- Market Square, Pittsburgh
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Market Square
Pittsburgh's Market Square is located in Downtown Pittsburgh at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Market Street. It has traditionally been the heart of the city and is currently undergoing a revival with several new apartments and retail spaces planned.
The Square was created in 1764 when John Campbell mapped out the city plan. It was home to the first courthouse, the first jail and the first newspaper west of the Atlantic Plain, the Pittsburgh Gazette, which was established in 1786. It also was the site of the original city hall for the borough and then city of Pittsburgh until May 22, 1872 when the second city hall opened at Oliver and Smithfield.
On May 26, 1858 the city hall/courthouse was the host of the conference of Presbyterians that led to the merger forming the United Presbyterian Church of North America.
Renovation work began in August 2009 to transform the square into a European-style piazza; it officially reopened in November 2010. All vehicle traffic was diverted around the square to increase pedestrian-friendliness, and more outdoor seating was provided.[1] Nearby, new apartments, condominiums and office space with ground-level retail have been fitted into historic buildings.[2]
Coordinates: 40°26′26″N 80°00′09″W / 40.440669°N 80.002547°W
References
Categories:- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania stubs
- Pennsylvania building and structure stubs
- Buildings and structures in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Town squares
- Urban public parks
- Visitor attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- City of Pittsburgh historic designations
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