Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership opened the first half of the newly redesigned Market Square, and it’s already bustling with pedestrians.The $15 million reconstruction project plans to completely modernize the space. “I absolutely love it. It’s impeccable. I think it’s the best thing, and I think Market Square really needed the upgrade and update,” said C.C. Clark, owner of ClarkFit Boxing and Fitness.On Saturday, the north side of the square opened with a block party. “We have two little kids here, five and seven years old, and we bring them down here to get them to experience the city more. It feels safer and cleaner — we’re excited,” said Danielle Niebel from Ohio Township.The redesign adds 75% more space for pedestrians.“You’re going to see, when it warms up again, some really huge outdoor dining spaces — the ability to create larger events in Market Square,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “We have new water, power, and lighting. It’s going to be one of the best public spaces in the country.”Since construction began in April, businesses in the square say foot traffic has gone way down. “I’m just looking forward to a lot more events — the nighttime crowd coming back into the square, being active again and lively,” said Sasha Michelle, owner of Medi’s on Market.Many visitors at Saturday’s opening block party said they noticed the curb-less surface and smooth brick. “I do love the new brick. Back in the day, people walking in heels would trip and fall on the old brick — but now it’s all even and perfect. It is perfection,” said Clark.“I see people with wheelchairs coming through, and they’re not having a hard time, so that makes me really happy,” said Michelle.Starting Monday, construction will shift to the north side of the square. Traffic there will close permanently, except for deliveries and emergency vehicles.The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership says the entire project is expected to be complete by April 2026.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership opened the first half of the newly redesigned Market Square, and it’s already bustling with pedestrians.

The $15 million reconstruction project plans to completely modernize the space.

“I absolutely love it. It’s impeccable. I think it’s the best thing, and I think Market Square really needed the upgrade and update,” said C.C. Clark, owner of ClarkFit Boxing and Fitness.

On Saturday, the north side of the square opened with a block party.

“We have two little kids here, five and seven years old, and we bring them down here to get them to experience the city more. It feels safer and cleaner — we’re excited,” said Danielle Niebel from Ohio Township.

The redesign adds 75% more space for pedestrians.

“You’re going to see, when it warms up again, some really huge outdoor dining spaces — the ability to create larger events in Market Square,” said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “We have new water, power, and lighting. It’s going to be one of the best public spaces in the country.”

Since construction began in April, businesses in the square say foot traffic has gone way down.

“I’m just looking forward to a lot more events — the nighttime crowd coming back into the square, being active again and lively,” said Sasha Michelle, owner of Medi’s on Market.

Many visitors at Saturday’s opening block party said they noticed the curb-less surface and smooth brick.

“I do love the new brick. Back in the day, people walking in heels would trip and fall on the old brick — but now it’s all even and perfect. It is perfection,” said Clark.

“I see people with wheelchairs coming through, and they’re not having a hard time, so that makes me really happy,” said Michelle.

Starting Monday, construction will shift to the north side of the square. Traffic there will close permanently, except for deliveries and emergency vehicles.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership says the entire project is expected to be complete by April 2026.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.