Rebuilding a Town - One Street at a Time

HUD Field Office Director Jane Miller and CPD Director John Tolbert join community supporters and funders in celebrating new construction opportunities in Rankin Borough.

On Thursday, May 17, 2012, Mon Valley Initiative held a long anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for The Rankin Third Avenue Homes development. The development project is expected to restore the neighborhood to its former glory.

Dramatic change is afoot! Seven homes will be completely rehabilitated. Original exteriors will be maintained while the interiors will be re-oriented to take advantage of the dramatic river views from the rear, and spaces will be opened vertically to create dramatic loft-like interiors. An eighth house will be demolished and a new home will be constructed. This home will match the feel and setting of Third Avenue with traditional massing and setbacks, but also include a striking contemporary design taking its inspiration from the area's industrial past.

The Rankin Third Avenue Homes development will provide a much needed mix of new and renovated for-sale housing units in the Borough of Rankin. Allegheny County Economic Development HUD HOME program funds of $765,000 and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds of $100,000 were utilized to fund this development. Other public funders included: Allegheny County Economic Development AHTF funds ($50,000); Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development ($425,000); and Homebuyer Equity and Mortgages ($535,000). Pre-development and supplemental support was offered by BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern PA; PNC Bank and First Niagara Bank.

Third Avenue development is expected to double the homeowner occupancy rate, generate increased tax revenue and ultimately add to the vibrancy and vitality of this storied neighborhood.

For more photos, view the Facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150980043917008.468277.89943567007&type=1

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