Northside's newest housing development began on Tuesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for its first model home.

Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory, city manager Milton Dohoney Jr., Northside Community Council president Tim Jeckering joined City and neighborhood representatives and future residents to turn the first shovel for Northwind, a 25-home development being built by Robley I, LLC (NorthPointe Group) and Potterhill Homes on 7.1 acres .

"Northside shares our values," said Carolyn Rolfes, president of Potterhill Homes. "We believe that revitalizing our urban core with high-quality housing is essential for our city's long term progress, and current sales show that people agree with us."

Homes will be priced from the $140s and will come in traditional and neo-traditional styles. Seven of the 25 lots have been pre-sold.

Potterhill Homes is currently taking reservations for January's lot draw.

Each house will be eligible for the City of Cincinnati's 10-year tax abatement. Buyers can also opt for LEED certification, making their homes eligible for a 15-year tax abatement.

Potterhill Homes are 50 percent more energy-efficient than other builders and offer Energy Star appliances and geothermal heating and cooling, the company says.

Photos courtesy of Wordsworth Communications.

Previous reading on BC:
Model for 25-home Northwind development to open this winter (8/10/09)
Land sale could bring 25 homes to Northside (12/2/08)
Northside: Colerain Connector redevelopment update (3/28/07)