Balancing Act

Whirl Magazine
By Carrie Walker
September 2007


The Metropolitan Shadyside exudes all that its name implies: sophisticated city living. Its pale facade, sweeping balconies, and stretching terraces make the newest luxury condominium residences look like a sumptuous resort. For this venture, real estate powerhouse Howard Hanna has partnered with real estate management and development company Walnut Capital and Astorino.

The project has struck a balance between aristocratic city living and the relaxation of a lush outdoor retreat. It’s an oasis that escapes the city and makes use of every inch of land. The inviting benches and plush grass are accessible from the building's balconies and terraces.

Four distinct floor plans range from approximately 1,750 square feet to 5,000 square feet, yet each of the six-story building's condos have different structural features. Some have an 84-square-foot balcony where residents can sit and overlook blooming gardens, while other s have 715 square feet of terrace space with a bird's eye view of their own putting green. And though some new residences are moving into the condos as they were designed - with marble baths, polished granite countertops, and Jenn-Air appliances – some are exercising their right to change their mind and their new home by calling in the help of interior decorators or the onsite design teams.

“What is so distinct about the Metropolitan is that you have people moving in just as-is, but there is a distinct level of customization,” says Walnut Capital principal and CEO Gregg Perelman. And the development is addressing the needs of its new tenants by including attributes characteristic to condominium living. “This has really been a serendipitous project for us,” says Howard Hanna agent Roz Neiman. “There’s nothing that they didn’t include here.”
The common areas alone are fully outfitted: Residents have access to a fitness room with a pool and personal training room, a library stocked with worldly art books, and a wine cellar with temperature-controlled lockers. Two guest suites are equipped with comforts such as flat-screen televisions and full kitchens. But Neiman’s favorite extra? The valet parking? The catering kitchen? “I love the spot at the mail center designed for junk mail,” she says.

Topped Off!

On a sunny fall evening, new owners at The Metropolitan Shadyside joined the builders, architects, developers, local politicians and more for an elegant Topping Off party. It was a major milestone in the building process, and an even bigger milestone for our new owners looking forward to taking up residence in their new home this spring.

A Message From Gregg Perelman
The Renaissance is Real: The Metropolitan Shadyside

If you're a native Pittsburgher, you've probably heard the word "Renaissance" a few to many times. Politicians and planners have put so many numbers after the word, it's hard to keep track (Renaissance 2, Renaissance 3, Plan B...) But, over the course of decades, that Renaissance has become a reality. Despite every obstacle and setback, Pittsburgh, its leaders, and its steadfast citizens have remained determined to reinvent the city, to restore its vibrancy, and to share its virtues with every outsider who cares to come. And plan or no plan, we at Walnut Capital believe the Pittsburgh Renaissance is well on its way to success.

Walnut Capital began as three friends and associates forming a partnership, and making a commitment to Pittsburgh. To date, we've been working in real estate for just over 10 years. We've been optimistic. We've found excellent opportunities. We've invested ourselves and our capital in the city, and we've been well rewarded.

Over the course of the decade, we've built office buildings and retail shopping centers. Redesigned dormant factory space into lofts and transformed underutilized properties into luxury homes. But The Metropolitan Shadyside is a unique development for us. It is our first foray into luxury condominiums. And, thanks to people like you, it's rapidly become the most successful new condominium development in Pittsburgh. The most successful new condominium development in decades, according to our marketing partner Howard Hanna.

In less than a year, we've sold more than two dozen luxury condominiums at this prestigious new building. That says something about The Metropolitan Shadyside. But it also says something about Pittsburgh - and the people of Pittsburgh too. it shows the city is strong, and our citizens are not afraid to reinvent themselves, along with the community.

Buying a brand new residence at The Metropolitan Shadyside is an act of change. Of reinvention. Of personal renewal. It's your own individual Renaissance. WE think you couldn't have picked a better city than Pittsburgh, or a better place to star over than in The Metropolitan Shadyside. And whether this is your first major change in decades, or one change in a series - whether this is your Plan A or it fall somewhere else in the alphabet soup of life - we wish you luck.

The Renaissance is real. It has momentum. And the results will be breathtaking.

What People Are Saying

"The Metropolitan fills a much-needed niche that has been missing in urban Pittsburgh upscale living. The amenities, quality of construction, finishes and location are unsurpassable. Walnut Capital, the Howard Hanna Company, and condominium buyers have a winner."

