With final approval, Market Square revitalization to start in April

Construction is set to start in April on a project that aims to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh’s Market square.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on Tuesday earned the Planning Commission’s approval for its proposal to reimagine the Downtown hub with limited vehicle traffic, more greenery and seating and semi-circular trellis canopy where people could gather for a variety of events.

It’s part of a broader $600 million effort to breathe new life into the city’s Downtown by converting unused offices to affordable housing, improving public safety and re-energizing public spaces.

Market Square welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors per year, according to Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President Jeremy Waldrup.

The proposed facelift aims to attract even more visitors and events.

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

Waldrup said the project will cost between $14 million and $16 million. The goal is to complete the work by April 2026.

New York-based Field Operations is spearheading upgrades that will improve lighting, add more seating and provide wayfinding so people can locate other key destinations throughout the Golden Triangle. The plan also will limit traffic and parking, leaving more space for events and pedestrians.

Traffic will still be permitted in half of the square, but the portion closer to PPG Place will become a pedestrian-only area. Retractable bollards will enable officials to close off vehicle access to the entire site during larger events or to reopen the area closed to vehicles to allow emergency responders through.

Under the plan approved Tuesday, the steel and glass trellis will become a new focal point of the square. It could host events from farmer’s markets to holiday celebrations, and its lights will help illuminate the area in the evenings.

The design pays homage to the market structure that stood on the site in the 1790s.

“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,” Waldrup said.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership last month outlined a strategic vision to make the neighborhood cleaner, safer and more vibrant. It includes plans to advance construction of four major, pedestrian-friendly streetscape and park improvements, install 10 major public art pieces and expand landscaping to fight blight.

This comes after the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust last week unveiled plans for Arts Landing, a $31 million outdoor civic space. The four-acre site will include a band shell for outdoor performances, sprawling green space, play areas and 100 new trees to a rundown stretch along Eighth Street.

Field Operations — the team behind the acclaimed High Line park in New York City — also designed Arts Landing.