The Placemaking Round-Up
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
The Biweekly Bazaar
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
“Neighborhoods throughout the City are experiencing record growth, and the Downtown is at the forefront. Market Square is at the center of much of this development and investing in this asset is critical to Downtown’s continued growth.”—Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor of Pittsburgh
Place Evaluation & User Analysis
Community Engagement & Visioning
Place Plans & Design
Market Square is a unique space in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. However, for many years the square felt unsafe due to a lack of management and only minimal use during the day and evening. This changed in 2007 when the Downtown Partnership began implementing short-term actions based on the recommendations of Project for Public Spaces.
Project for Public Spaces developed a short-term action plan and a long-term concept design based on workshops and meetings with neighborhood groups. The team organized the concept plan around proposed destinations that would be the program for the re-design and future management of the square. Events and programming, including an improved farmers market, special events, and street performers, were recommended. Long-term recommendations were designed to create welcoming entries and a renewed shared space that would connect to the surrounding businesses and provide additional amenities, including a child's play area and a performance space.
In October 2010, Market Square opened with its new design and management team, ushering in a renaissance downtown.
Place Evaluation & User Analysis
Community Engagement & Visioning
Place Plans & Design
