Getting Streetwise On Market Square

Maybe it's just us. But we like to think of Downtown as a great big, beautiful jigsaw puzzle. At first glance, Downtown might seem to be a bunch of pieces that don't connect. But when you put all the parts in place and look at the whole wonderful picture, you're amazed at how it all seamlessly fits together.

For instance, just this week, the crew put on their hard hats back on kick off work on Market Street. Now one way to think about this is that Market Street is that piece of the puzzle that links Market Square to Fifth Avenue and the Fairmont Hotel, the Heinz Healy clothing store, the new 3PNC parklet, Heinz Hall, Six Penn Kitchen, Fifth Avenue Place and so many other nearby Downtown hotspots. Or maybe you want to picture the new Market Street as the grand entry way to the Square itself.

So if you're an armchair construction foreman type, here's what you'll notice happening on Market during the next four to six weeks. But before we do that, let's go below the surface, to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority's work replacing all the aging pipes under the old Market Street. Some of water lines were more than 100 years old. Let's fast forward to the present again to catch up on what Merante Construction  — that's the company that's responsible for making the Square itself look so great — will be doing on the surface.


Merante will install terrazzo sidewalks on both sides of Market Street. Our eagle-eyed readers know that terrazzo is a mixture of cement and a gazillion bits of granite chips. And they probably will point out that terrazzo is what covers most of the Square's surface as well as the sidewalks on Fifth Avenue near the beginning of Market Street.  Merante will also be installing granite curbs and putting up two new lamp posts to match those in the Square. See what we mean about all the piece fitting together?

Okay, just so you know this, too. The good news is that during the Market Street project, you'll be able to stop in at all your favorite merchants along the way. That means if you have an appetite for a pepperoni roll from Mancini's or a heavenly slice of Prantl's sour cream chocolate cake, you'll have no trouble satisfying your taste buds. If you're craving something a little bit spicier, use the entrance on Market Square to enjoy some of the best south of the border cuisine at Las Vela's Mexican eatery. Gentlemen, of course, can update their fall wardrobe with a new pair of shoes or leather briefcase at the classy Nettleton Shop. You can treat yourself with a new cut and manicure at Park Place Salon and Paris Nails.  And shutterbugs will want to pop into the Camera Repair Service store next to Mixstirs to focus on some vintage photo equipment or get your gear checked out or repaired. (Incidentally, they have great photos of Market Square through the decades inside!)

Now, that we've put a few pieces together for you, isn't time that you check out how it looks by taking a short stroll along Market Street during your next visit to Market Square?

A Team of Rivals

On the football field, we hope the Steelers certainly grab a tiger or two by the tail when they lineup against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2010 NFL season. But off the gridiron, we're here to tell you that the city and people of Cincinnati are a lot like all the place we love best — Pittsburgh.

Just last week we took a trip down the Ohio River — which starts here at the Point —  to visit the town once called "Porkopolis" because of all pigs farms and slaughterhouse nearby. That nickname stuck until Chicago took on the title of "Hog Butcher to the World." These days, the locals like to call their hometown the "Queen City," because that's how Longfellow referred to it in one of his classic poems about the city's natural beauty.

Anyway, enough of the History Channel lessons because we learned that Cincinnati is a thoroughly modern city that is sprucing up its downtown just like we're doing here in Pittsburgh. During our visit, we meet with some of the great folks who run the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation, which is their version of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Also known as the 3CDC, the organization is transforming Cincy's Fountain Square, a traditional meeting place that reminds us a lot of our very own Market Square.

Well, this Fountain Square — just like our Market Square — is surrounded by amazing shops and restaurants and gleaming new skyscrapers. And the fountain is so amazingly beautiful that we wanted to jump in to make a big splash. With the water babbling in the background, we sat there with our Cincinnati counterparts and some similar folks from Newark to swap notes on what we're all doing to make our downtowns more welcoming, vibrant and exciting.

What we discovered is that we're more alike than you might imagine. For instance the 3CDC realized that keeping public spaces clean is a team game, a challenge they tackled with their version of our Clean Team. Then they added some shade and color to their square with new trees and floral plantings. Sounds familiar, right? And while we were chatting, one of the 3CDC people mentioned that they have had weddings in Fountain Square. Of course, we had to brag that only a month after the Market Square renovation opened the space, we hosted our first wedding a few weeks ago...

