Market Square Update: Construction Begins Today

Traffic Pattern Changes in Effect; All Businesses Remain Open During Yearlong Project

April 1, 2025 – Construction on the highly anticipated modernization of Market Square officially begins today, launching a yearlong effort to enhance one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic public spaces.

The project, led by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), marks a key step in the broader revitalization of Downtown announced in 2024 by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, Urban Redevelopment Authority, and Governor Josh Shapiro. The project is scheduled for completion in April 2026, just in time to welcome visitors for the NFL Draft.

As work gets underway, the public is advised that traffic patterns in and around Market Square will shift to accommodate construction activity. Construction starts in the north half of the Square (including McMasters, Market & Graeme Streets) with one-way, northbound traffic (on Forbes, from Wood Street to Stanwix Street) on the south half of the Square, through the summer. Later this year, construction will shift to the south side, with traffic rerouted to the north. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, and all merchants will remain open for business during the construction period.

“The PDP is proud to be leading this incredible project alongside our partners and stakeholders whose collective efforts are driving Downtown’s next big transformation,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. ”Market Square has long been the heart of Downtown, and upgrading this public space is a crucial piece in the puzzle that we will see come together over the next few years, thanks to bold investments that are creating a safe, welcoming destination where businesses can grow and people thrive.”

Market Square Merchant Support

The PDP is fully committed to supporting the Market Square merchants during the modernization project. Over the past 10 months, the PDP has held seven stakeholder meetings, 26 one-on-one discussions about this project, and countless phone calls and texts. Input from the merchants has helped to shape the project and lessen the impact of construction. Additional assistance plans and marketing and promotions efforts are being planned to support the businesses over the next year.

“The Market Square merchants look forward to continued open communication from the PDP, so our staff, customers, and neighbors can enjoy visiting Market Square with ease during and after construction,” said Jen Grippo, owner of the Original Oyster House. “All businesses remain open, and the support of our customers means everything to us during this time.”

State and Local Leaders Applaud Downtown’s Revitalization Progress

Stakeholders across PA voiced strong support for all Downtown projects:

“The modernization of Market Square is a key component to the overall revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. “Governor Shapiro has brought together partners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to make a historic investment in the city and his Administration will work hard to ensure projects like this one move forward because we know strong downtowns are key to strong communities and vibrant economies.”

County Executive Sara Innamorato said: “I want to applaud the PDP, all the financial supporters and design partners in the project who are moving swiftly to make sure Pittsburgh can enjoy a reimagined Market Square by next year. Whether it is visitors for the NFL Draft or Picklesburgh, or visits from the increasing numbers of people who are choosing to live downtown, the refreshed Market Square will be a fabulous amenity for everyone to enjoy.”

“I’ve often spoken about the remarkable partnerships we’ve built to lead Downtown Pittsburgh into the future.  The celebration of the start of construction in Market Square both demonstrates and solidifies the strong team of people ready to forge ahead and breathe new life into the heart of this city,” said Mayor Ed Gainey.  “I am proud to see projects begin that I know will only enhance this beloved space.  I am thankful to all those who have been a part of our journey to create a vibrant community Downtown where businesses thrive and residents feel safe and welcomed to live, work, and play.”   

“I’m thrilled to see the first of several public realm improvement projects take shape as part of our collaborative Downtown Revitalization Plan,” said Susheela Nemani-Stanger, Executive Director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA). “For years, Market Square has been a popular gathering place—where residents, workers, and visitors connect, unwind, dine, and shop—serving as a destination in the business district as well as a throughway to all Downtown has to offer. Thanks to the dedication of our public and private partners, this revitalization will reenergize the space with a human-centered approach.”

“Market Square has gone through many iterations over the years—yet its central function has always been as a gathering place for people who live, work and visit downtown Pittsburgh,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “This milestone moment not only shows progress towards the revitalization plan we announced last fall, but it’s also indicative of the power of collaboration between public and private partners who recognize downtown’s importance to the economic prosperity of our entire region.”

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. Designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Field Operations, key features in the 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 by removing barriers, adding greenery, improving lighting, reducing vehicular access, and expanding outdoor dining and programmable spaces to create a pedestrian-oriented experience.
• Market Square 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.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and city officials will provide regular updates and coordinate with local stakeholders throughout construction. For more information, visit DowntownPittsburgh.com/MarketSquareUpdates.