The former State Office Building at 300 Liberty Ave occupies prime real estate in the Golden Triangle. Now the River Vue apartments, its 16 floors and 216 units offer easy access to Downtown, Point State Park and the North Shore.
Millcraft Investments bought the sleek 1957 building for $4.6 million in 2009 and opened River Vue in 2012. Two years ago, upstate New York transplants Mary Woody and her husband, Aaron Perelstein, moved into a two-bedroom unit on the second floor.
“For us it is really nice to be Downtown,” said Mr. Perelstein. “We don’t have a car so access to the bus system is really convenient here compared to other neighborhoods.”
The couple and their little dog Effie also appreciate being so close to Point State Park. “It really feels like the Point is part of your backyard,” Ms. Woody said.
Effie, 12, “is a star in the building,” said property manager Justin Horvat.
The pet-friendly building is surrounded by grassy areas for the convenience of residents with dogs. There are no size limits on pets.
“We actually had a champion 225-pound mastiff that lived here at one point,” Mr. Horvat said.
River Vue (www.rivervuepgh.com) has 178 one-bedroom apartments, 14 studios, 23 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom townhome apartment with 2½ baths and wraparound balconies off the living room and master bedroom. That unit, currently occupied, rents for $5,995 per month. Four other two-bedroom townhomes, also occupied, have rents ranging from $3,450 to $4,995.
A 900-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment with a soaking tub, washer and dryer and views of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers is available for $1,850 a month.
“It is the easiest side in the building to lease because everyone wants the view and the location,” Mr. Horvat said.
Rents for standard studio apartments range from $1,240 to $1,350 per month and penthouse studios from $1,550 to $1,690 a month. Two-bedroom units range from $2,295 to $2,699 and the two-bedroom penthouses are $3,025 to $3,085 per month. Apartments facing Downtown rent for $200 less.
“They all have large open kitchens with an island with pendant lighting,” Mr. Horvat said. “There are 35 different floor plans.”
Ms. Woody said their apartment has ample closet space. “We love the giant walk-in closet in our bedroom.”
While the building’s modern lobby is spare, amenities are plentiful.
“There is an exercise room, valet parking via an app, a community lounge and deck and even a free coffee machine,” Ms. Woody said.
Her husband said he enjoys the lounge and deck, especially in the summertime.
“They overlook Point State Park and you can see the fireworks and everything,” Mr. Perelstein said. “When the parade was coming through for the Penguins, everybody was packed on the deck to watch.”
To remain competitive with other new apartments Downtown, Millcraft converted a two-bedroom unit into the lounge and deck in 2017. There is a kitchen, television and tables. Down the hall is a guest suit that can be rented for visiting friends and family.
“We listened to our customers,” Mr. Horvat said. “It has been a huge hit with the residents.”
Each year, there are at least two social events for tenants, who range from young professionals to empty-nesters. “I think we have like 35 pets living here now so we are working on having a pet happy hour,” the property manager said.
In addition to the many restaurants and bars nearby, residents will soon be able to drink and eat in a 65-table restaurant that Sly Fox Brewery of Phoenixville, Pa., is opening on the ground floor of the building.
Though Downtown lacks a full-size grocery store, Whole Foods Market and Amazon will deliver, Mr. Horvat noted. “The groceries are delivered right to your door so you don’t even have to carry them up.”
River Vue is now offering a March move-in special: Tenants who sign a lease on a vacant apartment the same day as they tour receive one month of free rent and pay no upfront fees. To arrange a tour, call 412-434-5700 or email live@Rivervuepgh.com.
Patricia Sheridan: psheridan@post-gazette.com.
First Published: March 1, 2019, 1:00 p.m.