Franklin (Frank) W. Otto, a real estate broker, formed the Cambria Land and Improvement Company and purchased the 127-acre Hochstein farm in 1906. His new company installed streets, water and sewer lines, and laid out lots. Under his direction, streets were laid out and Southmont Boulevard was planned and graded. He topped the springs and piped water to all parts of the Borough with power from a windmill that stood near Millcreek Road (Menoher Boulevard) and Gardner Street. Maple trees were planted along the newly laid out street, C.P. Collins prepared the first Borough maps for Mr. Otto. Edward and Olive Streets were named after children of Mr. Otto. Mabel Street was named for Mrs. Collins, and Leila and Helen Streets were named for the Collins children.

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    When the Borough was incorporated in 1919, Mr. Otto became its first burgess. Other early council members and Borough officials were John H. Waters, John C. Cosgrove, John L. Hershberger, Marshall G. Moore, Dr. C.A. Matthews, Harry Doerr, Louis A. Geis, S.E. Dickey, Robert Shaffer, Park Haws, and Roy Wertiz. In 1921, its corporate boundaries were extended with the acquisition of two other tracts – Grandview Cemetery and the Overbrook neighborhood.