Release Date: Friday, September 24th 2010

Office of the Mayor: MARKET SQUARE RENOVATION MOVES INTO FINAL STRETCH

(PITTSBURGH) Sept. 24 Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced today that the Market Square renovation will move into its final stretch beginning tomorrow, Sept. 25, when the remaining trees will be planted, weather permitting. The irrigation systems are scheduled to be completed on Sept. 27 or 28, after which shrubs and mulch will be added.
Once the plantings are complete, work will begin on Market Street including the reconstruction of sidewalks, the erection of light poles, and street repaving. Businesses on Market Street, like Mancini's, Prantl’s and Nettleton’s Shoes will still be open during construction.

All work is expected to be completed by mid-October, with a grand re-opening scheduled for Oct. 19.

“Our public investment is already seeing tremendous returns,” Ravenstahl said. “Long-time vacant spaces are now being leased and we are seeing increased interest in available property in and around the Square,” Ravenstahl said. “I am confident that by the time of our grand re-opening, we will have more positive news to share with Pittsburgh.”

The Market Square grand re-opening is scheduled for October 19.

“Our vision for this public space is almost a reality and I appreciate everyone’s support and patience during the extensive project,” Ravenstahl said.

The Market Square renovation is a $5 million improvement project of the City of Pittsburgh under Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. It is the culmination of several years of public process and has been made possible through the leadership, vision and financial contributions of the City of Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Heinz Endowments, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Colcom Foundation and the Hillman Corporation.

For more information about the construction project or events happening in Market Square, check out the Market Square blog at http://MarketSquarePgh.blogspot.com.

Date: Sept. 24, 2010
Contact: Joanna Doven, Press Secretary
412-255-2694
(cell) 412-475-2387
joanna.doven@city.pittsburgh.pa.us