Market Square Updates
Transforming Downtown
As one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic and historic public spaces, Market Square is the bustling heart of Downtown.
Market Square, which welcomed over 3.1 million people in 2024, is a cornerstone of the Downtown revitalization plan announced by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Urban Redevelopment Authority, as well as Governor Shapiro’s 10-year $600 million plan to transform Downtown Pittsburgh.
Working with the renowned, New York-based landscape architecture firm Field Operations, the PDP is overseeing the design and construction of Market Square, incorporating it as a key component of the recently announced 2025-2028 Strategic Vision for Downtown. These investments will enable activations and programming that play a part in reimagining Downtown for the future, by welcoming more visitors and providing support for the small businesses that drive Downtown’s economy.
Project Updates
Timeline
Construction is expected to begin on April 1, 2025, and opening is slated for April 2026.
During construction, access to Market Square will be carefully managed to minimize disruptions for businesses and the public. All businesses will remain open. Check out our Market Square merchant directory!
Construction schedule
- April 1, 2025 – Begin construction on north half (View Map)
- Oct/Nov, 2025 – Finish construction on north half; begin construction on south half
- April 2026 – Finish construction on south half
Market Square Businesses Are Open!
Questions about construction in Market Square?
News
September 9, 2025
'Construction to Couture' Cocktail Crawl Brings the Flavors of Fashion Week to Market Square
September 2, 2025
First Look at Market Square’s New Streetscape Marks Construction Progress
June 24, 2025
Market Square Modernization Marks Progress in Downtown Revitalization
April 1, 2025
Market Square Update: Construction Begins Today
Key Design Features
Improved Quality and Experience
By incorporating local materials and reflecting the city’s character, the renovation will create a space that is both authentic and welcoming by removing barriers, adding greenery, improving lighting, reducing vehicular access, and expanding outdoor dining and programmable spaces to create a pedestrian-oriented experience.
The Market Anchor
More than just an architectural centerpiece, the open-air pavilion will play a vital role in the daily life and activation of the Square. Equipped with power and sound infrastructure, it will support a variety of events, from farmers’ markets to citywide festivals, activating the Square year-round.
Downtown Connectivity
Market Street will be reimagined as a curb-less, pedestrian-priority corridor to extend the Square’s energy along the Market Street axis and enhance existing connections to PPG Plaza and the future Mon Wharf, while strengthening access to the 6th Street corridor and the Cultural District.
Funding for this project provided by:
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- BNY
- Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney
- Dollar Bank
- Federated Hermes
- Highmark
- K&L Gates
- Pitt Ohio
- PNC
- PPG
- Reed Smith
- Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Market Square Merchants Are Open for Business!
That’s right. All of your favorite Market Square shops and restaurants are open and ready to welcome you. Check out our business directory below. [View in a new tab]