If you’re like us, you’re looking for a little change after a rough 2020. Maybe your lease will be up soon…and we think a change in scenery is in order! Most people think of Downtown as where everyone works, but there are some amazing amenities to living there, too. It really has everything – restaurants, shopping, culture, and more.
Some of our favorite Downtown restaurants include Bae Bae’s Kitchen (remember back when they opened??), Meat and Potatoes, and Floor 2. We love picking up lunch from Bluebird Kitchen – don’t forget dessert – and Corner Mercantile (here’s more info on them!). And don’t forget about getting your sweet fix from Millie’s, La Gourmandine, and Prantl’s.
If you’re looking to decorate your new home, walk no further than PG&H. We love how they’re supporting local makers! And we love just walking and wandering into stores when a window display catches our eye.
Downtown has plenty of culture, too. You can always catch a show in the Cultural District. Visit one of the museums or even the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Downtown Pittsburgh has an entire organization dedicated to everything you can do there! And it’s a quick walk across a bridge to the stadiums and everything the North Shore has to offer!
So now that we’ve convinced you that city living is where it’s at, let’s talk about where you’re going to live. We’ve done the research for you and curated a list of the best properties the city has to offer. The only question now is: which one will you pick??
Terminal 21
Image via: Terminal 21 Image via: Terminal 21
If you want to live in a brand new construction, Terminal 21 is it. Originally a warehouse built in 1921, the building was totally renovated in 2020 to create 205 high end apartments. Fun fact: the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007! While turning the building into apartments, the new owners maintained the original concrete floors, concrete mushroom columns, and high ceilings – to give it that urban loft feel. Terminal 21 also offers some cool amenities you don’t see with every apartment building, like a co-working space, music practice rooms, a communal kitchen, a club-quality fitness center, a duckpin bowling alley, and a speakeasy-style bar.
Aria Lofts
Maybe you’re looking for a smaller community? Aria Lofts is a boutique building with only 40 lofts. Bonus: they’re pet friendly! The original 120 year old bricks and timber beams are still present, which adds a gorgeous contrast to the modern fixtures. Add in the amazing location with beautiful views of the Allegheny River, and when are we moving in? Plus the manager and maintenance live on-site, so rest assured that any issues will be taken care of quickly. There’s a reason Aria Lofts have a 4.8 Google star rating!
The Residences at the Historic Alcoa Building
The Residences at the Historic Alcoa Building combine beautiful spaces, top-tier amenities, and modern conveniences in an ideal location. Their amenities include something for everyone: resident lounges featuring games and entertainment, bike rooms, even a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio, strength training and cross-training equipment. The apartments are pet-friendly, too. And you’ll have a 24-hour desk attendant, package-acceptance services, on-site restaurants, and even laundry and dry cleaning services available! Curious about pricing? Feel free to reach out to the property to hear about some specials that are currently running!
Clark Building
So, if you’re like us, you’ve gone into the Clark Building to buy jewelry – but you can also live here! It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a home with tons of character. The statuesque building was erected in the 1920s by MGM owner James Clark, and, fun fact, housed Warner Brothers in a penthouse suite that included a viewing room. Today, the apartments feature 9-foot ceilings, expansive windows, in-unit full-size washer and dryers, high-efficiency AC and heat (individually controlled, of course), and modern kitchens – complete with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and breakfast bars. And, guys, the view from the rooftop deck is so good that you can watch the baseball games at PNC Park without ever leaving home. You’ll also find a fully-equipped fitness center. Living here means controlled building access, a 24-hour doorman, a secured bike room, and controlled-entry off-street parking, so you always feel safe and comfortable. Give the team a call today for all the info on pricing and current specials.
Penn Garrison Lofts
The Penn Garrison Lofts are full of that classic industrial character we’re looking for in a city apartment. We love their 15-foot ceilings and expansive windows, plus they feature modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances, breakfast bars, and granite countertops. Select apartments have in-unit washers and dryers, and there is laundry available on every floor. Soak up the warmer weather on the roof deck lounge, and keep up your fitness routine in the fully-equipped fitness center. Did we mention they’re pet-friendly? It’s a controlled access building, and there’s controlled-entry off-street parking available. Their staff is ready to answer any questions and give you all the scoop on current specials that they are running.
526 Penn Ave. Apartments
Anyone looking for refined elegance in an urban environment will immediately feel at home in the 526 Penn Ave. Apartments. From the hardwood floors to the open spaces that are a natural fit for entertaining, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful details. Each apartment has a modern kitchen with – you guessed it – stainless appliances, granite countertops, and breakfast bars. And each apartment has in-unit washer and dryer, plus 9-foot ceilings, expansive windows, and high-efficiency AC and heat that you control. You’ll also appreciate the rooftop deck with a state-of-the-art grilling station: the sweeping city views make it the perfect spot to watch fireworks. Add in a doorman, controlled building access, secured bike room, package concierge, valet dry cleaning, and 24-hour gym, and you’ll be living in luxury. Controlled-entry off-street parking is also available. Reach out to their office for some great Spring Leasing Specials!
