Excellence...
An overgrown vacant parcel of land located at 201 Paoli Avenue which had for years been a haven for illegal dumping and trash littering is being quietly transformed into an Italian style treasure, so to speak. Working with the natural contours of the flowing hill side land and highlighting Roxborough’s unique and beautiful Wissahickon Mica Schist rock formations and landscape boulders, the site is being developed into a 10 home subdivision named, Taormina. Roxborough resident and property developer, Frank Giovannone, Jr. says “Orchestrating this project has been very exciting, challenging as well as personally rewarding”, for both him and his brother and partner Anthony Giovannone.
“For years people would dump trash, mattresses, construction debris, or simply throw beer cans on the property as they drove along Paoli Avenue. To see and be part of the positive transformation and improvement of our neighborhood makes our job very satisfying”, says Giovannone.
In a time when “Green building” is all the rage, they are quick to point out that they offer “True Green” at Taormina because all you see as you look around the site is rolling green hills and green leaves, notably there are no homes across the street of this section of the beautiful tree lined Paoli Avenue.
Giovannone Construction, Incorporated is no new comer to the construction and real estate development game. Founded as a concrete construction firm in 1954 by their father Frank Giovannone, Sr. the day after he graduated Roxborough High School, the company expanded into industrial construction and real estate development projects. The sons purchased the company in 1998 and continued to grow the capabilities of the construction and real estate development divisions of the organization. They developed, designed and are constructing all facets of the infrastructure improvements and home construction on this project.
The development is named after a historic town in Sicily. The name Taormina proves very appropriate for the Roxborough/Manayunk area since it falls in line with the surrounding streets named for the Italian regions and cities such as Umbria and Paoli. The topographical features of Taormina of Roxborough offer similar characteristics of its ancient sister with dramatic steep slopes, beautiful natural rock outcroppings and stunning views of historic Manayunk, Gladwyne, Belmont Hills and glimpses of downtown Philadelphia.
While visiting this ancient Italian city almost 7 years ago, Frank Giovannone, Jr was so impressed with the construction of the beautiful village homes nestled on the edges of the mountain side that he was inspired to create a similar experience at home. Taormina of Roxborough now affords the opportunity to finally realize this vision. The site design includes 8 Italian style luxury twin homes along Paoli Avenue street frontage and will feature two custom built Master Villas set back and perched on top of the hillside.
The eight 2,500SF twin homes feature 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a lounge, and upgraded European style kitchens featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Sliding glass doors along the front facade of the villa homes accented by an Italian style Juliet balconies, allow fresh breezes to flow through the home. The rear deck off of the kitchen area allows outside dining and an opportunity to savor the natural landscape of the plush site. The stone and stucco facade highlights are reminiscent of old world Italian craftsmanship and reflect the unique style of the development. Each home will have garage and off street driveway parking as well.
The prized jewels of the development will be the two custom built Master Villas which will both sit on their own 2 acre lot and offer gorgeous vistas which will only enhance the experience of living at Taormina. These single family homes will be designed and constructed with the same Italian craftsmanship, only on a more grand scale.
Prospective new home buyers are being enticed to the site not only because of the unique designs, stunning landscaping and the 10 year Tax abatement, but also because the site’s excellent location in Roxborough offers a unique opportunity for residents to experience the joy of country style living fortified with the advantages and convenience of the urban connection to the great city of Philadelphia. The location affords residents easy bus and train service, proximity to the IvyRidge Shopping Center, Roxborough YMCA and the Roxborough Kids First Medical Center.
Despite the present state of the US Housing Market, home sales, which began in September, “Have been strong”, says Giovannone, “When you have a quality product in a great location like Roxborough the homes are going to sell.”