For Immediate Release - April 14, 2009
Contact: Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.com
PITTSBURGH, PA — According to findings released today in a pedestrian study commissioned by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), 95,130 people, or an average of 5,300 pedestrians per day, pass through six different locations Downtown—an increase of four percent since 2006 when the study was last conducted. Total average spending increased from $47 per person per week in 2006 to $66 in 2008 with the majority spending money in retail stores or on food and beverages. Downtown’s growing residential population spends the most per week—$134—twice as much as other Downtown users.
“This data mirrors much of what we’ve been hearing about in Pittsburgh, that despite the economic downturn, businesses in the Golden Triangle continue to do well because people are still coming to Downtown and spending money,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of the PDP.
The study was conducted by Strategic Metrics Group over a three-day period in late September between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at six different locations: Smithfield at Sbarro restaurant, Fifth Ave. at Buhl Building, 10th and Penn, 10th and Liberty, Market Square at the clock and Market Square at PPG Place egress.
Surveyors also asked pedestrians about their perceptions of Market Square and while some of the same negative associations cited in the 2006 study remain, overall perception is improving. In 2006, pedestrians associated Market Square primarily with homeless people or “riff-raff,” pigeons/dirtiness and drugs. Two years later, 69 percent say Market Square is changing for the better, citing food/drink establishments, concerts/entertainment, farmers market and the cleaner space as specific aspects they like.
“We’re certainly making strides in Market Square, thanks to the combined efforts of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County District Attorney, Stephen Zappala and business owners and developers who were willing to take risks,” said Edwards. “The new Market Square, which should be completed next spring, will showcase the square’s historic uniqueness while taking it to the next level in terms of convenience and modern amenities.”
A full copy of the pedestrian study is available on the PDP website, www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), celebrating its 15th year, 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.
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