Now we're plenty proud of Market Square and wouldn't trade it for anything. But we did suffer some "big screen" envy when we viewed the giant outdoor LCD monitor above Fountain Square. All we kept thinking was how cool it would be to have our own enormous TV in Market Square to watch the Steelers shred the Cincy Bungles on Monday Night Football on November 8. Well, you can join us for the game at any number of watering holes and eateries in the Square where Black and Gold fans will gather to watch the game.  You might try... Primanti Brothers, Moe's Southwest Grill, The Original Oyster House and Las Velas.

But the real "win" of our trip to the Queen City was making new friends and discovering how so many others are working to make their cities someplace special.

Photo of Fountain Square courtesy of David Robillard. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25865234@N06/

Fall Into Square Fashion

Just the other day, we heard the TV weatherman say that autumn really begins on September 1. That confused us a bit because we sweated through 90-plus degrees temperatures all last week. Then all of a sudden, a big chill blasted through the city and cooled down Downtown over the weekend. So maybe Mr. Meteorologist really does know his stuff. But we don't need to know which way the wind blows to figure out when to pack up our summer clothes until next year. All we do is draw a big red circle around Labor Day on the calendar to mark the start of the official fall fashion season.

Which brings up another issue...who wants to kick off a new fashion season in last year's styles? Of course, we all know the answer to that one. But, just in case, you need a few hints about where to find the latest fall looks, we can point you in the right direction. Let's make this easy and start right in the center of Market Square, where your first shopping destination is in plain sight. We could call that a bit of Serendipity, the tres chic boutique just a few steps away on Forbes Avenue. Let's just say that Serendipity is the perfect place to discover the hottest new trends in handbags, jewelry and accessories of all sorts from New York City to LA — all handpicked by the fabulous fashsionistas who own this hip hot spot.

Since we're putting away our sleeveless tops, sandals and Capris, we'll tell you where in the Square you can find ultra cool jeans, sunglasses and more hip gear for fall. Actually, that would be WEAR on Market Square — the tiny, tucked away shop on Graeme Street, just across from the Bella Sera restaurant. Though WEAR might be the smallest storefront in the Square, it's big on attitude and style.

Ladies, we all know that most guys would wear the same old shirts, slacks, socks and shoes year after year until everything crumbled into one big pile of lint, which they would never clean up. So we recommend a short trip around the corner from WEAR to the Heinz Healy's apparel store on Fifth Avenue. Whether it's casual wear or a tux — and everything in between — this is the place for men to get in touch with their inner GQ style.

Gentlemen, while we're on the subject, let's keep walking to the Nettleton Shop, that classy little footwear emporium on Market Street. In business Downtown for more than 80 years, Nettleton has been helping Pittsburgh men put their best foot forward in some of the finest shoes made on this planet. Aside from the shoes, Nettleton can help professional men get their hands on handcrafted brief cases, belts, wallets and other fine leather goods.

Just so we see eye to eye on all this, let's agree that we always want to look our best. Which is why we suggest a new stop on the Square shopping circuit. Maybe you've already noticed 3 Guys Optical on the ground floor of the beautifully renovated Buhl Building on the corner of Fifth Avenue and McMasters Way. Operated by the same people who run the classy Eyetique stores around town, 3 Guys will focus their attention you and that just right look for your new specs.

Of course, if you have the time, you'll find plenty more fall fashions at Larrimor's, Macy's, Sak's, the Shops at Fifth Avenue Place, Boutique La Passerelle on Wood Street and more around Downtown. So the next time we see you in the Square, you better be stylin'.

More Roads Lead To The Square

Now we realize that you've had to map out some creative routes over the past few months to get to the Farmer's Market, KidsPlay, Tuesday Reading Room, the Toyota Farm to Table Caravan and all the other great activities in Market Square. But very, very soon, we'll all be able to dash more quickly to the Square along more detour-free routes. That's because PWSA is finishing their pipe replacements and city road crews have been busy scraping away old layers of asphalt from lower Forbes Avenue, between Market Square and Stanwix, and McMaster's Way, that quaint little alley between the Original Oyster House and dreamy new lofts at MarketSquare Place.