- Roz Neiman, Site Coordinator

"We are looking forward to moving into the Metropolitan because it promises the finest lifestyle and services. We love the central location in an accessible and vibrant area."

- Metropolitan Buyers, Caryl and Irving Halpern

"Working on multiple new homes at the Metropolitan, I've had the opportunity to help clients bring to life a variety of designs, from the traditional, to the contemporary, to the decidedly eclectic. One of my clients had been a collector her entire life, and she has been able to incorporate an amazing number of large and unique pieces into what will soon become a spacious and light-filled home.

Because my clients are all over the building, I've see advantages to penthouse spaces, side views, and rear views. Privacy, outdoor light, and outdoor views open a wealth of possibilities here, for buyers with an enormous range of tastes."

- Pat Navarro, Pat Navarro and Associates

Bath Magic

If you’d like your master bath to be an elegant sanctuary that provides spa-like luxury at home, bathrooms at The Metropolitan Shadyside are perfect for you. Owners select the tile and granite of their choice, and choose from state-of-the-art Kohler fixtures for upscale style and function.
Kohler design expert explains, “The Metropolitan’s standard design package incorporates all the latest upscale trends in kitchen and bath fixtures, including brushed nickel faucets and biscuit-colored sinks, toilets and tubs.”
Your master bath is accented by the classic transitional design of the Kohler Devonshire suite. The tub is a striking standalone feature, beautifully set in the tile or stone of your choice. Both tub and sink are finished with wide-mounted, brushed nickel faucets with lovely and functional high “C” spouts. An all-tile or stone shower stall includes dual showerheads; one stationary and one handheld.
The luxury continues in the powder room and guest bathrooms. Powder rooms feature an elegant Devonshire pedestal sink with widespread, brushed nickel faucets. Guest baths are also done in biscuit, with all-in-one fiberglass shower and tub units and Corelais chrome fixtures.
Your new home at The Metropolitan Shadyside truly has it all, right down to the kitchen sink -- a spacious stainless steel undermount set in granite, with the popular Kohler Forte pull-out spray faucet. The entire base package was selected for understated elegance, with a transitional design suitable to a wide range of tastes. Of course, you’re also free to customize your choices to create a look that is uniquely your own.
To finalize your kitchen and bath fixtures, please contact Matthew Mensel at Pittsburgh Plumbing and Heating Supply at 412.622.8122.

Helen Hanna Casey on The Metropolitan Shadyside
A Great Location and Great Planning Yields Great Results

As President of Howard Hanna, the region’s largest real estate company and the sixth largest residential real estate agency in the country, Helen Hanna Casey knows the Pittsburgh real estate market inside and out. Howard Hanna established their Condominium Division in 1977 and has exclusively marketed and sold several of Pittsburgh’s premiere new construction, hi-rise buildings. Ms. Casey has lent her luxury condominium expertise to the planning and marketing of The Metropolitan Shadyside from its earliest days. Her knowledge helped the developers create a one-of-a-kind amenities package in a one-of-a-kind location that has helped the building stand out so dramatically. Her insights on this fast-selling luxury building, and its obvious appeal to high-end buyers, are a reflection on the evolution of Pittsburgh’s most exciting high-end residential neighborhood, and what it takes to satisfy the most discriminating buyer.

The first thing Ms. Casey mentioned in a recent interview about The Metropolitan is the one thing that everyone has noticed – the fast sales pace. “I’m very impressed with how quickly The Metropolitan is selling. It’s record breaking numbers,” she says. Asked why, she says succinctly: “It’s the planning process that makes the biggest difference in the world. [Walnut Capital] did it well. They knew they had designed the right building in the right location, so they weren’t afraid to build it.”
Ms. Casey’s firm markets the area’s finest condominium addresses so she knows from experience what helps a project succeed. “In my opinion what goes on before you ever market a building accounts for 50-60-70 percent of its success,” says Ms. Casey. “While people think The Metropolitan came out of the ground quickly, the planning process was exceptionally thorough,” says Helen.

Having been part of the process, she quickly details the exhaustive research which was conducted. Demographic and psychographic trends were analyzed. Focus groups of potential buyers were assembled and interviewed. Trends in comparable markets were examined, including Chicago, Florida, Minneapolis, St. Louis and Houston. The developers let the buyer’s needs dictate the design, ultimately determining what features, services and amenities would come together to create a truly exceptional luxury residential building. The results have made The Metropolitan Shadyside one of the fastest-selling developments in the Pittsburgh market.

