Affordable housing builder expands in Allegheny County with $2.4M investment, creating 58 jobs

A modular home builder constructing a trio of affordable townhomes in Etna will be expanding its operations in Allegheny County.

Gov. Josh Shapiro recently announced that his administration secured a $2.4 million investment from Module Design, which will create 58 jobs while retaining eight existing positions.

Module received a $762,000 funding proposal from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that consists of a $400,000 loan and two grants totaling $362,000.

The company, now leasing 22,000 square feet of industrial space along Superior Street in Scott Township, will use the money to improve its existing space and buy new equipment that will increase its efficiency and capacity.

Module will use one of the grants, totaling $72,000, to train its workers.

“With support from the commonwealth, we’re expanding our capacity to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient housing in a region where housing is in short supply,” said Brian Gaudio, co-founder and CEO of Module.

Building homes in Allegheny County “creates family-sustaining jobs and on-ramps into the construction trades. We remain steadfast in our belief that everyone deserves to live in a well-designed space they are proud to call home,” he said.

On April 7, Gaudio joined state, county and local officials in Etna for a groundbreaking ceremony for three townhomes his company is building along Locust Street with City of Bridges Community Land Trust.

They are on track to be complete around October, said Casandra Armour, spokeswoman for City of Bridges. Each will list for $147,500.

According to City of Bridges, the homes will remain permanently affordable through a ground lease with the organization. Buyers will own their homes, but the land remains with City of Bridges.

Updated annual income limits, before taxes, for buyers are $60,100 for one person, $68,700 for two, $77,300 for three, $85,850 for four and $92,750 for five.

While none of the homes have yet been sold, there has been significant interest shown in them, mostly from people who have some connection to Etna, Armour said. If the number of qualified candidates outnumbers the homes available, a community advisory board will help make decisions, she said.

People interested in buying one of the homes can still apply on the City of Bridges website at cityofbridgesclt.org/how-to-apply.

In addition to Etna, City of Bridges plans to start work in August on six new homes, again with Module, on Rosetta and Broad streets in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood, Armour said. They are expected to be ready by summer 2026.

“Module has been an exceptional partner to the City of Bridges Community Land Trust, combining innovative design with a deep commitment to community-driven development,” said Rebecca Aguilar-Francis, executive director of City of Bridges.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato attended the Etna groundbreaking in April.

“Sustainable housing solutions are more important than ever, and this expansion is wonderful news for Module and Allegheny County,” she said. “Module is investing in eco-friendly, affordable homes and establishing robust workforce development programs, which is an investment in Allegheny County’s future.

“We are grateful for Module’s continued investment and partnership and for Gov. Shapiro’s commitment to supporting local businesses and investments in building a more stronger housing ecosystem.”