Of course, we're not roads scholars (ha ha), which is why we always thought those guys in the orange vests and hard hats poured out the thick, oozy, steamy hot blacktop out in one big glob and then spread it around like icing on a cake until the new surface was all nice and even. But after observing the careful step-by-step work from the sidelines, we understand now that laying a new road is a complicated process that's best left to the pros.

First of all, you've got to "grind" away the old surfaces that have built up over the decades before you can even think of putting down the new road. After the grinding, what you end up with is a clean, bare surface. Then the crew starts the new road with a thick layer of asphalt.  A dump truck filled with asphalt (rocks mixed with tar) gets dumped into thier little green machine.  The green machine churns it to make sure it is well mixed, then dumps it underneath the vehicle.  As the vehicle moves forward, the back has a smoothing mechanism to make it nice and even.  Once it gets laid out, they compress with a big giant wheel that makes us giggle and think of Roger Rabbit or Wile E. Coyote when they get flattened by steam rollers in cartoons. So after that first layer, comes another, this time with smaller rocks for a smoother surface. Even on a short street like McMasters, the crews spread out six truck loads of blacktop for the first layer alone. But it's not all mechanized.  At special detail areas, like sewer grates and in the corners at the end of the streets, the guys push the asphalt into place with shovels, rakes and other tools.

Okay, did we mention the asphalt is so hot that you could fry an egg for a Primanti's sandwich on it? Because we don't want the yolk to be on us, we probably should say that we don't recommend that method of egg cooking. But at 300 searing degrees, you get the idea. Actually, it was sort of "cool" to notice how the temperature skyrocketed really fast from the time we turned off Fifth Avenue early Monday morning into McMasters, where the first layer had just been finished. You can also tell from afar when the rolling machine makes a pass the newly laid asphalt is smokin.' Literally!

So, now that more and more roads are leading to the Square, we expect to see you there more and more as the Grand Opening gets closer all the time. 

Check out this sweet video to see the crew in action...

Tying The Knot In The Square

Oh, you better believe that we cry at weddings. But when Andrea Gault and Koy Lopez tied the knot this past Sunday, our tears flowed like the Mon and Allegheny forming the Ohio at the Point. Actually, that's a pretty good analogy. You see, Andrea and Koy traded vows right in the middle of Market Square — the first wedding there since who knows when. Go ahead, you might want to read all that again just to make sure. But it's true, two people in love traded double "I do's" to become one happily married couple.

Of course Andrea was radiant in her elegant strapless gown and sheer veil. And Koy looked like the happiest man in the world. His smile was a bright as the sun overhead in the cloudless blue skies above as  lovely bride walked along a white runway to the center of the Square. With friends and family watching, the blushing bride and dapper groom pledged their undying love to each other under a graceful white lace canopy decorated with white roses.

Did we mention that we cried? A lot? From start to finish?

Now, we did enjoy a few laughs. Tons of people were strolling through the Square or pedaling their bikes and asking us all kinds of questions like...."Is this a movie?" "Are those people really getting married in Market Square?" and "Who would have ever thought you'd see a wedding in Market Square?" And then they stopped to watch and offer best wishes to Andrea and Koy. And instead of throwing rice — we don't want to feed the pigeons — guests blew big billowing bubbles as the happy couple walked down the aisle together for the first time as husband and wife.

And what better way to celebrate the big day than a reception at one of the Square's "hottest" restaurant — Las Velas. From what we hear the wedding party was a first for the muy bueno Mexican restaurant that not only overlooks the Square, but also has a new Tacos and Tequila eatery at ground level on Market Street that serves tasty $2 tacos at lunchtime.

If you weren't on the guest list for Andrea and Koy's big day, well, don't cry. We have a feeling wedding bells will be ringing again in the future in Market Square. And, remember, bring plenty of tissues.



Wedding photos courtesy of Melissa McMasters

Taking Care Of Business

For as long as anyone can remember, Market Square's been the place for local merchants to set up shop. Way back when, early Pittsburghers flocked to the Square to stock up on hard-to-get frontier provisions and just to catch up on the latest news around town. Over time, the city's first courthouse went up in the Square and so did the first newspaper building. And of course, the Square was the longtime home of the grand old Market House that stood smack dab in the middle of the space.

