For Immediate Release - Feb. 9, 2010
Contact: Hollie Geitner
(412) 325-0153
(412) 780-6709 – cell
hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.com
Revamped Safety Program, Lighting Project, Mobile Website and 50th Anniversary Plans for
Light Up Night® among Announcements
PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is reaching high in 2010 as evidenced by the many announcements made this morning during its Annual Meeting at the Westin Convention Center Hotel.
“We often use our Annual Meeting as a forum to announce plans for the upcoming year, and this year is unique in that we have several compelling announcements we believe are very positive signs for Downtown in 2010,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the PDP.
DowntownPittsburgh.com Goes Mobile
With an estimated 100 million smart phones worldwide and another 500 million expected by 2014, the PDP is now making it convenient and simple for mobile users to access important information for getting to/around Downtown Pittsburgh while on the go. And, once there, users can quickly locate places to park, dine, shop, stay and even live. The custom designed web application (http://m.downtownpittsburgh.com) connects to mobile GPS systems, allowing users to find what is closest to their current location. The PDP application works well with most smart phones, including iPhones, Blackberry’s and Androids.
PDP Street Team Members Hit the Streets Today
The PDP is launching a revamped safety/security program to replace the Safety Ambassador Program which ended in late 2009. The PDP Street Team will focus on addressing and managing panhandling and homeless issues Downtown. Four Street Team members, specially trained in dealing with the social circumstances surrounding these issues, will begin today. Street Team members are: Richard Speth, a former Pittsburgh Police Officer with 28 years experience; Pam Farbacher, a Slippery Rock University graduate who formerly worked at St. Francis Hospital in its psychiatric facility as a recreational therapist; Riley Baker, a recent SUNY Fredonia graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and Ken Leindecker, who holds a nursing degree from Duquesne University and has 15 years of experience in the mental health care field. To reach the PDP Street Team, call 412-589-0357.
Sixth Street Lights Up
Twenty new halide street lights were recently installed along Sixth Street in the Cultural District from Fort Duquesne Boulevard to Market Street. The lighting project was funded through a joint foundation grant from RK Mellon Foundation, McCune Foundation and Heinz Endowments. The enhanced lighting was a recommendation of the PDP’s residential streetscape study and is designed to increase safety, while visually connecting the Cultural District to Market Square.
Region-wide Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Light Up Night®
With 2010 being an important milestone for the Golden Triangle, the PDP is planning a one-of-a-kind grand celebration that will span the weekend of Nov. 19 – 20. Light Up Night® /Light Up Weekend will blend the traditional elements of Light Up Night’s past—including a spectacular fireworks finale—with two premier events sure to dazzle and delight.
• A stunning candlelit horse drawn carriage parade glistening with white lights reminiscent of a Currier & Ives postcard will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. Attendants dressed in Victorian costumes will lead over 40 carriages pulled by more than 250 horses including magnificent Clydesdales and miniature horses. The new parade will be set to holiday music and will step off from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Local talent, marching bands and celebrities will be a part of the lighted parade.
• The parade will conclude with Celebrate Santa!—a creative production with lights, music and special effects.
The PDP will work with retail partners in the Golden Triangle to program entertainment and activities on Saturday afternoon to encourage visitors to shop, dine and enjoy the holiday exhibits Downtown before the start of the parade and Celebrate Santa! show. VisitPittsburgh is partnering with the PDP to market and promote the weekend to visitors outside the region. It will be a weekend like no other in the Golden Triangle—with lighting ceremonies—including in the newly renovated Market Square, window unveilings, entertainment, children’s activities, and amazing fireworks displays. For information and sponsorship opportunities, call 412-566-4190, ext. 15. Videos of Light Up Night® 2009 are available upon request to television media and photos of the horse drawn carriage parade are available to all media by contacting Hollie Geitner at 412-325-0153 or hgeitner@downtownpittsburgh.com.
What’s Brewing in Market Square?
Market Square has long been known as one of the top Downtown destinations for coffee, but now visitors can try a unique Market Square Blend coffee, roasted and packed by Nicholas Coffee Company and available only at the store on Market Street throughout 2010. Market Square Blend is an exotic mix of Columbian Sumatra, Ethiopian (mocha), Old Vienna (European Dark Roast) and Hawaiian Kauai. Attendees of the PDP’s Annual Meeting took a 12 oz. bag of beans home with them. Anyone interested in trying the coffee is encouraged to stop by Nicholas Coffee Company.
“Our announcements, while very different in topic and scope, certainly speak to the vitality of Downtown,” said Edwards. “Whether you are a resident, a visitor, a Downtown worker, or you own a business, the PDP is working hard to implement programs and strategies that meet the needs of all of its stakeholders.”
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Dancers Conclude PDP Meeting on a High Note
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, a member of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, celebrates its 40th anniversary as a Downtown presence. To add a touch of rhythm to the PDP annual meeting, students from the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School performed an eight-minute Doo Wop
set to promote the company's Valentine’s weekend production of “In the Upper Room” and “Company B” at the Benedum Center February 12-14.
The Downtown View Radio Show Airs Tonight
The PDP’s monthly radio show, The Downtown View, airs tonight at 7 p.m. on KQV, 1410 AM and will be a special broadcast taping of today’s Annual Meeting. A rebroadcast will air at
9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12.
A special thank you to Leech Tishman Fuscaldo and Lampl for sponsoring the PDP Annual Meeting.
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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