One Block At A Time

Okay, the next time you visit Market Square — and we really do hope that's soon — try to guess how many Belgian blocks surround the new terrazzo plaza where the Farmers Market will set up this Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Just so you know, you won't win a jar of jelly beans if your answer's correct. But you'll sure develop an appreciation for the guys who spent months on their hands and knees placing each of those pieces in place — one block at a time.

Now, if you were in the Square around lunchtime this past Monday, you might have noticed Frank Manno laying the final block just across Market Street from Mixsters. And you couldn't  have helped but see the big smile on his face when the job was done, sort of like he finished a giant jigsaw puzzle that he started last December. Even when the rest of us were snowed under this past February, Frank and Nino Costa and Anthony Merante were clearing away the white stuff so they could get back to work.

So we asked Frank if he knew how many blocks were in the Square and here's what he told us. "I don't know, but it seems like a million to me." Well, the truth is, there are approximately 50,000 blocks in the Square, according to Anthony, owner of Merante Contracting. That's about two blocks for every square foot of space they cover. And every time you step on one of those stones, keep in mind that about 75 percent of the blocks are recycled from the old Square. The rest are reused from other projects.

Here's something else to think about. Frank and his crew eyeballed each and every block to get a perfect fit. And then they made sure that each stone was level and on the Square, so to speak. With the last block down, the Square is a little closer to being finished. And that's a mighty big step.

KidsPlay In The Square

We don’t have to tell you that Market Square is a great place for grownups to have all kinds of fun — from the Farmers Market to free concerts by some of the area’s most exciting performers.

But did you know that every Friday through August 27, we transform the Square into Downtown’s hot spot for a much younger set?

Now that school’s out for most youngsters, KidsPlay in the Square is the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained each Friday morning throughout the summer from 10-11:30 a.m. with stories, crafts, hands-on educational exhibits and special guests.

From McGruff the Crime Dog to Washington Wild Thing baseball team mascot, you never know who is going to show up in the Square. Even adults will have tons of fun — we promise.

First up this Friday is "That Guy With The Birds," John Lege, who entertains with his educational and entertaining parrot programs for all ages. John mixes a little bit of music, magic and hands on interaction to give kids of all ages a close adventure with these awesomely intelligent fine-feathered friends.

And just to make sure everyone has a yummy time, the WISH 99.7 Street Treat Patrol will be passing out free ice cream and snacks.

Here’s what’s happening on KidsPlay In The Square every Friday throughout the summer:

June 11 – That Guy With The Birds
Kids will flock to Birdman John Lege and his amazing parrots. It’s time to fly with

June 18 – Take Me Out To the Ball Game The Washington Wild Things mascot will take over the Square for a day of baseball related stories and activities, including a chance for young baseball players to sign up for the W’ittle Wild Things Kids Club.

June 25 – Fire Safety Day
Join the four-alarm excitement as kids get to meet a real City of Pittsburgh firefighter and hop aboard an actual fire truck.

July 2 – Get Fit
Youngster will discover the importance of lifelong fitness and learn some cool exercises for pre-school and elementary students.

July 9 – Science is Cool Staff members of the Carnegie Library transform the Square into a giant outdoor lab to conduct some exciting science activities and tell a few stories.

July 16 – Check back for details.

July 23 –  That Guy With The Birds, Again!
John Lege is back for an encore presentation of That Guy With The Birds! (include photo attached) Plus, Think Outside the Cage with Animal Friends!

July 30 – Once Upon a Toon!
Join storyteller and quick draw cartoonist Joe Wos, of the ToonSeum, for a special live performance of Once Upon a Toon. It’s a one-of-a-kind blend of storytelling and live cartoon illustration. Kids can also mingle with cartoon character Grimmy, as the ToonSeum celebrates it’s newest exhibition, “The Dog Days of Summer: Cartoon Canines. And kids can test their funny bones during a hands-on comical crafts session. 

August 6 – Music, Music, Music

August 13 – Eat Smart, Eat Healthy

August 20 – Read, Read, Read With Carnegie Library

August 27 – Policemen Are Our Friends Meet McGruff, the Crime Dog, check out the Bomb Squad truck and imagine yourself behind the wheel of the D.A.R.E. car. Gather round as one a City of Pittsburgh police officer reads a great story to kids. And, parents who wish to have their child fingerprinted may do so  to, as long at least one parent is on site to give permission.

KidsPlay in the Square is presented by:

We also thank the following sponsors: 

Market Square: Buy The Book!

Well, last week we opened a new chapter on Market Square with the return of the Farmers Market. Now, we turned another page yesterday when the Carnegie Library of Downtown set up its mobile branch in the Square for the very first Tuesday Reading Room.  We think this will be one of the year’s best sellers.  

