New senior living community opens in Mt. Lebanon

Oxford Development Co., Green Development, and Allegheny County Housing Authority, cut the ribbon for Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon, a 60-unit apartment community at 2903 Midland Ave. in Mt. Lebanon.
“This affordable housing project addresses a need that we identified for seniors living in the South Hills,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said at the May 14 ceremony. “This building was designed using Passive House design standards, has energy efficient appliances and windows and utilizes green storm water management. Those investments today will ensure the building’s sustainability for years to come.”
Passive House is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing its ecological footprint. Standard requirements focus on energy consumption, reduction of heating and cooling demand and tight construction of the building envelope. Passive House buildings typically use 86 percent less energy for heating, and 46 percent less energy for cooling when compared to a standard code-compliant building.
Located on a portion of the former DePaul Institute, the complex features units reserved for senior citizens age 62 and older. A market study of the area found a shortage of affordable age-restricted housing options.
“The project allows current residents of Mt. Lebanon, Brookline and other South Hills communities to downsize to smaller, more affordable housing while staying in their community near family and friends,” said Steve Guy, Oxford Development president and chief executive officer.
Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon includes a first-floor community room, lounge area and outdoor deck overlooking the site. The second floor has a common wellness area and common area on the third floor is open for passive creation such as crafts and games.
The property offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 625 to 911 square feet. Interior features include full kitchens and baths, operable windows, on-floor laundry rooms, community rooms, lounges and community balconies and outdoor access on two floors. Each unit has individual cooling and heating control systems and Energy Star-rated appliances and windows.
The site will have a walking trail, raised garden areas for the residents and a best practice storm water management program with rain gardens.
American HealthCare Group LLC, supportive service program provider, will be on site. There will be individualized programming to meet the needs of the residents and group programming to engage socialization and wellness activities for the residents of the building.
Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon was designed by 4080 Architects, with Sota Construction as general contractor.
For leasing information, contact the facility leasing office, 2903 Midland Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15226, or call 412-857-3330.

Dorchester of Mt. Lebanon exterior