Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Island Life

Island living in the heart of Pittsburgh? 

As urban living goes, Washington’s Landing is something truly unique.  This 42-acre island in the Allegheny River, less than 2 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is one of our area’s premier riverfront developments.  Waterfront housing, public parks, trails and recreational facilities share space with commercial buildings, a full-service marina and restaurant, the Three Rivers Rowing Association Boathouse and the Pittsburgh headquarters of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.  All this plus spectacular views of the river and Pittsburgh skyline.

The refurbished 31st Street Bridge provides a beautiful entrance to the island, offering easy access to downtown Pittsburgh. Riverfront trails, attractive streets and well-defined access points to the river encourage pedestrian traffic. A rehabilitated railroad bridge links the island trails to the area’s ever expanding bike and pedestrian trail system.

The spacious end unit townhome at 21 Overlook Court is a perfect place to enjoy all that Washington’s Landing has to offer.  Only steps from the marina restaurant, this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom 3 ½ bath home is virtually carefree.  Although only 14 years old, it’s been newly updated with fresh paint, carpet and ceramic floors, new kitchen countertops, lighting and stainless appliances.  No weekends spent laboring in the yard, as all exterior maintenance is taken care of by the homeowners association, including not just landscaping, but roofs, porches, decks and snow removal right up to the front door.

Inside there’s a spacious open kitchen and breakfast room with floor to ceiling windows.  French doors in the living room open to a rear deck with a view of the river.  Second floor bedrooms have gigantic walk in closets and a sumptuous master bath with an oversized double-headed steam shower and granite vanity.  Encompassing the entire third floor is a spectacular bedroom suite with a private bath, sitting area and vaulted ceiling.  Topping it all off, a spiral staircase leads to the cupola and fabulous views of the river and the Pittsburgh skyline. 

It’s said that George Washington slept on the island after his raft capsized while crossing the river.  This little island has come a long way since then.  Extraordinary views, proximity to workplaces and the amenities of the city and an easy lifestyle with an emphasis on recreation have made Washington’s Landing a premier residential community.




Take a virtual tour to see everything this great home has to offer.

Friday, July 15, 2011

2011 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix


2011 marks the 29th consecutive year the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has been run at Pittsburgh’s beautiful Schenley Park.  Held July 15 - 24th, the Vintage Grand Prix is America’s largest vintage race and the only one run on city streets. The week-long events benefit charity as well as celebrating vintage cars. Funds raised will go towards programs for autistic and developmentally disabled individuals in the greater Pittsburgh area through the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

The races at Schenley Park mark the end of a 10-day Race Week.  While many events have admission fees for participants, most of the events listed below are FREE to spectators, or request only a small donation.

Friday, July 15
Test & Tune at BeaveRun
Drivers tune their racers and practice on the BeaveRun MotorSports Complex. Free to the viewing public.

Saturday & Sunday, July 16-17, 9 am-5 pm
Historic Races at BeaveRun
Racing and related activities at BeaveRun MotorSports Complex in Beaver Falls, PA.
$15 per day or $25 for the weekend, kids under 12 are free. Proceeds benefit charity.

Monday, July 18, 5-9 pm
Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street
Rare, classic and exotic cars along Walnut Street in Shadyside.  Free to spectators.

Tuesday, July 19, 5-9 pm
Waterfront Car Cruise
Over 500 cars on display at the Waterfront in Homestead. $5 donation is requested.

Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 am-2pm
Downtown Race Car Parade & Display
50 cars will motor from the Spaghetti Warehouse in the Strip District through downtown Pittsburgh on their way to displays at the U.S. Steel Tower, PPG Place and Market Square.

Wednesday, July 20, 6-9 pm
Grand Prix Tune-Up at Bossa Nova
Benefit happy hour at Bossa Nova on 7th Street downtown. Live entertainment and silent auction.
$35 per person at the door includes tapas and two complimentary cocktails.

Saturday & Sunday, July 23-24
International Car Shows & British Car Day
Saturday, 11 am-4 pm, Sunday 9:30am-4pm
Over 2,000 classic, antique, and exotic vehicles at theSchenley Park golf course.
Vintage Race Practice and Qualifying Heats
Saturday, 9 am-5pm, Sunday 8:15-10:15am
150 vintage racers will compete o to quality for Sunday's featured races.
Races at Schenley Park
Sunday, noon-5pm
The big event ending the week’s festivities!

Check the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Website for more information on all events and directions.

RE/MAX Realty Brokers

Monday, July 11, 2011

Kayaking and Art on the North Side

Kayak for free on Lake Elizabeth every Thursdays and Friday with Kayak Pittsburgh.   Located in Allegheny Commons on Pittsburgh’s North Side this shallow lake - only 3 feet deep - is the perfect safe place for beginners, children and hesitant swimmers to learn the art of kayaking.  Glide along the water and enjoy great views of downtown Pittsburgh in a lovely park setting.
Kayaks are available Thursday and Friday from 4 pm until dusk, free from now through Labor Day.. Boats are also available from 10 am to dusk on Saturday and Sunday for $5 per boat.