Here’s how it works. Every other Tuesday though October 19, the Library will sell used paperbacks and hardcover books in the Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  And you won’t believe how affordable the prices are. For just 50 cents, you can pick up a paperback, and a hardcover is just a buck. Even better, the money from the books will help keep Carnegie Libraries open and their programs going strong.

Even without a lot of advance notice, Downtown bookworms got to the Square early to catch their favorite titles. By 12:30 more than half the books on the cart were gone. And we spotted more than a few buyers sipping icy, cool drinks and satisfying their literary appetites in the midst of city’s lunchtime bustle.

In case you’re wondering, the next Tuesday Reading Room is set for June 22. And Karen Rossi — she’s the Downtown branch manager — invites everyone to browse the books up for grabs and encourages them to sign up for the library’s Summer Reading program to earn points and prizes for every book they read.

Oh, if you happen to have any books you’ve already finished, don’t toss them in the trash. Karen says the library accepts previously enjoyed books to keep the Reading Room shelves stocked. To recycle your old books, just drop them off at the Downtown branch at 612 Smithfield Street.

Remember the next Carnegie Library Tuesday Reading Room in Market Square is June 22. Book it now. 

The Farmers Market Is Back Home In Market Square

Maybe it’s because we recently moved our offices to the fourth floor of 925 Liberty Avenue, but we couldn’t wait to get our feet on the street again to head to Market Square for the first day of the 2010 Farmers Market.

That’s right. After selling their wares in Gateway Plaza last summer to make way for the initial phase of the fabulous makeover of Market Square, our favorite vendors — plus some new faces — are back in one of the city’s best-loved gathering spots. And it really does feel like a homecoming.

Of course, we stopped at the Salsa Man’s stand to sample some of the spicy dips and chips. Even though the skies were a little gray, the Spanish peanut sauce turned up the heat, for sure. And pie man Bob Schilling’s big, bright smile supplied more than enough sunshine at Sand Hill Berries in front of all the lunchtime diners chowing down al fresco style on cheesesteaks outside of Primanti’s.
And you know we can't stop talking about how great it is to live, work and relax in Downtown, but even city slickers couldn’t resist the homemade goodness of farm-fresh cheddars and other cheeses at the Clover Creek Cheese Cellar stand — a rookie this year in the Square.

Even though workers are still laying terrazzo and yellow caution tape surrounds newly planted saplings, the Square was bustling, which is usually the case during the Farmers Market. Did you know that on Market Thursdays, about 6,000-7,000 workers, shoppers and other passersby gather in the Square for tasty Greek pastries, just-picked produce for dinner and first-rate live music? Not that we were counting, but Market Square was packed by time the Lincoln Park Steel Drum Corps started entertaining with a mix of calypso and jazz tunes that had just about everyone tapping their toes to the irresistible beat. Before we forget to mention it, free, live noon concerts are part of the Farmers Market through August 19, with a variety of rock, country and more in store.

If you’re a people watcher, Market Square is a prime spot just about anytime. But it’s even better during the Farmers Market. Along with paparazzi from local TV stations and newspapers, we caught Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Bobby Crosby with his wife, Gina, and son, Tyler. The Crosbys, who happen to live Downtown, said the Farmers Market was grand slam for them.

Now, as hard as it is to believe, some people in the area were finding out about the Farmers Market for the very first time. And we think that’s just great. We noticed Jackie Valley of Bethel Park sniffing a pretty bouquet of flowers and just had to ask her what she thought of the new Market Square and the Farmers Market. “I was just walking through and discovered,” Jackie told us. “It’s fabulous. I’ll be down here again.”

Jackie, we can’t wait to see you and everyone else this summer and fall for all the fun at the Farmers Market in the new Market Square.

Thursday Concert Line Up

Concerts run June 3 - August 26

Noon - 1 p.m.

June 3 - Lincoln Park Steel Drum Corps

June 10 - Henry Mancini All Stars (Lincoln park performing arts singing troop)

June 17 – The Delaneys (popular Pittsburgh based rock band)

June 24 – NOMaD (Pittsburgh Country Music band favorite most recently selected as the exclusive performing act by Harrah's casinos to debut for a three month run at a yet unnamed venue at Bally's Atlantic City beginning summer 2010.)

July 1 - The Granati's "For those about to Rock Academy" featuring Beaver County rockers David and Hermie Granati with some of their most gifted up-coming students.

