The view from the roof deck is a classic Allegheny River panorama. You can see the Strip District, Downtown and all the way up the river to Lawrenceville and Etna. You’ve just probably never seen it from up here.
The view is one of the things developer DeWayne Ketchum is hoping will draw prospective buyers to the new, three-unit River View Ridge Condominiums at 1825 Arcena Street at the northern edge of the Lower Hill District. The customizable units range from $310,000 to $380,000.
Luxury condos in the Hill District?
“I think a lot of people don’t have the best impression of the Hill District because they’re not familiar with it,” Ketchum says. “They only know what they see on the news.”
He offers a different perspective. The view from Arcena Street might be Pittsburgh’s best-kept scenic secret, and the street itself is secluded and peaceful.
Each of the units in River View Ridge measures 1,450 square feet and features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a private balcony. Residents in all units will have access to the communal rooftop deck and, on the building’s west side, a communal patio and garden area. Each unit has a private, single-car garage.
Ketchum has put a lot into the building since construction began in 2011. His company, Ketchum Property Development, is also the building’s general contractor. Philadelphia-based Anthony Palimore served as the architect.
The developer, who grew up in the Lower Hill and returned to the neighborhood after more than 30 years in Philadelphia, sees change coming to the neighborhood.
“Land is relatively inexpensive here and it’s not going to stay this way,” Ketchum says, noting that between the resurgence in residential property in Downtown, the development of the old Civic Arena site and the increasing popularity of Uptown, there are multiple forces closing in on the Hill. “One way or another, it’s going to change.”
River View Ridge will host a preview event and wine tasting on May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Christian Ivory of Keller Williams Realty at 412-831-3800.
