Market Square reopens after major renovation

PITTSBURGH — After a year of renovation, Market Square is finally back open.

“Today is a great day,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Today is a day to celebrate Pittsburgh. A strong and vibrant Pittsburgh means we’ve got a strong and vibrant Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

It’s a project that some feared wouldn’t be done in time for the NFL Draft, and it’s only a small piece in a major plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh.

The most noticeable change is a glass canopy overhead, but there’s also more green space, outdoor seating and work beneath the pavement that the public can’t see.

This moment has been a long time coming. Construction has been going on for a full year now, to the tune of $15 million.

It’s part of a larger, $600 million investment into Downtown ahead of the draft.

The work didn’t come without growing pains. Some businesses reported significant revenue loss, one even closed.

“To my fellow business owners, managers and staff, we have been through a lot together,” said Jen Grippo, the owner of the Original Oyster House. “I like to joke we are a bit of a dysfunctional family, but we do show up for each other.”

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato did touch on that - thanking businesses for their patience and promising to fill Market Square with events and people to make up for it.

Reporter Rich Pierce is continuing to look into the impact of Market Square’s reopening and will have more tonight on 11 at 11.

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