July 8 - Sarah Marince (Pittsburgh Native – now living in Nashville, pened for many national acts such as Taylor Swift, Kenny Rogers and Kellie Pickler! She just released her second cd entitled "You're My Summertime)

July 15 - Harmon Creek (female country duo previously featured as semi-finalists on CMT's Can You Duet )

July 22 - The Great Scotts! (Fun 80s 90s acoustic cover act) this is Donnie Iris's nephew but that’s not for advertisement.

July 29 - Walter Ino (internationally touring musician based out of Pittsburgh who's bands include Strangeway, 7th House, and lead guitar player for South by Southwest 2010 performer Danielle Barbe as well as Jenny Galt a former contestant on American Idol)

Aug 5 - Amy Colalella – (winner of the Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana's search for the next pop star contest)

Aug 12 - Billy the Kid – (Pittsburgh based blues band that has one many blues competitions from here to Nashville and back).

Aug 19 - Beatles Tribute Band

  The Thursday concerts are produced by:

Star 100.7                                  KDKA Radio

To tempt your palate: Market Square Weekly Farmers Market returns soon!

Your lunch break is about to get a lot more delicious... The Thursday Market Square Farmers Market is returning this June for its sixth year in the new Market Square.

Starting Thurs., June 3, Market Square will be bustling with local vendors selling all things tasty from the center terrazzo -- fresh produce, smoked meats, authentic salsas, decadent baked goods and even flowers and wine to keep on hand for a romantic weekend.

The farmers market will be a great time to stop by and check out Pittsburgh's newest public space -- stroll over, pick up some pierogies and baklava, and enjoy your international lunch in a piazza with a truly international feel (the whole place is oriented to pedestrians rather than vehicles). 

The Market Square farmers market will be open each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all summer and into the fall -- the market doesn't wrap its season until Nov. 18, the week before Thanksgiving.

The Thursday Market Square Farmers Market will feature all your favorite vendors from last year.  See the full list of vendors on our website, DowntownPittsburgh.com.

And a new addition this year for you fromage fans: Clover Creek Cheese Cellar, which sells artisan cheeses made with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture-Certified grass-fed raw milk. Customers will also be able to special order grass-fed beef.

If delicious food is not enough to get you to the new Market Square, there will also be live music, brought to you by Star 100.7 and KDKA Radio. So you've got no excuse not to check it out. We'll do a special blog post next week with this summer's performers. 

And keep in mind, you don't have to wait until June 3 to find farm-fresh foods Downtown. The Citiparks Farmers Market opened last Friday, May 14 at the City-County Building on Grant Street. It runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday.

For up-to-the-minute updates on all things Pittsburgh, follow Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on Facebook and Twitter.

What the Heck IS Terrazzo, Anyway?

"Terrazzo?" you ask. "Yes, terrazzo!" we say.

Well, what's terrazzo? Terrazzo is made up of small granite chips. (Remember the Belgian block? That is a bigger hunk of granite.) There are several steps to laying terrazzo:

1) The crews place a gravel sub-base (bottom layer) between the compacted dirt and the concrete base.
2) They place an epoxy-coated mesh inside the concrete to reinforce it and help prevent cracking.
3) They make forms (boxes) on top of the sub-base. This allows them to properly set the level of the concrete. They do this by shimmying long 2x4s across it -- like how you'd run a knife across the top of a measuring cup of sugar to get it level). This allows the construction crew to work in smaller sections and alternate boxes for a better terrazzo product, and the joints allow for expansion of the concrete to help prevent cracks.

For you true construction geeks out there, here's some more info on laying terrazzo: There are two different ways to lay terrazzo. Yes. Two.

First way is that you lay the concrete, let it dry and come back later for the terrazzo, putting a chemical bonding agent between the two materials (think of it as a really serious glue). The second way is to press the granite chips into the cement while it is still wet.

Market Square will have the second process (see them pushing chips into wet cement in photos above?), which should make it a stronger product, and more resistant to cracking. It will also be laid in 6' x 6' squares. These joints will allow for expansion (more crack prevention), and in the case of any damage, it will be easier to repair.

Once the granite is set in place, the construction crews cover it to let it cure. When laying concrete you don't want it to dry too fast, so they cover it with plastic to keep it moist while it begins the curing process. Sometimes they use burlap (as in the photo above) because they can keep rewetting it and manage the level of moisture and drying time.  Once the concrete is set they must spray it down to clean it and then put a sealant on to protect it.

Fun fact: It takes 28 days for concrete to cure completely. You know, like if you dry your clothes on the line... after a couple hours it will be drier than when you hung them, but it takes a good while for them to be completely dry through and through. Well, concrete takes a whole 28 days to reach full strength. If you ever wonder why the project near your house or on your commute looks ready but is still blocked off… it needs time to cure!

Stay informed about Market Square and Pittsburgh on our website, and by following PDP on Facebook and Twitter.