PHOTOS BY 360 CAPTURES/RENDERINGS COURTESY BLOCKHOUSE RESIDENTIAL

When most folks think of a modular home, they picture the classic one-story doublewides commonly found around Western Pennsylvania.

While those homes have long been popular for their affordability and ease of construction, modern modular homes, such as this project in Millvale, look nothing like their prefab grandparents.

Now, one developer in Munhall is capitalizing on rapidly advancing homebuilding technology to bring eight new homes to East 11th Street.

Co-listed by Emily Fraser of Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty and Justin Riapos of Lifespace, The Holm in Munhall has two floor plans for sale — one priced at $465,000 and the other, slightly smaller unit, priced at $440,000.

Developed by Andrew Holmes, the vice president of construction at Blockhouse Residential, says the development offers potential homeowners amenities like multiple outdoor spaces, integral garages, spacious ensuite bathrooms and highly functional layouts.

“Best of all, every unit is fully customizable down to the smallest detail — from siding to flooring, bath fixtures to cabinets, closet shelving and even doorbells,” Fraser adds.

Riapos adds The Holm gives innovative buyers a chance to be a part of something different and exciting happening in Pittsburgh.

“It’s a rare opportunity to design your dream home from top to bottom,” he says.

The homes are constructed through a two-part process; the main components of the buildings are built off-site with an extreme precision that minimizes the on-site disruptions that often slow down new home construction, according to Riapos. Once the homes are situated on the lot, amenities can be customized to each buyer’s needs.

“When you combine the modular approach with the design-build model, you get an innovative, efficient and high-quality construction process that’s hard to match,” Riapos says.

An experienced realtor who has sold many different types of homes around Pittsburgh, Fraser, says there’s just something special about these high-quality modular units.

“What I appreciate most is how thoughtfully the concepts are designed for modern living — open floor plans, generous closets, main-floor laundry and pantries,” she says. “Every detail reflects the needs of today’s homeowners.”

From the outside, the units look like a classic, two-story Pittsburgh house, albeit with modern flair. Spacious front porches are perfect for chats with neighbors in the evenings, while two back balconies above the integral garage provide more flexible living space.

The front door of the open-concept first floor opens into a long, bright space that encompasses the living room, dining area and kitchen. Buyers can choose finishes to suit their tastes.

Featuring a Jack-and-Jill layout, the first floor’s full bathroom can be accessed from the main living space or via the two bedrooms that flank the living space.

Both bedrooms have large walk-in closets that could also be used as flexible spaces for a nursery or remote work. Laundry is also located on the first floor.

Steps down to an unfinished basement provide access to the garage. Because the homes are newly constructed, the basements are clean, dry and ready to be finished if the homeowners desire additional living space.

Upstairs, the entire floor is dedicated to a primary suite that runs the length of the home. A walk-in closet and bonus space, which could be used as a sunroom, office or home gym, complete the second level. With doors opening onto a second-floor balcony, it’s a great space to get creative with.

“It’s a level of functionality that older homes just can’t compete with,” says Riapos.

Beyond the layout and finishes, the energy efficient homes are constructed with the environment in mind. Factory-built precision means these houses can withstand Western Pennsylvania winters without worry; any of the woes that plague owners of older homes, like draftiness or insufficient insulation, are not a worry here.

As for the neighborhood, Riapos himself lives in Munhall, which is why he is so excited to introduce this concept to the community.

“You get the best of both worlds,” he says of the area. “There are big-box convenience stores and small-business charm.”

The Holm is situated near The Waterfront shopping and entertainment complex as well as East 8th Avenue in Homestead, which is lined with a variety of local businesses. Also nearby is Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall and an entrance to the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail.

“The neighborhood has that peaceful, suburban Americana vibe,” says Riapos. “There are walkable streets and a real sense of community. I’m proud to raise my family here.”

Fraser adds The Holm’s location near to Pittsburgh offers maximum convenience for someone looking for new construction, which typically is located further from Pittsburgh proper in the suburbs. Munhall also is just a bridge away from the East End’s trendy neighborhoods.

“Having a brand-new, customizable home this close to the city is a refreshing alternative to Pittsburgh’s predominantly older housing stock,” Fraser says.

While Riapos knows The Holm is an unusual concept for this area, his hope is that residents — and house hunters — see the importance of continued housing innovation in Pittsburgh.

He recalls being on-site as the pieces for the inaugural build were delivered, and then watching in awe as three huge sections of the house were lifted into place and secured with precision.

“Seeing an entire home take shape in a matter of hours was surreal,” he says. “It’s not something you get to witness every day.”

Meg St-Esprit is a Bellevue-based freelance journalist who covers real estate, lifestyle, education, parenting and travel for a variety of local outlets including Pittsburgh Magazine, PublicSource, Kidsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, and City Cast Pittsburgh. Meg offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historic homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home.

About: Munhall
Population: 10,633
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Located on the west bank of the Monongahela River, not far from Interstate 376, residents of Munhall can access Downtown easily. The airport is a 30-minute drive; PRT buses run through the area as well. Residents of Munhall do not need a car due to the walkable business district and access to The Waterfront, which is packed with restaurants and retail spots.
Schools: Steel Valley School District (steelvalleysd.org)
Neighborhood: There is a tight-knit community in Munhall, with many residents having lived in the community for their entire lives. While a large part of the Homestead Works of the Carnegie Steel Company once existed in Munhall, today an influx of recent development is also bringing new residents to the community. The walkable business district gives the community an old-time feel, and the proximity to The Waterfront and Sandcastle Water Park is another plus for residents.