The sight of bulldozers clearing the way for housing in Hempfield is nothing new these days, but a plan north of Greensburg will offer something unique, the developers say.

"The northern section [of the township] is our growth area right now," Hempfield Manager Rob Ritson said. He said the area was likely to remain a hot spot for building over the next eight years or so with developments of more than 2,000 units on the drawing board.

	This duplex will be a model and sales office for a plan of condominiums for older adults that will be built in Hempfield. The developement is sponsored by Lutheran SeniorLife. Click photo for larger image.

Lindwood Crest, a $10 million development by Lutheran SeniorLife in Cranberry and the National Development Corp., is aimed at adults age 50 and older who want independent living without maintenance hassles. Thirty-eight duplexes, making 76 new homes, will be built on 19 acres on Bothwell Road, across from Hannastown Golf Course.

The price range for the houses, between $175,000 and $197,000, is notable, said Donna Van Kirk, Lutheran SeniorLife vice president of systems development.

"There's nothing like it out there," she said. Most new houses cost twice that, and many condo-style developments, though perhaps less expensive, don't offer amenities and aren't aimed at older adults.

Ms. Van Kirk said that, unlike Lutheran SeniorLife's other housing types, this one is aimed at people who want to downsize but don't necessarily need any specialty care. Lutheran SeniorLife is the parent company of Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople, St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars and LIFE-Beaver County in Aliquippa, housing aimed at seniors in need of various stages of care or skilled nursing or with limited incomes.

At Lindwood, residents will manage their own development through a homeowners association. They also will have access to a community center that will offer the usual amenities, such as meeting space and workout rooms, with the added benefit of health education and screening programs.

"[The aim is] people aging in place," Natalie Auld said. Ms. Auld is a real estate broker with Prudential Preferred Realty, the company handling the sale of the houses.

One duplex is finished. Each side has no-step entrances and one-floor living. Each duplex has a master suite and a second bedroom/den, great room, kitchen, laundry area and small rear patio on the one level. The more expensive unit has a second-floor loft that can be used as a third bedroom or office.

They are light-filled houses with pleasant views. Snow shoveling and grass mowing will be done by maintenance crews. Each side has a two-car garage.

It's what people wanted, Ms. Auld said. They know because the duplex styles were based on information designers and planners got from focus groups.

Ground-breaking was in August and the first units will be open for tours this month.