Mayor presides over opening of renovated Market Square

After about a year of construction, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and civic leaders "reopened" Market Square this morning.

The $5 million project turned the square into what the mayor's office called a "European piazza" with wider sidewalks for outdoor dining and an interior space reserved for pedestrians.

"Market Square is the heart of Downtown and this renovation marks an important milestone in our city's history," Mr. Ravenstahl said.

Though traffic was rerouted and pedestrian access restricted, the square was never completely closed during construction.

The work took a toll on businesses, and Mr. Ravenstahl today made a point of thanking them for their patience.

Officials also announced the upcoming debut of the "Market Square Season of Lights," a synchronized holiday light show made possible with support of the Colcom Foundation. Installation begins in about two weeks, and the show debuts on Light-Up Night in November.

First published on October 26, 2010 at 1:06 pm