i don't have much to compare this with in pittsburgh because this is the only place i've lived in pittsburgh......i did however check out the heinz loft when i first moved here and i thought the cork factory had a better deal (price was right) it also had a better atmosphere and better apartments. anyways this is how i feel about the cork factory:
this is a gorgeous, unique, clean apartment complex. they have a free happy hour for residents every thurs night! wine and pizza are served. FOR FREE! they have some killer grills out back in between the river walk and the pool. i loved going out last summer, throwing some dinner on the grill and having a cocktail while waiting and people watching.
there is also a gym with 2 flat screens, 4 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, free weights, and some basic weight lifting machines. it gets the job done!
the apartments are all different in size and shape and have a great lofty feeling to them. the apartments are open- meaning they don't have bedroom doors and the bedroom walls do not go all the way up to the ceiling. those ceilings are mighty high.....
it's also a plus if you work downtown. no car necessary.