PDP Approves Draft 2010 Business Plan

The Business Plan and Budget will be presented to the full PDP Board of Directors on Nov. 12, 2009.  Watch for the plan and budget to be posted on the PDP Website shortly thereafter.

Downtown Pittsburgh: "Memories Made Here Weekends"

Looking for a unique holiday experience to share with your friends and family? Plan to spend a few weekends Downtown this season, where old-fashioned classics meet big city fun. Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides through the glistening city, ride on the free Fifth Avenue Place Holly Trolley with stops at some of Downtown's most notable venues, dine at top-notch eateries and of course, shop 'til you drop at the many exclusive retailers and boutiques.

From Nov. 21 - Dec. 26* The Shops at One Oxford Centre and PPG Place will offer free Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides throughout the city. Carriages will depart each location at the following times:

And, getting to all the fabulous shops, eateries and venues has never been more convenient or fun aboard the free Fifth Avenue Place Holly Trolley. You'll be greeted by jolly merry-makers, providing interesting and unique facts about Downtown.

The Holly Trolley runs Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 21 – Dec. 26. On Saturdays, the trolley will run from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and from Noon - 5 p.m. on Sundays. This year's trolley route is sure to be a real crowd pleaser, with seven convenient stops including Macy's, PPG Place, Fifth Avenue Place, One Oxford Centre, the Pittsburgh Creche at the U.S. Steel Building, August Wilson Center and Katz Plaza in the Cultural District.

Visitors can also participate in the many family-friendly holiday activities planned at other Downtown venues throughout the season. Check out our online Events Calendar and choose the "holidays" category for a list of holiday happenings. We're updating the calendar daily so be sure to check back often! www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.

Donned in bright yellow jackets and cleaning equipment, the Clean Team Ambassadors work seven days a week to maintain Downtown as a visually attractive and safe destination. The Clean Team Ambassadors do more than just manage the trash cans, clear the sidewalks and curb lines of trash and debris and  remove graffiti; they also greet early morning commuters with welcoming smiles and serve as way-finders for lost pedestrians and motorists.

As of October 2009, the Clean Team has removed over 5,300 bags of trash, removed almost 1,000 graffiti tags and logged over 46 vehicle miles. The Ambassadors were well prepared for the G-20 Summit, working quickly to remove graffiti tags and stickers from buildings, electric boxes and signs throughout the Golden Triangle. In the days leading up to the Summit, the Clean Team logged numerous hours power washing, painting public fixtures and sprucing up the neighborhood. We captured some before and after photos of some of the projects the Clean Team worked on to share with our readers!

Electric box before...

Electric box after...wow!

Building graffiti...

And after!

Market Square News:
Construction, New Merchants and Farmers Market

The reconstruction of Market Square is moving along very well. Underground work in the center of the Square is finishing up right now. And, construction is on schedule! Look for exciting changes to happen in the Square during the month of November. Despite construction, businesses in the Square are reporting strong sales and there have been minimal negative effects on business due to construction. For starters, four new merchants have moved in to the Square in the past three months, including Heinz Healey's, The Nettleton Shoe Shop, Las Velas Mexican Restaurant and Bella Sera on the Square. Bella Sera on the Square, an urban trattoria & downtown eatery, is the first green-certified restaurant in Pittsburgh. The venue will hold a "soft" opening on Nov. 9. Jason Capps, President, Greco's Gourmet Catering/Bella Sera by Greco's, feels his business is "very-well positioned for the major attention and draw that Market Square is bound to receive once the reconstruction is completed and the Square is booming." Bella Sera will offer a fast-casual lunch similar to Panera. At 5 p.m., Bella Sera will turn in to a happy hour hot-spot, with amazing wines, micro-beers, classic cocktails and delicious food "10 items under 10 bucks."

Due to an early cold season, the Market Square Farmers Market will end on Thursday, Nov. 19, instead of the original Dec. 17 end date. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Market through Nov. 19 and stock up on fresh foods and holiday gifts. We'd like to thank Gateway Center for their gracious hosting of the Market Square Farmers Market this past summer and fall and to our sponsor, Right By Nature, who serves Downtown's residential and office community as well as local farmers by providing choices of locally grown meats, produce and other products. The Farmers Market will be back in the newly renovated Square next year and we are highly anticipating an exciting season.

For additional Market Square news, check out the Market Square blog for weekly merchant features, photo contests and more.

The 28th Annual Three Rivers Film Festival Starts this Week

One of the most eagerly-awaited annual events in Pittsburgh, Three Rivers Film Festival is a 2-week long celebration that features over 40 films, including American cinema, the hottest new documentaries and critically acclaimed international films. There are visiting filmmakers, parties, informal post-screening discussions and more. The festival begins Nov. 6 and continues through Nov. 21. It’s the oldest and largest annual film festival in the Pittsburgh area with its own unique personality. Be sure to visit Downtown’s Harris Theater to experience engaging films you can’t see anywhere else.

Opening Night Feature at the Harris Theater— Precious; based on the best-selling novel, Push; * show starts at 7 p.m.

Opening night tickets are $15 and include a party after the film with food, drinks and dancing at 477 Melwood Avenue in Oakland. For more information about the festival, visit www.3rff.com.