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At the time of its
construction in 1960, Pacesetter Gardens signified a new era of suburban
homebuilding. These attached row houses, designed by architect and developer
Harry J. Quinn, received national media attention upon their completion and
helped spark a new trend in home design. Pacesetter provided housing
opportunities to families who were unable to afford a single-family home by
offering a rent-to-own option. As early as the 1970s, however, the units
fell victim to neglect at the hands of absentee landlords, eventually
leading to the deterioration of both the buildings and the community as a
whole. Federal, state, and local grants were obtained for a neighborhood
revitalization effort that would preserve the units as affordable housing
while adding new retail and office building. In 2007, Holsten Real Estate
Development Corporation broke ground and one year later the first residents
moved in to the restored units. ADA accessible lifts and green technology
were added. Hallmarks of the 1960 design that were carefully preserved
include colorful aluminum siding, replicated metal window shutters, plus
original doors and hardware. This contemporary model for community planning
has proven more successful than its 1960s predecessors.
Photo credits: 1-7 Farr
Associates
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