Often the region referred to as Fox Chapel also includes O’Hara Township, but the two areas are actually different entities – who work together for the betterment of both communities.
Fox Chapel Borough is a small community with a population of 5,343. There are no businesses located within the borough. “There are over 300 acres of borough-owned parkland, which combine with two country clubs and the Beechwood Nature Reserve to create a natural environment for residents,” said Gary Koehler, Fox Chapel borough manager.
O’Hara Township is a little larger with a population of 9,288. Similarly to Fox Chapel, nature plays a key role in the community. “We have a vast park system with both active recreation and passive parks. We have approximately 220 acres of designated parkland, not including the open space that the township also owns,” O’Hara Township Manager Julie Jakubec said.
Both Koehler and Jakubec said that the close proximity to the city and the Oakland neighborhood make the region enticing to residents. Plus, there are ample housing opportunities. “We have a vast housing stock that encompasses many different socioeconomic layers,” Jakubec said.
The Fox Chapel Area School District is very attractive for those with families. “The District is a learning community that focuses on educating the whole student— meaning educating a child academically, while also attending to their social and emotional needs. We offer high-quality learning opportunities with skilled educators and staff, rich programming, and many extracurricular activities,” Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac said.
Reljac feels the community is important for the school district’s success. “The district’s beautiful campuses are enhanced by regional parks, trails, and other natural features,” she said. “The school district enjoys strong relationships with the townships and boroughs that it serves. Those municipalities are filled with local businesses and community partners. Fox Chapel Area School District is a special place because of the wonderful people who are part of this school community.”
The Mayor of Fox Chapel, Alex Scott, has lived in the borough since he was six years old. “My father was developing residential property in Fox Chapel, and my parents decided they wanted to live here,” he said. “Even now, it is close to a big city, but with lots of undeveloped land and green space.” Like his parents, he loved the area so much he stayed, raising his own four children and of course, serving as mayor.
The Lauri Ann West Community Center located in O’Hara is another asset to the community. “We own the center, and it is run by a nonprofit. It is one of the most successful private/public partnerships in the area. It offers numerous programs and activities,” Jakubec explained.
A variety of businesses are located in O’Hara, including Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant. “Jimmy Wan’s has been serving the O’Hara area for nearly 38 years. O’Hara is a great location because it is home to a lot of families, including ours, and people that respect hard work and quality,” said Kristin Wan Brezinski, second generation owner and operator. Brezinski and her husband, Todd, own the O’Hara location while her brother, Jimmy, owns the Cranberry location. Jimmy Wan’s was started by Jimmy and Kathy Wan, their parents.
Brezinski continued, “Thirty-eight years ago, our family was embraced by the community, and to this day we have long-time customers that have been with us through it all.”
Specializing in innovative, authentic Asian foods, Wan’s is part of the community, according to Brezinski. “The people are what make it special. We think of our lounge and restaurant like the bar from Cheers, where everybody knows your name, your drink, and what you’ll have for dinner.”
Gentilcore Jewelers, started in 1959, opened their first retail store in the Fox Chapel Plaza in 1973, according to Robert Gentilcore, president and son of John and Dolores, the original owners. “It is a family owned and operated full-service jewelry store offering fine jewelry, in-house jewelry repair, and custom manufacturing,” Gentilcore said.
The Gentilcore family has lived in O’Hara since 1965, according to Gentilcore. “My mom was managing the store in those early years while the downtown office was in full operation. This helped her care for her family, as well as the store.”
The location is ideal because of the generations of customers and community, he said. “Our area includes stable and growing communities – that makes this area special.”
The Brick & Barrel Cross Keys has been located in a well-known location since 2020, but the building dates back to 1850, when it was a stagecoach stop. Along with the rich history of the building, it is reported to be home to a ghost, said Jeff Brungo, owner.
Brick & Barrel uses homemade recipes and fresh ingredients to craft their menu. They also feature a large bourbon selection, 14 beers on tap, and craft cocktails. “It’s a great, family atmosphere for all ages,” Brungo said.
Like others, Brungo said the Fox Chapel/O’Hara area is an ideal place to own a business. “We have such great families that come in; many of them turning into friends over the last few years. We have hosted anniversaries from people who had their wedding reception or rehearsal dinner here 40 plus years ago, wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions, engagement proposals, memorial services, showers, and surprise birthday parties, just to name a few,” Brungo said, “This area is a great location that is wooded and more private, but not far away from downtown.”
The borough and township set the atmosphere for the community, working hand in hand in many regards. They just completed a joint, comprehensive community plan according to Koehler. Additionally, they partner in many other aspects. “We work closely with Fox Chapel in many ways. We jointly bid our road paving program. We borrow each other’s equipment when needed. We have joint training opportunities for both police and public service,” Jakubec said. “If one of us fails, we will both fail.”
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