One of Cranberry's most anticipated new neighborhoods -- a community reminiscent of small-town America -- is under construction, and homes are for sale.

Park Place defines itself, at least partly, by one of its closest neighbors: Cranberry's new municipally owned and maintained Graham Park.

In development more than five years, Park Place capitalizes on the newest trend in municipal zoning and land development -- a back-to-the-future mix of retail and residential fronted by narrow roads and sidewalks with back alleys, smaller setbacks and bigger porches.

Literature promoting the development describes it as giving "the charm and ambiance of a simpler time with new homes designed to create a nostalgic flair." Jean Watson, new homes division vice president of Northwood Realty, said the traditional neighborhood development is expected to be a big hit.

A total of 777 homes are planned in the development, which is in the Seneca Valley School District. The first phase includes more than 34 single-family homes and four townhomes off of Powell Road. Four "spec" houses now for sale showcase the talents of Distinguished Builders of Cranberry, a building partnership of Ron Snyder and Dennis Moran; and Deklewa Home of Bridgeville, by John Deklewa.

The Savannah model, a Victorian two-story, features two fireplaces, granite counters, brick exterior and hardwood floors and will sell for $389,900. The living room is 15 by 17 feet, dining room 13 by 17 feet, the kitchen 10 by 15 feet and the three bedrooms are 15 by 17 feet, 11 by 14 feet and 11 by 13 feet. It has a two-car attached garage and two full baths.

The New Alexandria model, an Italian-style one-level home, is priced at $369,999 and features a brick and stone facade, cathedral ceilings, arched doorways, granite counters, hardwood floors, ceramic tile, upgraded cabinets and a 20-by-24-foot loft, as well as a two-car attached garage and gas fireplace. The kitchen is 12 by 14 feet, dining room 11 by 12 feet, great room 16 by 20 feet, first-floor den 12 by 13 feet, first-floor master bedroom 15 by 16 feet and a second bedroom is 13 by 16 feet. This model has two full bathrooms.

The Peters model, a traditional single-story home with two full baths, is priced at $338,759 and features gray vinyl siding with white accents and trim. Its energy efficiency has earned it an Energy Star designation. It has a custom, 13-by-14-foot Merillat kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances and walk-in pantry. The 18-by-19-foot great room has a fireplace and the dining room measures 14 by 15 feet. It has three bedrooms: 15 by 17 feet, 10 by 15 feet and 10 by 12 feet. The driveway is stamped concrete leading to a two-car attached garage.

The Franklin model, a traditional two-story home with bright yellow vinyl siding and white trim, has 2 1/2 baths and decks off of each story. It is priced $496,500 and also has earned an Energy Star rating. It has granite counters and ceramic and hardwood floors. The two-car garage is attached to the house by a breezeway that's equipped with an outdoor kitchen. The interior kitchen is 11 by 16 feet, the dining room 13 by 16 feet, the family room 16 by 19 feet; the first-floor den/office 7 by 14 feet and the master bedroom 14 by 16 feet.

A pattern book of building styles ensures variety in the neighborhood yet a common architectural theme and style. Ms. Watson said the neighborhood meets the price points of a range of buyers: from small two-bedroom single-family homes with contracts for maintenance and exterior care in the mid-$200,000s to larger four-bedrooms in the mid-$500,000s. The houses range in size from 1,800 to 2,800 square feet.

The two subsequent phases will include single-family homes, townhomes and live-work units with apartments above shops or offices. Ms. Watson expects the next phase to begin within 12-18 months.

A key component of the development is the mix of retail and office with residential. Ms. Watson said an ice cream shop has expressed interest and the developer, Creative Real Estate Development Co., is inviting more. Some 12,000 square feet of retail space has been set aside in the development.

For more information, call 724-776-1863 or go to www.cranberryparkplace.com.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.