Market Square Park, Downtown: 210 Forbes Avenue
Market Squares date back to an earlier time in history and were an essential part of everyday life. In the early days of Pittsburgh, the area now known as Downtown had a few. Others were across the rivers in Allegheny City (North Side) and Birmingham (South Side). But changing times and personal preferences forced many of them into obscurity, to be built over, paved over, or relegated to different uses.
Over the last 250 years, Market Square in Downtown has been a site of nearly continuous reinvention. Its latest renovation was completed in April of 2026, just as the first attendees for the NFL Draft (remember that?) began converging on the North Side. It’s a beautiful open-air plaza with trees, a large colorful trellis, and plenty of room for outdoor dining, seating, and events. After the long and winding construction process, the result is truly beautiful.
When we slow down and pay attention, the cycle of once-new things growing old comes into focus. And if our timing is right, we may even notice the return of new life.
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