After about five months of construction, renovations for Market Square are still on schedule, according to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), who oversee the renovations.
Market Square has long been considered both a cultural cornerstone and a hotspot for crime and disorder. The Globe has previously reported on multiple shootings and stabbings in both Market Square and the greater-Downtown area. Now, with fencing and construction dominating the square, residents and visitors are asking whether safety issues might worsen before they improve.
“Market Square is somewhere most Pittsburghers go to hang out and eat, but that view is ugly, and the walk-through is terrible,” said Raynette Ali, a Pittsburgh native.
Ali explained that while she doesn’t notice construction spread throughout the city, it feels heavily concentrated downtown. With narrowed walkways and reduced visibility from barricades, she added, “There are many bad people around here, so it makes it more dangerous.”
Despite concerns about safety and appearance, some nearby businesses say the ongoing work has not drastically impacted them. “It honestly has not affected our business as much as people would assume,” said Lexy Sehram of Nicholas Coffee Co., one of the oldest coffee shops in the city. “We have a pretty established customer base, but I am excited for it to be over.”
Other businesses echoed the same thought. Taylor Hatfield, who works at Millie’s, a nearby ice cream shop, said, “Honestly, business stays pretty steady and consistent.” Hatfield shared uncertainty about if the construction has directly influenced customer patterns in any way and remained hopeful about the outcome. “I think the renovations will grant new business and opportunity once it’s all finished.”
Market Square has long been one of Pittsburgh’s most recognizable community spaces. Adorned with restaurants, cafés, and even a camera shop, the Square has hosted numerous concerts, meetings, rallies, and seasonal events. Most notably, Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins celebrations and rallies, and even the famous Pizzaiolo Primo, a place where Sydney Crosby, of Penguins fame is rumored to frequent amongst fans.
For many, the most favorite traditions include the weekly farmers market during summer/fall months and the annual Christmas Market in winter, both of which draw large crowds.
However, this year, traditions have already faced disruption. This past Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the usual farmers market suitors were shifted over to PPG Place, centered around the water fountain. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, via their website, has detailed the construction project, sharing that it is designed to modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and support small businesses, the foundation for Downtown’s economy.
The renovations are expected to be completed by April, just in time for the NFL Draft, which was last hosted by Pittsburgh in 1948. City officials expect the Draft to welcome somewhere between 500,000 and 700,000 guests.