Head out on a Thursday and you can also enjoy free hand-on art activities from 4 to 7 pm.  For more information call 412-231-3169 or visit The Mattress Factory website.

Lake Elizabeth is located inside the Allegheny Commons across the street from the National Aviary on the North Side. Parking is available around the Allegheny Commons on W North Avenue and Arch Street.  Check out Kayak Pittsburgh for more information.

Friday, July 8, 2011

New Listings!

Here are the latest listings from our outstanding agents!

Shadyside
New York Penthouse Style throughout this updated 4th floor unit.  Condo fee includes, heat, electric, taxes, insurance, landscaping, exterior maintenance, and maintenance staff.  Must see to truly appreciate the special excitement that this unit offers; watch a virtual tour here. . Big Apple style at every turn!!
Contact Dani Gundlach at  412-654-4749  or  danigundlach@me.com


Brick 3 unit home with 3 car detatched garage, separate electric and nice yard.  Long term tenant on first floor.  Great location close to busway, Giant Eagle, Bakery Square and Target.  Being sold at is.
Contact Jason Kaney at 412-956-4060.



Grand home is the best kept secret in west Shadyside.  Large rooms, original details, working fireplaces, even a state-of-the-art flat screen TV disguised as a mirror!  Huge flat backyard with trees and a 2 car tandem garage.  New roof and recently painted interior and exterior.  Great location!
Contact Pia Colucci at 412-401-4282 or piacolucci@gmail.com

Two bedroom townhome close to WholeFoods, TraderJoes and Target.  Chic, contemporary décor and lots of natural light.  Kitchen less than 2 yrs old!  Finished family room in lower level, plus a laundry area with commode and sink.  New central air,  lighting, front and rear doors and glass block.  See more here.  Don't hesitate - it's great!
Contact Pia Colucci at 412-401-4282 or piacolucci@gmail.com




Downtown
3 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths
Contact Charlene Haislip at MetroPittsburghRealEstate@gmail.com or 412-606-3556.

112 Washington Place
Great location in doorman building . One small dog or cat welcome for owners.   Condo fee includes heat, a/c, water, sewage and trash removal.
Unit 14H is a renovated one bedroom featuring stainless steel appliances, top of the line kitchen and bathroom fixtures, natural slate bathroom walls and an open floor plan.
Unit 5A is a large corner 2 bedroom with 2 baths and a city view. Remodeled baths and stainless steel appliances.
Contact Claire Schnur at claire.schnur@yahoo.com or 412-471-1045.


Lawrenceville
New construction in the heart of historic Lawrenceville.   Dramatic exterior of cedar, cement, metal, and glass.  Modern interiors with hardwood floors, open floor plans, and luxurious finishes.  Ask about 10 yr property tax abatement and special financing package! 

3647 Penn Avenue  2 bedrooms, 2 baths
3657 Penn Avenue  2 bedrooms, 1 ½ bath
3659 Penn Avenue  3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths
3661 Penn Avenue  3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths
Contact Holly Sisk at 412-377-0015 or holly@hollysisk.com


Carrick
Three bedroom in great location.  Needs some updating – perfect for first time buyer or investor.
Contact Roberta Allen at 412-287-4781 or wrallen423@verizon.net







Hempfield Township
Outstanding spacious home in a great neighborhood, completely updated and priced to sell. 6 yr old roof(30yr shingle and all new Pella windows.  Entire house rewired for cable, all new GFIs inside, new tankless water heater, furnace and a/c.  See more on the virtual tour.
Contact Esther Jarrett at ekjarrett@yahoo.com or 412-889-8684.





Baldwin Boro
Handyman Special!  Three bedrooms with 1 car detatched garage on a terrific huge lot.  Needs some TLC, but worth it!  All reasonable offers considered.
Contact Roberta Allen at 412-287-4781 or wrallen423@verizon.net






Friday, July 1, 2011

Bach, Beethoven and Brunch

This summer spend Sunday mornings relaxing in Mellon Park with fabulous classical music.  Bring your picnic blanket and pack a brunch, or purchase a breakfast prepared by The Bagel Factory.

Concerts are held in the park at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues.  The music starts at 10:30 am, every Sunday through August 14. 

The Musicians:

July 3          Carnegie Brass
July 10        Cincopation
July 17        Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh
July 24        River City Brass
July 31        Eastern Watershed Klexmer Quartet
August 7     Keystone Wind Ensemble
August 14   East Winds Symphonic Band

For more information, call 412-255-2393 or check the City of Pittsburgh website.