Well, all the attention and investment from Mayor Ravenstahl, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and several local Foundations* is paying off.  As a result of their investments, we are seeing another kind of investment - small businesses opening in small spaces that had lain vacant for a long time. Today, the Square plays host to merchants who sell everything from the latest fashion trends to the freshest pastries in town. And it seems like every time we visit the Square, another new business is hanging out its shingle to attract customers inside.

For instance, maybe you noticed a hip new clothing on Graeme Street — one of the shortest lanes in the city — called WEAR. Well, we played a not so secret shopper to check out their cool shades, super skinny jeans and ultra chic accessories. Now if you're in the mood a bit of pampering, the staff at Zhang's Massage will help soothe those aching shopping muscles, and it's just across the street on the second floor of the 1902 building.

One of our favorite Square activities is sampling the goodies available at the many to die for eateries there. For some finger-licking Southern style eats, A & J Ribs just can't be beat. They opened last fall but in case you were a little detered by the construction now is your chance to check it out! With a menu that serves home-cooked favorites like ribs, greens, mac and cheese and, of course, some sizzling barbecue sauce. Sometimes, we like to think of Market Square as a state of mind that crosses over its Belgian block boundaries. Which is why you might just spot us at the newly opened Tavern 245 on Fourth Avenue.  With executive chef Jay Lewis — he used to ride herd on the kitchen at Palomino's — in charge you just know the food will be great. But what really brings us back again and again are the marvelous Market Square Cosmopolitans.

Okay, back to the Square. Remember that we said the city's first couthouse — and jail — were in the Square? Well, legal eagles of the Sommer Law Group found a new nest in the Square in a lofty perch above Starbucks. Market Real Estate, with a specialty in Downtown residential opportunities, is also located in the space.

Sometimes we get so excited about happenings in the Square that we need to take a little time to walk around the corner to discover what's new. 3 Guys Optical just moved into the beautiful blue and white terra cotta Buhl Building on the corner of McMasters and Fifth. While you're eyeing up 3 Guys, you might spot the signs for the soon-to-open Splash, the Cranberry shop that sells high-end cabinets and fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens is coming to you — a real convenience for all those Downtown dwellers moving in everyday or the busy employee that comes to town everyday.

When you think about it, Market Square is still a center of commerce and social activity in Downtown. After nearly 270 years, we're still taking care of business in the Square.

*Special thanks to the Foundations who have supported the reconstruction, management and programming of Market Square including: the Heinz Endowments, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Colcom Foundation and Hillman Foundation.  And to the Laurel Foundation for supporting the Market Square plantings.  Also to the District Attorney's Office and the Pittsburgh Police Department for continued support in making Downtown a safe and welcome place to live, work, play and do business.

The Beat Goes On

Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. At least that's what we hear. But the next time you visit Market Square, we know you'll see all the amazing details as well as the great big picture, too. By now, you've probably noticed that another piece of the Square seems to be complete just about every day. In fact, there are fewer ribbons of yellow tape, orange barrels and cones and fencing in and around the Square since before the project started. Even better, there are more people in the Square just about anytime of the day you go there.

Still, there are few more things that need to be done before the project is 100 percent complete. For instance, this week you'll see even more hanging baskets, filled with red and white blooms. These swinging splashes of color really look great against the bright blue summer skies of the past few weeks. And don't forget, when the weather cools a bit in the next month or so, we'll be planting more trees on the northern side of the Square from the Oyster House to Nicholas Coffee.

Since we really want everything in the Square to be just right, workers have been busy putting the finishing touches on the bricks in the sidewalks, installing bike racks and even shining the bollards and lamp posts.

There will be a few non-related projects continuing around the Square. On one end, PennDOT crews continue to rebuild Forbes Avenue between Wood Street and the Square. At the opposite side of the Square, the NorthShore Connector project rumbles underground. And on the streets leading to the Square from Fifth Avenue, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority remains on the job installing new pipes on some of the sidestreets.

And just like the Market Square project, they'll be done before you know it!