With
millions of dollars channeled into redeveloping Pittsburgh’s
Fifth-Forbes corridor, some are adding to the momentum by taking
small but significant steps toward investing in downtown housing.
Two
newly-renovated residential units located at 2 Market Place are now
welcoming tenants. Michael
Kratsas of Nicholas and Patrinas Properties recently completed work on
the four-story, turn-of-the-century structure. “Housing is something
that downtown Pittsburgh has needed for so long. It is what was
missing," says Kratsas.
With Pittsburgh favorite
Primanti Brothers on the ground floor, the apartments are surrounded by an array of both well-established and up-and-coming businesses including
Nicholas Coffee Company,
Jenny Lee Bakery,
Ciao Baby, and
Oyster House.
Kratsas
transformed the abandoned offices into two 1,300 square-foot
apartments. Each floor features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a twenty-by-eight foot open kitchen, dining room and
living room area. Amenities include six-foot windows, panoramic views and an L-shaped eat-in kitchen. Kratsas, trained
in cabinetry, created the cherry wood kitchen cabinets. With ten-foot
ceilings and exposed mechanicals, the apartments suggest loft-style
living.
Kratsas, whose father worked as a butcher in the
original Diamond Market, is energized by Market Square’s residential
and commercial potential. “Market Square is an interactive community.
Some existing merchants are strong-hearted about the Square and have
been here for years. That is our foundation. This is a unique historic
section of the city.”
Source: Michael Kratsas, Nicholas and Patrinas Properties
Photo copyright © Jonathan Greene