Market Square History

From Yesterday...

• 1784: Market Square, or the "Diamond," is part of the original plan of lots and streets laid out by George Woods and Thomas Vickroy, surveyors from Philadelphia.
• Mid-1790s: The first Allegheny County Courthouse is constructed in Market Square
• Mid-1910s: The Diamond Market is constructed, and for the first time, Diamond Street passes through the Square and intersects with Market Street. The Diamond Market occupies all four quadrants and has a roller skating rink on the top floor.
• 1961: The Diamond Market is demolished.
• 1972: Market Square is designated by the City as its first historic district.
• 1984: PPG Place is built. The five smaller buildings surrounding the 40-story structure are scaled back to keep with the Square's historic area

Source: Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, www.phlf.org.

To Today...

Market Square is a charming, unique and inviting space in Downtown. It's a place where workers, residents and visitors can enjoy a multitude of great amenities:

• Numerous indoor and outdoor dining options
• Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour
• Great destination for business meetings
• Beautiful flowers and lush trees
• Tables to relax outside with a cup of coffee, free WiFi or a good book
• Historic architecture
• Special events including live music, children's programming, farmers market, and more
• Primary location for large-scale Downtown events including Light Up Night and St. Patrick's Day

Whether you're enjoying a Primanti's sandwich, sipping an iced mocha, meeting friends or enjoying a great read, Market Square has something for everyone—it's Downtown's town square!