Building on Seven Decades of Success
For 75 years, Stambrosky Homes has been serving the Pittsburgh area, providing high-end residential homes for their valued customers. The reason for its success, according to Jeff Mach, a realtor with The Mach Group, Howard Hanna Peters Twp., is that the company rarely says “no” to customer requests.
By Vanessa Orr
Rick Stambrosky literally doesn’t say ‘no’ to anything, unless the customers decide it is not in their budget,” he laughed. “He listens to the customer, learns what they’re looking for so that they get exactly what they want in a home, and provides the flexibility to adjust floor plans, room sizes, interior design selections and the exteriors to meet their needs.”
The company specializes in single-family homes and has been involved in some of Pittsburgh’s most-desired neighborhoods, including Nevillewood, the 1989-development centered around a Jack Nicklaus golf course, Settlers Pointe in Colliers Twp. and Anthony Farms in Peters Twp.
Seven Decades of Success
Stambrosky Homes was started by builder George Stambrosky in 1949 with a focus on carpentry and craftsmanship. Today it is run by his son, Rick, who joined the company in 1972 after graduating from the University of Dayton with a degree in civil engineering. The firm currently has between 12-16 full-time carpenters on staff as well as three head project managers and a small office staff.
Real estate also runs in Rick Stambrosky’s family; his daughter, Danielle Stambrosky Mach, and her husband, Jeff, are top producing realtors with Howard Hanna. The Mach Group with Howard Hanna works with clients to list and buy resale properties, as well as represents Stambrosky Homes.
“There’s a lot to be said for the family aspect of it and the smallness of it,” said Jeff Mach of the closeness of the Stambrosky Homes’ staff. “We keep things in-house and do things right, and we believe in always being honest and upfront.”
According to Darlene A. Hunter, vice president and regional new homes manager for Howard Hanna, those qualities have contributed to the long relationship that the two companies share.
“Stambrosky Homes’ relationship with Howard Hanna dates back many years; George Stambrosky started working with Howard Hanna Sr. early on, and they formed a great business relationship working hand-in-hand on different projects,” she explained. “That relationship has continued on with Rick and his family.
“I was running the Nevillewood office when Danielle became an agent, and her mother, Joan, had her license before that,” she continued. “When Danielle and Jeff got married, they became a team with Howard Hanna Real Estate—it’s not uncommon for agents to work for a broker and also represent the community.”
She notes that this relationship actually works in a client’s favor, as it makes for a more seamless process, whether a person is building, buying or selling a home.
A History of Luxury Living
Stambrosky Homes’ first major neighborhood development was in Greentree, where the company developed a small piece of farmland into 21 lots and homes. The builder then began developing properties in the South Hills, beginning with five lots in Virginia Manor and then moving onto the Springfield subdivision in Upper St. Clair.
During the early to mid-1980s, Stambrosky Homes built close to 30 homes in that subdivision before taking on other projects in the Upper St. Clair/Peters Twp. area in developments including McMurray Highlands and Hollydale.
In 1988, Rick Stambrosky began looking at the possibility of a major development involving a Jack Nicklaus golf course community, which today is known as Nevillewood. That community has grown to include 535 homes in Collier Twp., including single-family homes, townhomes, carriage homes, and patio homes, in addition to the 18-hole Club at Nevillewood golf course and clubhouse.
“It was always such a pleasure to take clients through their homes,” said Hunter of selling Nevillewood and other Stambrosky Home properties. “The homes felt so solid, so good. The finishes, the quality of workmanship, just everything about the homes separated them from their competitors. Customers could easily see the difference in construction.
“We’re so proud to work with them; it’s been a great relationship for many years,” she added. “We look at them not only as clients but as friends of Howard Hanna.”
Today, Stambrosky Homes is still building communities in Collier & Peters Townships as well as on individual lots in the southwest suburbs of Pittsburgh. These include Settlers Pointe in Colliers Twp. and Anthony Farms in Peters Twp.
Anthony Farms features more than 60 luxury homes of 3,400 sq. ft. and up situated on half-acre lots. Demand has been high for these true custom homes that offer incredible views and rolling vistas. Minutes from Rt. 19 and Interstate 79, Anthony Farms’ homes are close to shopping at Donaldson’s Crossroads, and are part of the Peters Twp. School District.
