The elevator entrance inside the garage of a newly built brownstone is the first clue that the residence at Overlook Brownstones has designed modern living solutions for aging-in-place along the Allegheny River in Oakmont.
The state-of-the-art elevator travels from the garage to all four floors of the brick brownstone at 66 1st St., listed by Howard Hanna Realtor Lori Hummel for $1.5 million at Overlook Brownstones within The River’s Edge community of Oakmont.
“You’re not ever having to carry packages since the elevator starts in the garage,” Hummel said. “It’s a five-stop elevator — for someone looking for all one-floor living you can still age-in-place here very gracefully because of the elevator, and still have a lot of square-footage.”
Many of potential buyers are transitioning from large, single family homes and Hummel said they’re wanting lots of space without the upkeep of landscaping.
“Many buyers love the ability to connect to a community and from here you can walk to just about everything,” Hummel said. “And the elevators are something they really love.”
The elevators are hydraulic, don’t require inspections and of course, there are stairs too.
The property has four bedrooms, four ensuite bathrooms and more than 3,000 square-feet of living space with an open floor-plan.
One buyer from Texas bought a brownstone as a second home for easy access to Steeler games.
Elevated living at Overlook Brownstones at The Rivers Edge along the Allegheny River in Oakmont. Each home has a modern, in-home elevator. Howard Hanna Realtor Lori Hummel demonstrates. Video @hanz_joyce @HowardHanna @TribLIVE @VNDNews pic.twitter.com/u8dcxIeQNH
— Reporter Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) January 15, 2026
What’s a brownstone?
Brownstones are vertical homes with multiple floors offering a timeless, distinctive architecture made with sandstone material by the same name.
“Most of the time brownstones are connected but they don’t have to be,” explained Hummel.
Brownstones were built prolifically around New York City during the 1800s.
At Overlook, the brownstones are made primarily with brick.
Multi-level balconies offer views of the Allegheny River and expansive windows and 10-feet tall ceilings make for modern, vertical-living lifestyle that many new home buyers are seeking, Hummel said.
The rooftop terrace is partially covered, features two sky lights and provides a bird’s eye view of the river.
Hummel lives in Oakmont and has been on the selling team at The River’s Edge since its beginnings more than a decade ago.
The waterfront community sits on 30 acres of what was once the site of Edgewater Steel Co.
“To have that changed into such a beautiful gem of the community — a high-end place to live — it’s really beautiful to see,” Hummel said.
Residents have access to resort-style amenities such as an infinity pool, fitness center, meeting/social room, walking trails and a large clubhouse.
The four Rs
Overlook Brownstones and The River’s Edge provide walkable access to the four “Rs” of Oakmont: retail, restaurants, recreation and the river.
The HOA community offers a maintenance-free setting, another feature Hummel said potential buyers are wanting as they become empty-nesters, downsize or buy a second home.
“Many of these buyers spend the winter elsewhere but they may have family here and want to be close to them when they visit,” Hummel said. “They don’t want to always stay in hotels. They don’t want to have to do anything but just enjoy their home.”
Another reason Oakmont is attracting buyers from the city of Pittsburgh is financially-motivated.
“I had a buyer that left the city where it was a 4 percent annual wage tax and here in Oakmont it’s a 1 percent wage tax,” Hummel said. “That’s why we get a lot of doctors, attorneys, professionals. They’re keeping more of their money by living here.”