Pittsburgh City Council Seizes Homewood Apartment Building

The Pittsburgh City Council recently took decisive action to protect residents of a long-neglected Homewood apartment building. On Monday, council members voted unanimously to use eminent domain to acquire the property and maintain its status as affordable housing. The building, known as Homewood House and located on Frankstown Avenue, includes 100 units and had fallen into serious disrepair under previous ownership. This move ensures that residents can remain in their homes and that the property will not fall into the hands of irresponsible landlords.

Councilman Khari Mosley, whose district includes Homewood House, emphasized that the action prevents the property from being controlled by another bad actor. The city, working with the housing authority, now has the legal pathway to take over the property, renovate it, and provide consistent management. For residents, this means improved safety, better living conditions, and long-term stability in a building that has seen decades of neglect.

History of Homewood House

Homewood House has been part of Pittsburgh’s landscape for many years. Over time, the building experienced significant deterioration. Plumbing systems failed, electrical wiring became outdated, and apartment layouts no longer suited modern renters. Seniors and low-income residents living in the building reported unsafe conditions and persistent issues such as broken entry door latches, pest infestations, and a lack of security personnel.

The Homewood apartment building failed a HUD safety inspection in 2024, highlighting serious deficiencies that made daily life difficult for residents. Meanwhile, NB Affordable, the previous New Jersey-based owner, faced legal consequences for mortgage fraud. Bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings left the property at risk of being sold to owners who might neglect maintenance or displace tenants.

Councilman Mosley introduced the resolution to protect residents and preserve affordable housing before the building could be auctioned in a sheriff’s sale. The council recognized that taking action immediately was the only way to maintain stability in the neighborhood.

Why the City of Pittsburgh Used Eminent Domain

The City of Pittsburgh used eminent domain on a Homewood apartment building after years of unresolved code violations, safety concerns, and owner inaction left the property in a deteriorated and potentially dangerous condition. City officials determined that traditional enforcement efforts failed to bring the building into compliance, creating ongoing risks for tenants and the surrounding Homewood community.

By stepping in, the city argued the action served a public purpose under Pennsylvania law by eliminating blight, protecting residents, and stabilizing neighborhood housing. Eminent domain also allowed the property to be repositioned for responsible redevelopment, with the goal of preserving affordable housing and preventing further decline or displacement in a historically underinvested area.

The Homewood apartment building targeted for eminent domain was previously owned by a New Jersey-based company called NB Affordable, which held the property through a local LLC known as Homewood House Apartments LLC. This owner was responsible for managing the roughly 100-unit complex, but in recent years the property suffered from poor living conditions, failed safety inspections, and ongoing maintenance problems, drawing criticism from tenants and city officials alike.

Financial trouble compounded the management issues. The leaders of NB Affordable pleaded guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges, and several of the company’s properties, including the Homewood building, entered foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings.

The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) filed a lawsuit related to the property, seeking millions in damages after the owner failed to meet loan obligations.

With the property facing a likely sheriff’s sale early in 2026 due to these financial pressures, city officials feared it could end up in the hands of another landlord indifferent to tenant safety and affordability. This context of financial distress and poor management helped drive the decision to pursue eminent domain so the city could stabilize the building and protect its mostly low-income residents.

Renovation Plans and Expected Improvements

Once the city and housing authority complete the acquisition, several improvements will take place to make Homewood apartment building safe, functional, and comfortable for residents. Planned upgrades include:

• Repairs to plumbing, electrical systems, and structural components
• Functional door latches and secure entry systems
• Pest control and removal of hazardous conditions
• Renovated common areas for safety and convenience
• Improvements to accessibility for seniors and disabled residents

These upgrades prioritize resident safety and long-term usability over luxury features. By focusing on core needs, the city ensures that the building will continue to serve the community for years to come.

Benefits for Residents

For tenants, this project provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Seniors and other low-income residents gain:

• Safer living conditions with functional locks and secure entry points
• Reduced pest problems and improved sanitation
• Consistent management and maintenance through the housing authority
• Lease stability, reducing the risk of unexpected eviction

This initiative allows residents to remain in place, close to essential services, transportation, and community resources. It also protects seniors on fixed incomes who would face difficulty relocating. By preserving affordable housing, the city supports residents’ daily lives while stabilizing the neighborhood.

