrounded by community parks, trails and tree-lined, pedestrian-oriented streets that promote recreation, social interaction and strong connections to the river.
Riverfront views at River’s Edge in Oakmont. Photo courtesy of Brooks and Blair.
There’s also a new clubhouse with an infinity pool, lounge and fitness center.
Designed by Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, the River’s Edge of Oakmont received an AIA Pittsburgh Chapter Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design in 2007.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has halted most real estate and construction work, they expect to get fully underway soon.
“Our construction operations were brought to a halt until recently, when the governor allowed construction to resume under specific guidelines — to which we are strictly adhering,” says Riggs. “Real estate sales have not been permitted for the last few months. This has dramatically affected the real estate market as a whole throughout the area. We anticipate a strong rebound following the lifting of the stay-at-home orders and as Allegheny Country rebounds from the impact of COVID-19.”