“Anthony Farms features absolutely beautiful, stunning homes, that today are all well over $1 million,” said Hunter. “That project is pretty much complete, with only one more lot available.”
Settlers Pointe in Collier Twp. features 78 home sites on quarter-acre lots where Stambrosky Homes is building 2,200 sq. ft. and up single-family homes. Situated in the western suburbs of the city, the township borders communities including Robinson Township, Heidelberg, and Bridgeville, and offers convenient access to both I-79 and the Parkway West.
According to the Howard Hanna website, the location makes it a desirable place for commuters, providing an easy drive to Downtown Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh International Airport, and major shopping destinations like The Mall at Robinson. The area around Settlers Pointe is known for a mix of suburban charm and green spaces, with parks such as 1,610-acre Settlers Cabin Park nearby, offering trails, picnic areas, and other recreational activities. The community is also close to various schools, local amenities, and dining options, making it an appealing location for families and professionals alike.
“Rick and his dad bought this land 40+ years ago and waited for the right time to develop it,” explained Mach. “They are about halfway through building this community, which features stone paver driveways and sidewalks throughout, which gives it a nice, park-like feel.”
According to Mach, Settlers Pointe is attracting a wide range of homebuyers, from young families to empty nesters looking to “right-size.”
“Located right by Settlers Cabin Park, this is a great project with packages starting at $800,000 and up,” said Hunter. “It’s right off 376, and just a few minutes from Robinson Township, and it’s so convenient.”
Estimating that there are about two more years for build-out on the project, Hunter adds that the homes are very charming with cobblestone driveways and sidewalks that provide a quaint, charming feel.
“The profile buyer is really diversified, ranging anywhere from families to empty nesters who want to build something with a first-floor master,” she added.
Mach noted that Stambrosky Homes is also involved in doing high-end renovations along the 79 corridor in South Hills, and is working on projects including completely renovating a 4,000 sq. ft. home and adding a 2,000 sq. ft. addition to a home in Sewickley.
While developing these sites, Stambrosky Homes continues to look for future projects.
“While we don’t have any firm plans as of yet, we’re always talking to people about land and thinking about what could happen next,” said Mach.
Complete Customization
Though trends change, customization is still key when it comes to designing a luxury home.
“These days, a lot comes down to creating useable space; when a customer meets with us, they don’t want to pay for wasted space,” said Mach, noting that formal dining room and living rooms are being phased out and are instead being replaced by large entertaining spaces where people can gather and not feel separated.
“We listen to what our clients want and share our experiences with them, and then create spaces to fit their needs, tweaking each aspect so it works for them,” he added.
He noted that the company also stands by its quality and pricing from the beginning, ensuring that clients know what they are going to pay upfront. “We’ve had people price homes with us and decide to build with someone they thought was less expensive, only to call us later to ask us to take on the project,” Mach said.
Buddy Brennan is a satisfied customers who choose to build with Stambrosky Homes in the Settlers Pointe community.
“I’ve known about them for a long time, and was aware that they built a lot of houses in the Nevillewood and Anthony Farms’ communities,” he said. “We looked at other houses, but wanted a truly custom-built house, and people spoke very highly of their quality of work.”
Brennan’s home in Settlers Pointe features a first-floor master, customized front entrance and three-car garage.
“I sent over a design I drew on a piece of paper, and Rick Stambrosky sent some thoughts back to me about what he thought we could do on the lot,” said Brennan of his collaboration with the home builder. “I made more suggestions and we came up with a really good floor plan, going back and forth on revisions.
“We both took photos of different ideas and sent them to each other on our iPhones, and once I loved the design, Rick sent it to an architect who drew it up,” he added.
Brennan said that he is very impressed by the quality of the completed home, as well as the fact that Stambrosky Homes worked with him every step of the way.
“I honestly never heard the word “no” come out of their mouths,” he laughed. “I’d say, ‘Can we do this? What about that?’ and Brian, Thad and Jeremy, the project managers, would throw ideas back at me that were brilliant. It was truly a back-and-forth.”
Brennan said that he was also highly impressed with finish carpenter, Patrick, who did “unbelievable” work on the 6,300 sq. ft. home.
“I’ve already recommended Stambrosky Homes to others who are interested in a truly customized home,” he added. “The quality of their work is exceptional, and they are just great people.” NH