Location, Location, Location

“The Metropolitan probably has the best location for a high end buyer,” says Ms. Casey, comparing the building to other local condominium developments. “If you look through the years, you can track this general vicinity as being the mecca for the influential condominium buyer.” Exciting improvements have occurred in the area over the last five years or so. “From the growth of the Carnegie, to the Hillman Cancer Center and the cultural and medical aspects of the community, you find convenient access to dozens of locations of great importance.”

Unique and Intimate

“It’s an intimate building in an intimate setting,” says Hanna Casey. This sense of intimacy and privacy was intentional. “The size of the lot is a tremendous advantage,” she explains, giving buyers the luxury of abundant green space which is so hard to find in a city neighborhood. Enjoyment of the green space is enhanced by a practice green, walking trails and a gazebo -- features no other new urban building can match.
As a relatively small building with only 42 units, design features like short corridors, exceptional sound proofing, and spacious units with formal foyers and abundant natural light all contribute to the owners’ privacy and comfort. Unique amenities like temperature-controlled wine storage and key card access security make The Metropolitan stand out, as well. High end finishes in the kitchens and baths, from appliances through to granite counters, are part of the package, so it’s very easy for buyers to customize their unit – something experienced buyers expect from a luxury building.

“Our data tell us The Metropolitan is going to continue to sell quickly,” says Ms. Casey. As a nationally recognized expert who specializes in this market, this prediction is likely to be accurate – which is why buyers who are thinking about The Metropolitan should act quickly.

Need further reason to buy now? Consider this – The Metropolitan Shadyside was over 40% sold just four months after it was offered to the public (in early December, 2005). Those units all sold this winter (traditionally the slowest selling season.) No other new building has gone into this area in over a decade, and none are planned. And no other new condominium building can match the superb amenities and location The Metropolitan offers. As Ms. Casey notes, “It seems every generation has had a building that has attracted the high-end buyer of that period.” For the new millennium buyer, The Metropolitan is that building.

Building a Firm Foundation

Change is in the air in Pittsburgh. Downtown, a true renaissance is taking place. Loft living and new mixed-use developments are bringing residential life back to the city. The Cultural District is growing and thriving. The new stadiums on the North Shore and the new convention center are opening the floodgates of possibility for the future. To the East, the universities and hospitals continue to improve and evolve, with additions like the Peterson Events Center and the Hillman Cancer Center. Pittsburgh’s medical and technology corridor is one of the top in the nation – and The Metropolitan Shadyside sits at the gateway to it all.

The Metropolitan Shadyside is a prominent part of the new Pittsburgh, and it captures the progressive spirit of the movement. With its modern façade, windows of soaring glass, and state-of-the-art technology, it belongs to the future. With its attention to comfort, security and enduring materials, it is anchored in the tradition of fine living.

The fact that The Metropolitan is selling at an amazing clip – a stunning 50% sold before framing has even begun – shows that Pittsburgh is ready for these exciting changes. We at Walnut Capital are proud and excited to be a part of the change, and eager to embrace the future with all of you.

ASTORINO: Masterminding a Masterpiece

Walnut Capital set high standards for The Metropolitan Shadyside. They wanted a luxury condominium with an extraordinary design. One that delivered every safety and convenience of condominium life, as well as all the comforts and privacy of a luxury home. They selected Astorino as the architect, and an extraordinary collaboration was launched.

According to Astorino Chairman, Louis Astorino, Sr., The Metropolitan Shadyside reflects the way they usually work: as a partner from the very earliest phases of design. As Astorino explains, “We wanted to make The Metropolitan Shadyside creative, inside and out. We spent a great deal of time discussing the interior layouts of the units; the amenities; what worked and didn’t work about existing residences, and how we could be distinguished from other developments.” From research, to collaboration with potential buyers and Walnut Capital, to weekly meetings with all the most senior partners at Astorino, The Metropolitan Shadyside benefits from meticulous planning and design. The result is truly design with purpose: a building that showcases beauty and incorporates safety, convenience, style and luxury in a package that buyers are finding irresistible.

