Wake up every morning in the Heart of Downtown

With all the great changes in Market Square (the renovation of the plaza, the new restaurants and businesses...) why not become a part of the new Square in one of the new housing options!


All this week, we'll be introducing you to the living options right around the Square.  With short commutes, exciting views, cultural attractions, trails, parks, rivers and all your basic comforts in walking distance, why not join the other 2,000 people that already call Downtown home!*

In a bold and exciting reuse, Millcraft Industries is turning the former G.C. Murphy building and a few adjacent properties on 5th Avenue into a fantastic mixed-use space including retail, the Downtown YMCA and 50 loft-style apartments. 

From 700 sq. foot studios to 2,000 sq. foot penthouses, with rents ranging from $800/month to $2,500/month.

A sample of what you'll find:

• open floor plan with large windows
• exposed bricks and beams that date back to the turn of the century
• your own parking spot within the building
• modern, efficient kitchen with Energy Star appliances (including washer/dryer in each unit)
• common area rooftop courtyard that can be used for entertaining, cooking out, sunbathing, or just chilling out
• and my favorite feature - pocket doors! (1. They save space in an urban apartment   2. Who else do you know with working pocket doors?!)

Check out their website for more details.  They are now accepting online applications:
www.MarketSquarePlace.com


*The Golden Triangle has 2,000 residents, plus 2,500 residential students. Greater Downtown has approx. 9,300 residents and 6,000 students (Greater Downtown includes the North Shore, Strip to 26th Street, Lower Hill, Bluff, South Shore to the Liberty Bridge.)

The plaza isn't the only thing changing in Market Square...

As we prepare to bid adieu to summer, we have a few things to look forward to as fall advances.  In September, we anticipate some new businesses to open their doors and join the hubub at Market Square!

In the Market At Fifth building (a development by Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation which includes seven gorgeous apartments), we anxiously await the arrival of:

• The Nettleton Shop, featuring distinctive men's shoes, leather gifts and accessories from around the world
•  Heinz Healy's, gentleman's apparel where you'll find casual, business or formal attire

On Graeme Street, located between Nicholas Coffee and Costanzo's we are getting our taste buds ready for the opening of:

• Bella Sera on the Square, a new venture by Bella Sera and Greco's Catering, this member of the Green Restaurant Alliance will be a great place to stop for a glass of wine and plate of tapas after an evening at the Symphony--just across the street!

Also anticipated to open early this fall:

• Las Velas Mexican Restaurant, located in the space above Prantl's and Mancini Bread Company with a killer view of Market Square.

Stay tuned for more information on each business as we approach their openings!

Quick reminder for Thursday: Market moved!

Due to construction, the farmers will spend the rest of the season in Gateway Plaza (next to The Hilton Pittsburgh).

Come gather up summer's bounty!

The Original Oyster House

The Original Oyster House is Pittsburgh's oldest bar and restaurant... 137 years old! 

When the Oyster House first opened in 1870, oysters sold for a penny and beer was 10 cents a glass.  The enormous fish sandwiches, which require a special bun, were introduced by Louis Americus, the proprietor from 1916 to 1970.  The delicious coating on the fish and oysters, a recipe of Mrs. Americus, is still used today.  Mr. Americus was also the originator of much of the decor.  He attended all the Miss America pageants, returning each time with pictures of the contestants which he used to grace the wall of the tavern.

The Oyster House is the oldest union bar in the city, and even during Prohibition when only buttermilk and soda were served, union bartenders were on the job.  This unique tavern has been designated a historic site by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.

Today you can get two mini fish sandwiches and a side of potato chips for only $2.79.  Or, if you're feeling really hungy, try the monster fish sandwich.  And you can never go wrong with the oysters they are named for. 

See their menu at:
http://www.originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com/

For your convenience, you can fax in your office's take out orders...
fax: 412-566-1021

Visit The Original Oyster House in Market Square at:
20 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-566-7925

First week of construction behind us!

