The Homestead
The Homestead family residential town house community was developed in 1995 by TREK Development Group in cooperation with the Housing Authority and Housing Alliance of Indiana County. The community was conceived to address a pronounced need for quality, affordable family housing in Indiana County. An unutilized parcel of land located amidst a stable single-family neighborhood was selected for development. Significant physical challenges were overcome including sloping terrain and excessive surface water.
The parking area was located internally in order to obscure the view of cars from the neighboring homes. The parking area was landscaped with parking islands to lower the temperature and offer visual relief in a large paved area.
Meaningful supportive services are available to the residents through partnership efforts with local providers including ARIN Adult Education and the Indiana County Community Action Program.
The Homestead maintains 100 percent occupancy with a significant waiting list.
The community is heated and cooled electrically with a ground-source geothermal heat pump loop system. The natural heating and cooling properties of the earth is captured through a series of 200-foot wells.
Orchard Hill
The Orchard Hill family residential townhouse community is a new building type developed in 2007 by TREK Development Group in cooperation with the Housing Authority and Housing Alliance of Indiana County. The community was conceived to address a pronounced need for quality affordable family housing in the primary market area. The site is configured as traditional neighborhood street pattern. The site is landscaped and interconnecting sidewalks make this a walk-able community. Parking lot areas have been minimized. Site lighting has been artfully configured to offer security and warmth yet reduce light pollution.
The units have inviting front porches, private rear patios and large windows. The kitchens have garbage disposals and washer and dryer hookups. Each unit has 1.5 baths, and the full bath has a separate vanity area. Significant storage closets are provided. The Community Center has a meeting room, offices, mailboxes, laundry and a playground.
The buildings are extremely energy efficient and have achieved the Energy Star 5-Star Label, resulting in lower utility bills and more comfortable spaces.
Meaningful supportive services are available to the residents through partnership efforts with local providers including ARIN Adult Education and the Indiana County Community Action Program.
Orchard Hill maintains 100% occupancy with a significant waiting list.
Hearth at Benet Woods
Benet Woods Housing Corp., a Hearth subsidiary, and Trek Development Group, a for-profit company, are partners in the 11-unit affordable-housing project in Ross. The five-acre site on Rodenbaugh Avenue is on the City of Pittsburgh-Ross border.
Six buildings, containing 11 two- and three-bedroom townhouses and a community room, are in various stages of construction. Two of the rental units will be handicapped accessible.
Built with support from state and Allegheny County agencies, the Pittsburgh Foundation and private donors, the units will be rented to individuals and families with annual incomes ranging from $25,000 to $35,000. Tenants will pay an average monthly rent of $700.
Hearth's name is an acronym that stands for Homelessness Ends with Advocacy, Resources, Training and Housing. The nonprofit agency provides temporary shelter and counseling at nearby Benedictine Place for single women with children.