Creating spaciousness was a top priority. For Astorino, this translated into much more than large floor plans. Features such as high ceilings; floor to ceiling windows in multiple rooms; and open floor plans were equally important. According to Mr. Astorino, “Large windows allow one to borrow space from the outside thus making the space that they are in feel even more spacious, and we like our clients to control their own light. You can cover windows and control sunlight with curtains, blinds and draperies. You don’t have these luxuries with small rooms, low ceilings and tiny windows.”

Creating privacy and a feeling of intimacy is another area where Astorino’s expertise delivers exciting results. “Every unit has a gracious foyer as a transition into the individual home, and we incorporated private outdoor space into every unit, whether it be a terrace, a balcony, or a roof garden,” Astorino explains. They took the requirement of luxury and privacy further with design elements such as short corridors, a small number of units on each floor, and superior soundproofing for visual and auditory privacy.

Using input from potential buyers, Astorino also designed exciting common areas including a spectacular two story entrance lobby; a warm and inviting library and meeting area; a spacious fitness suite with lap pool and aerobics area; and even private, temperature controlled wine storage.

Some of this attention to detail is apparent at first glance; but a great deal more of it is subtle – a sophisticated sense of style, a quiet elegance, and an attention to detail that reveals itself slowly and pleasingly. For the buyer, owning a property with such superb architectural integrity delivers lasting value and enjoyment. For developer Walnut Capital, engaging Astorino has allowed them to create the property they dreamed of: a condominium that is extraordinary in every detail.

Yours, By Design

Thoughtful design. It’s what sets The Metropolitan Shadyside apart from other luxury condominiums. It’s built into the layout of every individual residence. It inspires the great amenities, like 24-hour valet service, key-code access elevators, and temperature controlled wine storage. And now, it’s your turn to start customizing your residence’s design to make it perfect for you. And if you haven’t purchased yet, we’re now 40% sold, so hurry before you miss out on the lifestyle of a lifetime!
This issue is all about design, from an interview with The Metropolitan Shadyside architect Louis Astorino, to tips on how to get your new kitchen cooking. Take advantage of the many choices that are part of your design package at The Metropolitan Shadyside. So your new home is truly yours, by design!

The Metropolitan Shadyside’s architectural and engineering firm, Astorino, has executed projects around the globe to international acclaim. They, as the architect of record, brought Pittsburgh the new PNC Park and The Trimont. They’ve designed a chapel at the Vatican, and dozens of multimillion dollar homes. Their latest project is Three PNC Plaza, a mixed use project on Fifth Avenue downtown.

For information about how Astorino’s interior design team can personalize your new home at The Met Shadyside, contact Gregg Perelman at Walnut Capital at 412-683-3810.

Get in the Swim:
The Endless Pool Awaits

The Metropolitan Shadyside strives to give its owners the best of everything – and that includes a fitness center that is stylish, flexible, and state-of-the-art. Now that center has a little extra sparkle, with the addition of an Endless Pool.

Small in size but a powerful fitness tool, the Endless Pool accomplishes for swimmers what a treadmill does for runners. Using an adjustable current, you can choose from a spa-like soak in the stream, a few minutes of leisurely paddling, or a sustained endurance workout at the pace of your choice. This flexibility makes the Endless Pool a training tool for competitive swimmers and tri-athletes, as well as the choice of many rehab experts nationwide who prescribe aquatic workouts.

Great for rigorous swimming, water aerobics, resistance exercises and flexibility training, the weightless environment of the pool is ideally suited for low impact workouts and a number of health conditions. Those with joint paint, recovering from injuries, living with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis or a joint replacement may find the Endless Pool extremely beneficial.

When you move in to your new home, be sure to try out the Endless Pool. It could be the beginning of a healthier, more injury-free and pain-free lifestyle.

Walnut Capital Developers Making A Difference

Walnut Capital Partners is the development firm spearheading The Metropolitan Shadyside. Since it’s inception less than 10 years ago, Walnut Capital has taken an aggressive stand on living in and investing in the city they call home – Pittsburgh. For them, The Metropolitan Shadyside is a labor of love.

According to Managing Partner Gregg Perelman, “My family, partners and employees almost all live in the East End. It seems natural to keep investing in the areas that mean the most to us.” As for the luxury condominiums which will soon grace the skyline of North Neville Street, Gregg says, “The idea just came to us as a natural fit for a great location. This is a world class city, and we believe there’s a need for more high-end, private and secure new housing that caters to mobile lifestyles.”