The Square looks so different it's hard to believe we're only one week in to the reconstruction project.













So far the crew has:

• Removed all vertical elements, including light poles, trees, the clock, the stage armature, etc.
• removed the marble from the back side of the stage
• removed the brick from the top and steps of the stage
• began to dig the dirt out of the raised planting beds (extra difficult because there isn't a good record of where the pipes are laid in the bed - a little bit of hide and seek!)

You may have noticed the brick and marble being loaded onto palets (see the photo below). The brick will be stored and reused in Market Square to make the project as sustainable as possible and retain that mix of historic and modern that everyone loves so much about the Square.


















In the upcoming weeks the crew will be primarily focused on removing all the brick, gray belgian block and granite curbs by hand. We are taking a great deal of care in removal so we can reuse these materials in the renovated Square.

PS...

You may have noticed that the crew didn't do any work on the site last Friday. That's because during these first couple weeks of demolition work the crew is working what the construction business calls "40 in 4." This means that they are working a full week's hours, but they are working four 10-hour days, instead of five 8-hour days. This is a very helpful way to work during demo because it allows for greater efficiencies (for example, they only have to load and haul recycled materials to the warehouse 4 times a week instead of 5, conserving man-hours and fuel).


Once demolition is done they expect to switch to a 5-day work week in Market Square. But for now, you have some new vocab and can impress your friends. Whether you are an accountant or a cashier, as you walk past the Square with a friend, or chat at a dinner party about the many exciting construction projects Downtown, you can casually drop "40 in 4" like you've been saying it all your life and enjoy the opportunity to share you vast knowledge of the universe!

Farmers Market Moves to Gateway Center Today!

All your favorite vendors, just in a new spot...only 2 blocks away from Market Square!

We will continue in this temporary location through mid-December. Next summer we'll be back in the newly renovated Market Square!

Market Square Under Construction - But Still Open For Business!

Check out some of the construction photos we captured while visiting Market Square on Monday - it's really a site to see! The trees are being removed and will be replaced as part of the makeover and the square will be leveled to give it more of a European piazza feel and to make it more pedestrian friendly. Other improvements include outdoor cafe seating, new landscaping and trees, and new lighting. It's all so exciting! Read more at at the Post-Gazette.com.

Temporary Home for Downtown Pittsburgh Farmers Market

We understand that construction can be frustrating to Downtown workers, residents and visitors but despite the barricades, road closures and machinery, it's all part of improving Downtown Pittsburgh. If you haven't already noticed, renovations have commenced in Downtown's historic Market Square. While there will be some inconveniences due to construction, all your favorite Market Square merchants are still open for business! Just remember, temporary inconvenience = long-term improvements Downtown.

Due to the construction in Market Square, the Farmers Market will have a temporary home at Gateway Plaza (near Three Gateway Center and The Hilton where the Three Rivers Arts Festival Artists Market happens) beginning Thursday, Aug. 20. Same time, same great merchants! Come out and enjoy fresh homemade pies, salsa, wine, gourmet foods, over 50 varieties of produce, beautiful flower arrangements and more!

Construction Begins...

Market Square construction began 8/16. Vehicular traffic will be restricted to one side of the Square but pedestrians will have full access to all the businesses in Market Square. You will still be able to grab your morning coffee, meet a friend for lunch, or go for a drink after work at your favorite places. If you're paying attention you can catch the specials we'll be broadcasting through this blog, and the PDP Facebook and Twitter accounts!

What you can expect to see this week...

1. The project fence will be set beginning around 8am Sunday morning, August 16, and should be finished by the afternoon.

2. Trees will be removed.

3. The existing lightpoles will be de-energized and removed.

4. The removal and recylcing of existing materials will begin (the bricks, granite and belgian block will be cleaned and reused).


We look forward to keeping you up to date on everything happening in the Square so stay tuned!