Clairton Apartments
Clairton, Pennsylvania

Leasing Information

Description

• Acquisition and demolition of 150 scattered parcels
• New construction of 44 apartments in 22 two-story buildings
• A new urbanism community
• Affordable for families
• Four-acre site
• Placed in service in 2004

Developer
Pennrose Properties
Ralph A. Falbo, Inc

Architect
Perfido Weiskopf Architects
Lami Grubb Architects

General Contractor
Mistick Construction Company
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Management
Pennrose Management Company

The Challenge

Founded at the turn of the twentieth century by the United States Steel Company, Clairton, Pennsylvania once thrived as the steel industry flourished. The collapse of the steel industry in the early 1980’s left a large portion of the population jobless. In 1988, the City of Clairton was designated as a distressed municipality by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Significant parts of the city descended into poverty and crime. The downtown area became a remnant of the once- productive shopping district it was, while the residential areas subsisted as remains of the employee housing that served the Clairton Works. The city lacked the funding to carry out the demolition of condemned buildings, so empty storefronts and houses, often covered in graffiti and grime, afflicted the area. Local groups tried to encourage recovery of the area, but often met with failure due to lack of funding or interest. When the Community Economic Development Corporation of Clairton approached the Pennrose Falbo Development Team to revitalize their community, we responded affirmatively.

The Solution

Working with the community to determine and then meet their needs, Pennrose Falbo took bold measures to accomplish their vision. Combining CBDG and PHFA funds, LIHTC equity, and other financial resources gave the multi-million dollar project the necessary capital with which to proceed. We exactingly managed a myriad of separate real estate transactions in pursuit of acquiring 150 scattered parcels either outright or through the right of eminent domain/condemnation. The derelict structures were then demolished. The team developed for the four-acre site an ambitious master plan that held to the principles of new urbanism. This demanded a completely new infrastructure that included walkable streets, storm water management, rear parking, attractive landscaping, neighborhood parks, and streetscape lighting. The 20 newly constructed two-story buildings created a mixed income community of 26 two-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom rental apartments. All units were handicap- accessible. One was designed specifically for persons with hearing and vision impairments. Contributing to the long-term viability of the development was a homeownership component and the provision of social services through the Mon Valley Initiative of Homestead and the Community and Economic Development Corporation of Clairton.

The Clairton project underscores the Pennrose Falbo Development Team’s ability to bring to a project the necessary resources and momentum to make it happen. This scattered site revitalization demonstrates our ability to exert patient positive energy to meet a community’s needs. The Clairton Apartments are owned, managed, and maintained by Pennrose.

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