For Immediate Release - June 2, 2010
Contact: Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.com
Portion of Market Square Reopens for Farmer’s Market and Noon Concert Series
Pittsburgh, PA — After 10 months of renovation, a portion of Market Square that has been closed to the public will reopen June 3 for the kick-off of the Thursday’s in Market Square program, which includes the Farmers Market and 12-week Noon Concert Series.
Construction will continue on the interior of Market Square as contractors finish laying the terrazzo, which has been delayed due to the rain storms last month. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the project will involve sidewalk and road work in the side of the square between The Original Oyster House over to Dunkin Donuts. A full grand reopening of Market Square is planned for early fall.
“The architectural firm chosen to design the new Market Square, Klavon Design Associates, envisioned the square as a place for pedestrians,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP). “Modeled after a European piazza, it has been leveled off and traffic is no longer permitted through the center of square. It has been exciting to see the vision become a reality as we get closer to the complete reopening of the Square.”
“The contractor is working diligently to get all of Market Square open as soon as possible, so that we can transform this public space into an oasis for pedestrians—and a place that attracts even more investment and further helps spur the Downtown residential boom,” Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. “In the meantime, we are going to make the best of this renovation project—which will improve Downtown forever—by inviting Downtown residents and workers to the Square for tomorrow’s kick-off of the Farmers Market and Noon Concert Series. I am thrilled to see this project come together and am even more excited to get to work on planning a community celebration when we introduce the completely renovated Market Square this fall.”
Market Square Farmers Market and Concert Series
The Market Square Farmers Market returns after relocating to Gateway Plaza late last summer. Tomorrow’s market is recognized as a World Environment Day event. See www.Pittsburghwed.com for details. The Market will celebrate 12 local farmers and businesses from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and will occur weekly through mid-November. The newest vendor to join the popular urban market is Clover Creek Cheese Cellar of Blair County who will offer a variety of homemade cheeses.
The Market Square Noon Concert Series also begins tomorrow with a performance by the Lincoln Park Steel Drum Corps. The series is produced by Star 100.7 and 1020 KDKA AM and will occur each Thursday through August 20 from noon – 1 p.m. A complete list of performers is on the PDP website www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.
June 3 Road Closure
Due to the ongoing construction in the center of the Square, there will be a temporary road closure tomorrow to accommodate the Farmers Market vendors. Forbes will be closed at Wood Street to vehicular traffic from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Only emergency vehicles and designated delivery vehicles for will be allowed past the barrier.
KidsPlay in Market Square
Beginning June 11 and continuing every Friday morning through August 27, pre-school-aged children and their parents/caregivers, are invited to Market Square to participate in KidsPlay from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Produced by WISH 99.7 Radio and sponsored by PA Cyber Charter School, Washington Wild Things and the PA Distance Learning Charter School, the program will offer interactive arts and crafts activities, book readings, vendor booths and special guests.
Outdoor Cafes and Seating
As part of the effort to extend and enhance outdoor dining options in Market Square and throughout Downtown, seven businesses in Market Square were recently approved for matching grants from the PDP’s Paris to Pittsburgh façade improvement program, funded by the Colcom Foundation. From small projects like purchasing high-quality café furniture to complete façade renovations, the Paris to Pittsburgh Program has funded $333,445 in improvements to 17 Downtown businesses since its inception in 2008 resulting in $811,500 in building and sidewalk café enhancements.
The Market Square renovation has extended the sidewalks to 21 feet, allowing for more outdoor cafes and seating. More than 150 chairs and 45 tables will be placed around the Square—from Moe’s Southwest Grill to Primanti’s. Another 225 chairs will be situated in the center of the Square once fully opened later this month.
The Market Square renovation is a project of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and the City of Pittsburgh. 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, Heinz Endowments, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Colcom Foundation and Hillman Foundation.
For more information about the remaining construction in Market Square, check out the Market Square blog at http://MarketSquarePgh.blogspot.com or the Market Square page on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarketSquarePgh.
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/downtownpitt and become a PDP fan on Facebook.
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