Natural connections to the broader rental market are also visible. Pittsburgh’s rental prices have fluctuated, and downtown units have seen shifts in availability and affordability. Projects like Homewood House ensure that residents do not lose access to reasonably priced housing options in central neighborhoods.

Community and Neighborhood Impact

Homewood House is more than just a single building. Its condition affects the broader Homewood neighborhood. When residential buildings fall into disrepair, it reduces property values, decreases community safety, and discourages investment. By taking control, the city restores stability to the area and encourages other property owners to maintain their buildings.

Maintaining affordable housing in the neighborhood also helps preserve the community’s character. Mixed-income residents can continue living alongside seniors, creating diverse, stable communities. As more residents remain in their homes, local businesses benefit from consistent foot traffic, and public services become more useful.

Economic and Social Advantages

The acquisition and renovation of Homewood House provide multiple economic and social benefits:

• Jobs are created during the renovation phase, supporting local contractors and laborers
• Residents continue to spend locally, strengthening nearby businesses
• Property values stabilize as maintenance improves and safety increases
• Neighborhood cohesion improves as long-term tenants remain in place

This project demonstrates how the city can intervene in a responsible and strategic way to maintain affordable housing while also supporting economic and community growth.

Role of the Housing Authority

The Pittsburgh Housing Authority (PHA) will oversee Homewood House after acquisition. PHA brings experience managing affordable housing, maintaining property standards, and supporting residents. By coordinating with council members and city officials, PHA can:

• Ensure timely repairs and maintenance
• Upgrade essential systems to meet safety standards
• Provide tenant support programs and resources

The housing authority’s involvement ensures that the building remains safe, functional, and affordable for years to come.

Lessons for Property Owners

Homewood House serves as a reminder for property owners that neglecting older buildings carries real consequences. Buildings that fall into disrepair can face legal action, government intervention, or a decline in property value.

For owners who lack the capital or capacity to complete major renovations, selling to experienced cash buyers can be a practical alternative. Many outside and local cash buyers actively invest in neighborhoods like Homewood with the intent to bring properties back up to code, stabilize housing, and improve livability. These buyers purchase properties as-is and assume the cost, risk, and timeline of repairs, allowing owners to avoid prolonged compliance battles, costly upgrades, or forced outcomes. This path is especially relevant for older rental buildings or inherited properties where deferred maintenance has compounded over time.

Legal Process and Timeline

Using eminent domain involves several legal steps:

1. Filing documentation to acquire the property
2. Establishing fair compensation for the current owner
3. Addressing potential appeals or disputes

Although the process can take months, city officials emphasize that beginning now prevents further deterioration and protects residents’ interests. Once the acquisition is complete, renovations can proceed under responsible management. Residents and potential tenants can also stay informed about broader housing trends, including shifts in pricing and availability, by reading our article on Pittsburgh apartment rental prices drop in 2025.

FAQs

Will residents need to move temporarily during renovations?

City officials plan to minimize disruptions. Some temporary relocation may be required for safety, but most residents will be able to return once improvements are completed.

How does eminent domain protect tenants?

The city takes control of the property to prevent neglect and displacement. It ensures consistent maintenance and keeps affordable housing available for existing residents.

Can other buildings in Pittsburgh expect similar intervention?

Potentially. The city can act on properties where neglect threatens public welfare and affordable housing.

How long will renovations take?

Timelines depend on building conditions, permitting, and funding. Officials plan to complete core safety and infrastructure upgrades as efficiently as possible.

Can property owners sell to cash buyers instead of waiting for city intervention?

Yes. Cash buyers purchase homes as-is, offering a fast and hassle-free way to sell older or difficult-to-renovate properties.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh City Council’s decision to use eminent domain on Homewood apartment building demonstrates the city’s commitment to protecting residents, maintaining affordable housing, and improving neighborhood stability. This action prevents displacement, restores safety, and ensures long-term management of the property under the housing authority.

Residents benefit from safer, healthier living conditions and consistent management. The neighborhood sees economic stabilization, and property owners learn that neglect has real consequences.

For property owners with aging buildings who want a fast solution, Buys Houses is the best solution as we buy houses with cash, allowing owners to sell without costly repairs or extended timelines.