Perelman explains that these luxury condominiums, like their Beechwood Commons towne estates, will wrap residents in every luxury on the inside. However, they’re really best suited for people who enjoy stepping out, as well. Shopping, the universities, the museums and the galleries, even the sports venues, downtown and Cultural District, are only a short walk or drive away.

The Metropolitan Shadyside went from discussions to groundbreaking in just 18 short months. Once the experienced and successful team at Walnut Capital -- including Perelman, President Todd Reidbord, Michael Goldstein, and others – came to the conclusion that there was a need, they tested the concept on friends and neighbors. It met with overwhelming enthusiasm – and a little over a year later, a full one-third of the residences are sold.

In addition to luxury living developments like Beechwood Commons and The Metropolitan Shadyside, Walnut Capital has numerous other real estate success stories in the East End. In the late 1990s, they purchased the aging gas station at the corner of Ivy and Walnut Streets and built the Banana Republic’s flagship store as a new gateway to Walnut Street shopping.

Today, Walnut Capital also owns and manages a large number of retail buildings on Walnut Street and nearly 1500 apartments throughout the East End and suburban Pittsburgh, including the lovely Walnut on Wightman and Beacon Commons. They helped revitalize an aging warehouse in the Strip District, transforming it into the Cigar Factory. They built 1400 Smallman Street, home to Lidia’s Restaurant, from the ground up. Currently, they’re building two East End shopping centers: Centre Plaza in West Shadyside, and Walnut at Somerset in Squirrel Hill. In addition to these centers, Walnut Capital Partner Anthony Dolan has also developed nearly a dozen more strip centers in suburban locations across the region.

For Perelman, investing in his own community is gratifying. “We see unlimited potential in Pittsburgh,” he says.

For more information about Walnut Capital Partners, call 412-683-3810 or visit them online at www.walnutcapital.com

Groundbreaking Ceremony
December 6th 2005

On the cold and sunny morning of December 6, 2005, the historic groundbreaking ceremony for The Metropolitan Shadyside drew a warm and enthusiastic crowd. Our small tent was packed with participants. Elbow to elbow, we found smiling politicians, enthusiastic new Metropolitan owners, developers, builders, bankers, real estate professionals and the media.

Prestigious speakers at the event included Mayor Bob O’Connor, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, and real estate leader Helen Hanna Casey. All expressed the confidence that The Metropolitan Shadyside would soon become a landmark Pittsburgh building. They praised the developers, architects and owners for their vision. Against the backdrop of a scale model of the spectacular building, there was universal approval for a concept of low-maintenance, high-end living whose time has come.

Television, radio and print reports focused on the quick sales and high demand for these two and three bedroom luxury condominium residences. The fact that 14 of our 42 units were sold in just six weeks prior to the groundbreaking was reported in the papers, as well as on Channel 4 TV and KQV Radio. We encourage you to refer your friends and associates who may be interested in ownership, while space remains available.

Congratulations, owners. Your prestigious new home at The Metropolitan Shadyside is officially “under construction.” We are proud to say it was launched in style.


The Mayor on The Metropolitan Shadyside

“The Metropolitan Shadyside project is great for the City of Pittsburgh. It's a tremendous example of the new urban living movement sweeping the Country, a movement typified by Pittsburgh living. It's an example of the type of talent we have in Pittsburgh to get the job done. The developer, architect, bank, real estate marketing team, construction contractor and engineers are all Pittsburgh talent.

It's also a great example of the commitment to Pittsburgh and our quality of life from Walnut Capital. Their investment today will pay off in a better tomorrow for Pittsburgh.”


Bob O'Connor
Mayor of Pittsburgh

About Your New Home

Every spectacular condominium residence will enjoy these common area facilities:

• A grand two-story lobby
• Private key-card controlled elevators
• 24-hour concierge service and lobby attendant
• 24-hour valet service, with secure parking in a heated garage
• Climate controlled wine storage
• State-of-the-art fitness center with weight and cardiovascular training
• Equipment and space for aerobics, yoga, massage, and personal training
• Conference Room and Library
• Catering kitchen
• Furnished guest suites
• Private park-like setting with gazebo, walking trails and practice green

Your individual residence will be finished to your personal taste with:
• Flow through architectural design
• High ceilings with stunning floor to ceiling glass
• Superior sound insulation
• A private balcony or terrace for outdoor entertaining
• Spacious master suites
• Lavish marble master bath
• State-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with stainless steel Jenn-Air appliances and polished granite countertops.