ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A new housing development is taking shape in South Allentown, and it could provide a chance at homeownership for many who thought it was out of reach.
Ryan Homes executives and employees joined Allentown officials Friday afternoon on Barnes Lane to cut the ribbon on the new development just south of Interstate 78.
Three model homes are up and running on the site which spans about 13 acres, showing potential buyers various options that can be purchased.
Ryan Homes executive Steve Stauffer said the company aims to have 41 homes sold by the end of 2024 and built by next summer.
A century-old mansion also sits on the Ryan Homes development.
Construction of homes at the site is “a long time coming,” with Ryan Homes starting the planning approval process about five years ago, Stauffer said.
“To find a single family home under $400,000 in the Lehigh Valley — there’s next to nothing; It truly doesn’t exist."Steve Stauffer, Ryan Homes executive
The development was approved in March 2021 by the Allentown City Planning Commission.
Ryan Homes says its Barnes Lane development offers the lowest-priced newly built single-family homes in the Lehigh Valley, with prices starting between $350,000 and $400,000.
Each home will have three to five bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage.
Buyers will work with Ryan Homes architects and designers to create their perfect setup, according to Stauffer, a division manager for Ryan Homes.
The homes feature the “absolute musts,” like several bedrooms, decent living space and a full range of new appliances, he said.
But they will not have unnecessary features that can quickly add to a home’s cost, like fireplaces or decks.
“We limit the amount of options … included in the house price, and we take away things that some buyers may not want to have,” he said.
The developer partners with a mortgage company to offer “attractive rates” and “flexibility” to potential homebuyers, he said.
Ryan Homes at Barnes Lanes offers “a tremendous opportunity” to become a homeowner, he said.
“To find a single-family under $400,000 in the Lehigh Valley — there’s next to nothing; It truly doesn’t exist,” Stauffer said.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said the new development is a small step toward easing a long-term housing crisis in the region.
“We are all very familiar with the housing needs across the Lehigh Valley, and this is helping out significantly for residents,” he said.
Allentown City Council President Cynthia Mota also help celebrate the development’s launch on Friday.
“As your neighbor across the street, I welcome you to the … community,” she said. “Thank you for investing in Allentown.”
