Governor Shapiro Reopen Governor Shapiro inaugurated reopening of the redesigned Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh

Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis participated on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the recently redesigned Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. The $15 million project was developed by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and supported by investments from businesses, nonprofit organizations, the local government, and the Shapiro Administration.

Market Square is one of the three iconic public space improvement projects included in Governor Shapiro’s 10-year plan to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh, bringing together the city’s private sector, local government, corporate leaders, and nonprofit organizations around a plan to build more housing, revitalize public spaces, and improve safety, cleanliness, and affordability downtown.With this opening, another key piece of Governor Shapiro’s plan is completed on time, ahead of the NFL Draft.

“I am proud to announce that Market Square has fully reopened in time for the NFL Draft – fulfilling a promise we made to Pennsylvanians nearly two years ago and completing another significant step in our plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.

“We are delivering real results on our ten-year plan to help Pittsburgh reach its full potential, including building more affordable housing, investing in violence prevention and public safety, and breathing new life into public spaces like Point State Park and Arts Landing. These targeted investments will create real economic opportunity for the Commonwealth and ensure Pittsburgh remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come., he added.

Market Square reopens just in time

Opening just as Pittsburgh begins to welcome hundreds of thousands of sports fans at Point State Park and across Downtown for the NFL Draft, the redesigned Market Square preserves its historic character while transforming the space into a more accessible, flexible, and connected public space.

“Governor Shapiro and I brought everyone together – state and local leaders, the business community, nonprofits and foundations – to create a plan to make the Golden Triangle shine, not just for the NFL Draft but for decades to come,” said Lieutenant Governor Davis.

“What we’re doing here in Pittsburgh will be a model for how we want to revitalize Main Streets and central business districts across the Commonwealth. I’m excited to unveil Market Square, but I’m even more excited to see what’s coming for downtown Pittsburgh over the next few years. Let’s get to work”, he added.

The redesigned Market Square now features upgraded infrastructure, improved pedestrian pathways, enhanced lighting, expanded outdoor dining areas, new seating, and a new central pavilion which will serve as a flexible focal point for year-round programming.

The incredible progress in the heart of Pittsburgh

“As the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh that brings people together and supports local businesses, the new Market Square is a force multiplier in our efforts to transform this City,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “By taking a people-first approach, we’re creating an environment that will attract new talent and encourage businesses to grow in Downtown Pittsburgh. Today we celebrate the incredible progress that has already been made, and we’ll continue working closely with our partners to complete even more projects that will help this City successfully compete in the global economy.”

To support this project, the Shapiro Administration awarded a $5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

Modernizing for the next generation of Pittsburgh residents

“Market Square brings residents and visitors alike to the heart of Downtown to celebrate our city and support our small businesses,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor.

“This project isn’t just for the Draft, it’s about carrying Market Square’s legacy forward and modernizing it for the next generation of Pittsburghers. We are grateful to Jeremy Waldrup and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Governor Shapiro and all of our other partners for supporting this project and continuing the momentum of investing in projects for the Downtown community,” O’Connor emphasized.

“Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and all the project partners that completed this remarkable Market Square transformation under such a tight timeline,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Downtown is the heart of our region, and an improved Market Square that is ready for year-round activation is an important upgrade for the community as we move forward with Downtown’s next chapter.”

Two years ago…

“Two years ago, the Allegheny Conference brought together a coalition of stakeholders to create a vision for and invest in Downtown revitalization efforts. From millions raised for clean and safe efforts, long-term reinvestment strategies, to focusing on a vibrant, thriving Downtown for all, we’ve made significant progress,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO of Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

“The first public realm projects that were just ideas on paper in the Downtown Vision Plan are now coming to fruition, with the newly modernized Market Square being the latest project to mark completion. Together, we’re well on our way to creating the Downtown Pittsburgh that we all know is possible – one that is vital to the vibrancy of our entire region and delivers on our goal of a next generation economy for all”, expressed Pashman.

Each year, Market Square welcomes more than three million visitors ― supporting 49 businesses, like the Original Oyster House, and hosting more than 250 events annually.

“Market Square only works when people choose to spend time here, and these improvements provide a chance to hold more events, bring in new ideas, and give people more reasons to come downtown — which means more opportunity for small businesses like ours,” said Jen Grippo, Owner of The Original Oyster House. “At the end of the day, this is about bringing people together. We are so proud to be here and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.”