monroevillehistorical.org

Bert Drive in Turnpike Gardens, 2006

Turnpike Gardens, 1955

In 1950, in what was surely a fateful decision, Monroeville was designated as the Pittsburgh Exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Perhaps hoping to capitalize on Monroeville’s new prominence, developer Albert Krasman, Jr. named his proposed housing plan “Turnpike Gardens.”  His streets would bear the names of various members of the Krasman family.  Thus we find:  Laura Lee, Maria, Nancy, Bert, Jerry, Sandy, Valerie Circle, Lolly, and West and East Patty Lanes.

Turnpike Gardens, as the name implies, was convenient to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and just off one of its historic predecessors, the Northern Pike.  Home buyers could have their choice of a rather modest Cape Cod plan, or a somewhat larger Ranch-style house.  A third model, the even more spacious “Valmar” – with a 2-story, 4 bedroom floor plan, was available as the most luxurious option.