Market Square Modernization Approval Marks Key Step in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Transformation

New renderings and construction timeline released by officials

PITTSBURGH, PA (February 11, 2025) – The Pittsburgh City Planning Commission has approved the highly anticipated modernization of Market Square, marking a major milestone in the collective efforts of public and private leaders to revitalize Downtown. Construction is expected to begin on April 1, 2025, with reopening slated for April 2026 – just in time to welcome visitors for the NFL Draft.

As one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic and heavily trafficked public spaces, Market Square will undergo a transformation focused on ensuring it remains one of the most vibrant and welcoming places in the region. Designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, the transformation includes infrastructure improvements, upgraded pedestrian pathways, enhanced lighting, expanded public seating areas and a new central pavilion structure. The modernization aims to create a more vibrant, accessible, and connected urban civic center that will serve residents, businesses, and visitors for decades to come.

The public space is a cornerstone of Downtown’s revitalization plan announced in 2024 by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Urban Redevelopment Authority and Governor Shapiro’s 10-year $600-million-dollar plan to transform Downtown Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is overseeing the design and construction, incorporating it as a key component of its recently announced 2025-2028 Strategic Vision for Downtown.

“Market Square has long been the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, and this investment creates a more beautiful, and safe gathering place for all,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “These infrastructure improvements enable activations and programming that are part of a larger commitment to reimagining Downtown’s future, welcoming more visitors, and supporting the small businesses that are the fabric of the Square. We thank the City Planning Commission for greenlighting the project.”

Funding for the modernization of Market Square is generously provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, BNY, Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney, Dollar Bank, Federated

Hermes, Highmark, K&L Gates, Pitt Ohio, PNC, PPG, Reed Smith, and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, with additional supporters expected.

Governor Shapiro, his team at the Department of Community & Economic Development led by Secretary Rick Siger, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey provided critical support.

“Market Square has always been an essential space for decades fostering connection, creativity, and serving as a thriving hub for small businesses,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “Investments like this are critical to ensuring that our public spaces remain vibrant and welcoming for all.”

“Building trust through collaboration is how Pittsburgh has always persevered, and this is another great example of public and private partners coming together to pursue a common vision,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “Eighteen months ago we started this journey of repositioning Downtown Pittsburgh for the future.  I am thrilled to see this historic space reimagined so it can continue to be a meeting and gathering place for generations to come.”

Key Design Features

Modernizing Pittsburgh’s iconic Market Square honors its rich history while greatly enhancing its functionality, accessibility, and appeal as a must-see destination. Key features in Field Operations’ design include:

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. Greening and shade elements will soften the Square, enhancing comfort and usability. Renovations will focus on removing barriers, eliminating parking, and reducing vehicular access to create a pedestrian-oriented experience and enabling expanded outdoor dining and more flexible programmable spaces. Improved lighting will enhance safety and security and support activation of the square at night. Thoughtfully integrated seating will be inviting and encourage daily use and interaction. To improve accessibility and mobility, existing brick and cobblestone paving will be replaced with smooth, uniform precast pavers, ensuring ease of movement for all visitors. Finally, essential infrastructure improvements will support a wider range of community events, increasing diversity and scale of programming.

The Market Anchor

The next phase of Market Square’s evolution will introduce a new focal point, the Market Anchor, a pavilion structure inspired by the semi-circular market building that stood in the

Square over 200 years ago. This modern interpretation features steel supports and a striking glass roof in shades of blue and green, reflecting Pittsburgh’s industrial roots and identity as the “River City”. The open-air structure will provide shade and shelter, with dynamic shifts in light, shade, and color during the day, and LED lighting that enhances the atmosphere at night. More than just an architectural centerpiece, the Market Anchor 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 curbless, pedestrian-priority corridor, featuring festive catenary lighting and seasonal plantings, including Pittsburgh’s signature spring redbud trees. This transformation will extend the Square’s energy along the Market Street axis, enhancing the existing connections to PPG Plaza and the future Mon Wharf while strengthening access to the 6th Street corridor and the Cultural District.

“The renovation creates an understated backdrop that lets Market Square’s natural energy – its businesses, events, and people – take center stage, while making the space more connected and accessible,” said Kim Cooper, Director, Field Operations. “This transformation of Market Square marks a significant investment in downtown Pittsburgh, establishing a more connected, accessible and vibrant public space that bridges the city’s rich heritage with its promising future.”

Construction Timeline

During construction, access to Market Square will be carefully managed to minimize disruptions for businesses and the public. All businesses will remain open. Construction is expected to begin on April 1, 2025, and opening is slated for April 2026. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and city officials will provide regular updates and coordinate with local stakeholders throughout construction. For more information, new renderings, and ongoing updates about the Market Square modernization, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/MarketSquareUpdates