Just one year after the groundbreaking of Kiryas Anshei Lubavitch in the Pocono Mountains, the vision of a Chassidish summer community is quickly becoming a reality.

This past Sunday, families gathered in Mount Cobb, Pennsylvania, for an open house at the 65-acre development, touring the grounds and seeing firsthand how much has changed since the project was launched last summer.

Rabbi Yossi Garelik, Rov of Anshei Lubavitch Shul, led visitors on a tour of the property, while the developer showed families through the homes currently under construction.

The progress was evident throughout the development. A number of homes are already built and nearing completion, with approximately 40 plus homes at various stages of construction.

The homes are being built to a high standard, with quality construction and full winterization, making them comfortable not only during the summer months but throughout the year. With the village taking shape so quickly, some families are already considering living in Kiryas Anshei Lubavitch year-round, rather than using their homes solely as summer residences.

Close to 50% of the homes in the development have already been sold, reflecting the strong interest in creating a Chabad community where families can spend their vacations surrounded by Torah, Chassidishkeit and a vibrant communal atmosphere.

The infrastructure for the community’s recreational areas is also taking shape. Areas designated for playgrounds, pools, baseball fields, courts and other amenities have already been cleared and prepared, bringing the plans that were presented at last year’s groundbreaking one step closer to reality.

The open house was not simply a construction tour, but a community event. Families enjoyed a BBQ together, while children had plenty to keep them busy, including bouncy houses and rides.

In keeping with the spirit of a Chassidish event, participants also gave tzedakah, adding a meaningful dimension to a day focused on building a new community.

A year ago, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of Kiryas Anshei Lubavitch. This year’s gathering offered families the opportunity to see that the plans are no longer simply plans on paper: houses are standing, families are purchasing homes, and the foundations of the community are visibly taking shape.