Press House
If you always find yourself in the Cultural District, why not live there? Press House at 800 Penn Avenue features brand new micro one-bedroom apartments that make city living more affordable. But micro doesn’t mean you’re giving something up! Each apartment has an in-suite washer and dryer, smart floor plans, spa-like luxury bathrooms, and gourmet kitchens designed for cooking with a view. Naturally, your gourmet kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances! There’s also a beautifully appointed community lounge and 24-hour fitness areas. Feel safe with secure, keyless entry with fob access and 24-hour emergency maintenance. There’s WiFi throughout the common areas, plus a recycling center and trash chutes on every floor. Between the prime location and outstanding customer service, you’ll feel right at home.
Kaufmann’s Grand
Located in the iconic Kaufmann’s Department Store Flagship building, Kaufmann’s Grand is the most stylish and historic living offered in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. The beauty of the past is mixed with luxuries of today in their studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. You’ll find contemporary finishes, oversized windows and open floorplans to allow residents to cook and entertain with ease in their gourmet kitchens including gas ranges and stainless-steel appliances. Amenities coming in 2021 include: a full roof deck with infinity pool, fitness center, surround-sound movie theatre, lounge/clubroom room, game room, private work space pods, roof deck dog park, on-site parking and more. With retailers like Target within the same building, everything you could need or want is available under one grand rooftop – you’ll never want to leave the community!
The Commonwealth Building
The Commonwealth Building was originally known as the Commonwealth Trust Bank – and this historic tower has been servicing people Downtown for over one hundred years. And, we know we’ve mentioned other new apartments, but these are our newest…so new they’re *almost* ready to live in: they’ll be move-in-ready come spring! We’re totally in love with the idea of being the first to live in a brand new apartment! The Commonwealth features unparalleled studios, one and two-bedroom apartments – they’re stunning, light-filled modern homes in a timeless Pittsburgh monument. The premium services and amenities are nothing to sneeze at, either, including a fitness center, co-working spaces, and a bi-level community space with an incredible roof deck.
Trex Development / The Century Building Apartments
The Century Building offers Downtown living in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District– was originally built in 1907 to house offices in downtown Pittsburgh’s business district. In 2009, Trek development instilled a rebirth by transitioning this historical building to a mix of commercial businesses, restaurants, and The Century Building Apartments. The redevelopment involved a refurbishment to the 12-story concrete structure, including making a living environment that is friendly to both the residents and the ecosystem and environment. Trek continues to work toward achieving a LEED Silver Certification using things like ground source heating and cooling, Energy Star lighting and appliances, formaldehyde-free materials, high energy efficient insulation and windows, recycling centers on every floor, water-saving appliances, materials with recycled and regional content, and so much more. One of the cool features is their shared bike parking – available for both residents and commuters – made from recycled metal shipping containers. Residents may also use the club room that includes a fireplace, the rooftop deck including dog walking area and fireplace and green space, and the upgraded fitness center.
Trex Development / Eighth and Penn
Eighth and Penn Apartments is one of Downtown’s best kept secrets! In the lobby you may sit and enjoy the sounds of the beautiful automated grand piano, as you enjoy the art display featuring Pittsburgh’s notable artist. Eighth and Penn is in the heart of Pittsburgh’s cultural district and is made up of two historic buildings (711 and 713 Penn Avenue). The facades and storefronts on Penn Avenue have been redesigned to feature a beautiful glass entry. The interiors renovations feature concrete finished corridors and a beautiful light bridge connecting both the historical and modern design. A few of the beautiful and unique features are the original hard wood floors, 20 ft ceiling heights, loft style bedrooms, custom build shelving, all stainless steel appliances, and all units are equipped with in-unit washer/dryer. The building amenities are endless – featuring a beautiful roof deck including an outdoor fire pit, a barbecue grill, private dining section, and a dog walk area. There is also a state-of-the-art health club facility, a business center, bicycle storage and dog washing station located in the basement.
Trex Development / 900 Penn Apartments
Another property with character, 900 Penn Apartments feature 22 lofts in a former printing factory. Many of the historic elements, like the original wood, tin ceilings and exposed brick were preserved in the renovation. And some things that were lost over the years – like full-size round top windows, cornice caps, and the pier cap – were reconstructed to give the building back its original beauty. Living here will provide you with upscale loft living with culture and comfort. Amenities include a walk-score of 99, rooftop terrace, pet-friendly units, bike storage, maintenance-free living, and more.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.