It isn’t often that tenants are excited about moving, but when the moving is to an all new apartment or townhouse they might become ecstatic. This was true of many of the Pacific Manor Apartments tenants when they got their first look at their new living quarters. “Can I move in today?” probably sums it up. Here’s the story behind all this excitement.

Pacific Manor Apartments had a long history in Natrona Heights. Located across from Highlands High School on Pacific Avenue, the four-building complex aged poorly over the years and was in disrepair. That all started to change last September in 2003.

It all began when Rimco Properties, Inc. of Monroeville purchased Pacific Manor. Myles Sampson, Chairman and CEO of Rimco Properties, Inc., is a third generation builder and developer. Starting in Penn Hills, then Holiday Park, Garden City, and Churchill Valley, his family has developed over 6,000 homes in the Pittsburgh suburbs. His company is known for their commitment to maintain the finest properties.

I spoke with Kathy Frye, Leasing Consultant, for the newly named Pacific Highlands Apartments. She said renovations began in January of this year and were completed on the first building at 1410 Pacific Avenue. Current tenants are exited because Rimco Properties is doing a complete renovation including all new heating, air conditioning, and electrical, new cabinets, new flooring - both carpet and vinyl - all new appliances including refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, and a new breakfast bar in each unit. It's complete with a decorative ceiling fan in each apartment.

Another nice feature in these newly renovated buildings is cabling for high-speed Internet access in every apartment. Tenants may choose their own providers. Cable TV is also wired into every room of each apartment. Another feature is common laundry units in each building with two sets of machines in each.

The work is not limited to interior renovation. On the exterior, there is new landscaping with a monument sign and the addition of more parking lots. The old parking lot has been completely resurfaced and a new parking lot is being added giving a total of four. Finally, the buildings will have controlled access and intercom access for visitors.

There are four choices in the apartments. The Santa Barbara is a two-bedroom apartment; the DelRey is a large one-bedroom; and the Rialto is a small one-bedroom apartment ; the Catalina is a studio apartment. Located across from Highlands High School on Pacific Avenue; there is easy accessibility to Route 28, shopping at Natrona Heights Plaza, and many other areas.

Kathy said there is a growing need for more apartments in the area, and with the new ownership and investment in quality choices of apartments, I’m sure there will be a waiting list before too long. Of the 18 units in the first building there was only one remaining available at the time of this writing. Half of the units in the second building under renovation are already leased, and by the time you read this, who knows? Kathy said 1404 and 1420 Pacific Avenue buildings are now under renovation. Building 1404 will be completed next month and 1420 in January of 2005. Pacific Highlands Apartments is definitely the quality place to live today in Natrona Heights.

Watch the Video