When the first of seven Residences at Market at Fifth opened in September, it had been decades since any renters had lived near this Downtown corner. And upscale apartments? Maybe never.

Now, 2 1/2 months later, all but the two largest units are leased. And the president of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation pronounces the combination residential/retail redevelopment of three century-old buildings a success.

"We wanted to develop quality apartments rather than condos Downtown at this key location while also bringing retail back to Fifth Avenue," said Arthur P. Ziegler Jr.

The first floor of 494 Graeme St. holds Heinz Healy's Gentlemen's Apparel and the Nettleton Shoe Shop. The five leased apartments above the stores have space ranging from 800 to 1,200 square feet, one bathroom and bedroom and rents from $1,150 to $1,900 a month.

"Word got out quickly and we leased the majority based on word of mouth," said Michael Sriprasert, manager of real estate finance for the Landmarks Foundation.

The last two units boast 1,070 square feet over two stories, 1 1/2 baths, one bedroom and a study that could be a second, and a private deck with "green roof."

From that deck or the large windows, tenants have views of PNC's new Triangle Park on Fifth Avenue, the 3 PNC Plaza office/hotel/condominium complex, PPG Place and the Buhl Building's ornate blue-and-white terra cotta facade. The rent is $2,200 per month and leased parking is available in a nearby covered garage.

A major selling point is the apartments' proximity to Market Square, the Cultural District, Point Park University and stadiums/arenas, restaurants and stores. Just as attractive are the open floor plans, bamboo floors, granite counter tops, imported Italian tile, premium plumbing fixtures and Energy Star-rated stainless-steel appliances. The apartments have so many "green" elements that they likely will earn Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

It is relatively rare to achieve LEED status while preserving historic architectural integrity. Last month, Market at Fifth was one of 10 historic rehabilitation projects nationwide to receive J. Timothy Anderson Awards from the Boston-based National Housing & Rehabilitation Association. The Landmarks Foundation and architect Landmarks Design Associates were honored in the Best Market-Rate Residential category.

Less obvious sustainable elements include reused brick in the buildings' facade, recycled steel and other materials in the walls and floors, low-VOC paint, low-flow faucets, toilets and showerheads, and on the roof, an energy-recovery ventilator, shingles and thermoplastic roofing made from recycled materials, and sedum and other plants that reduce rainwater runoff and naturally cool the living spaces. Each unit shares a laundry facility with two other apartments.

The project is not finished. Work is expected to begin early next year on the adjacent Thompson building, with a mix of restaurant, commercial and possibly residential tenants in the former Ciao Baby space.

For more information on the Residences at Market at Fifth, call Michael Sriprasert at 412-471-5808 or go to www.phlf.org/marketatfifth/market-at-fifth-the-apartments/.

plex, PPG Place and the Buhl Building's ornate blue-and-white terra cotta facade. The rent is $2,200 per month and leased parking is available in a nearby covered garage.

A major selling point is the apartments' proximity to Market Square, the Cultural District, Point Park University and stadiums/arenas, restaurants and stores. Just as attractive are the open floor plans, bamboo floors, granite counter tops, imported Italian tile, premium plumbing fixtures and Energy Star-rated stainless-steel appliances. The apartments have so many "green" elements that they likely will earn Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

It is relatively rare to achieve LEED status while preserving historic architectural integrity. Last month, Market at Fifth was one of 10 historic rehabilitation projects nationwide to receive J. Timothy Anderson Awards from the Boston-based National Housing & Rehabilitation Association. The Landmarks Foundation and architect Landmarks Design Associates were honored in the Best Market-Rate Residential category.

Less obvious sustainable elements include reused brick in the buildings' facade, recycled steel and other materials in the walls and floors, low-VOC paint, low-flow faucets, toilets and showerheads, and on the roof, an energy-recovery ventilator, shingles and thermoplastic roofing made from recycled materials, and sedum and other plants that reduce rainwater runoff and naturally cool the living spaces. Each unit shares a laundry facility with two other apartments.

The project is not finished. Work is expected to begin early next year on the adjacent Thompson building, with a mix of restaurant, commercial and possibly residential tenants in the former Ciao Baby space.

For more information on the Residences at Market at Fifth, call Michael Sriprasert at 412-471-5808 or go to www.phlf.org/marketatfifth/market-at-fifth-the-apartments/.

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.