Meeder project construction begins in Cranberry Twp.
CRANBERRY TWP — The official start of construction on Charter Homes' mixed-use development in Cranberry Township was commemorated Friday morning with a groundbreaking ceremony on the project's site.
Formerly home to the Meeder family farm on the corner of Route 19 and Rochester Road, the location for Charter Homes' new Meeder project is characterized as a “multigenerational neighborhood for people of all ages, living in homes of all types, all on the same street,” and will include 637 units as well as spaces for small retail and office use.
The Meeder family's signature red barn and homestead will be preserved as an integral part of the project.
“For the past five years, we've been working on aligning Mrs. Meeder's vision for her longtime family farm with the vision of the township's long-term comprehensive plan,” he said. “We've been trying for more than a decade to encourage development of traditional neighborhoods that are walkable — with a variety of housing types — combined with shops, parks and public places. Getting there has been a real challenge.”
Charter Homes Founder Rob Bowman also spoke at the ceremony and reiterated the importance of integrating Charter Homes with the Cranberry Township community to build a stronger foundation for everyone.
Bowman also thanked the township and Meeder family for being willing to work with Charter Homes in their goals. He said in subsequent meetings with the family, he grew to love the history of both the barn and home on the property, as well as the family's ties to the township.
The work on this property will include significant improvements to nearby roads, public squares, greens, a park and gathering places connected by walkways.
Bowman said the plan is to give residents places to walk, gather and engage within the community in spaces like a coffee shop, salon, pet store, yoga facility, bar and other retail shops, which he hopes will create a “main street” for the township.
Over its 26-year history, Charter Homes has created distinctive neighborhoods with a total of 5,200 homes in eight other Pennsylvania communities including Manheim Township, Lower Allen Township, South Fayette and Sewickley.
Richard Hadley, chairman of Cranberry Township's board of supervisors, spoke about the importance of merging the Meeder family's vision and the township's when working with Charter Homes.
