The
Strip District is one step closer to getting its long-awaited public market.
Last week, the Urban Redevelopment Authority approved a $100,000 grant that will help make improvements to the market's future site at the Produce Terminal on Smallman Street between 18th and 19th Streets. The URA grant is the last piece of funding for the project, which is totaling about $1.275 million.
The Pittsburgh Public Market is designed by Indovina Associates Architects, which also designed the Otto Milk Building Condominiums. The market will occupy about 6,500 square feet of the now-raw warehouse space. Renovations will include adding electricity, ceiling fans and heating, lighting and security systems. Glass garage doors have also been proposed, and are awaiting historic review approval. These improvements should get underway in February, and the market is expected to open in late April or early May, says Cindy Cassell with Neighbors in the Strip, which has been working on bringing the idea to fruition since 2001.
"Large public markets really are local landmarks in most cities," says Cassell. "The Strip District has a lot of products a public market has, but when you're in a privately owned property, it's different. In a public market, we'll have community programming spaces so we can do demonstrations, classes and cultural celebrations."
The Pittsburgh Public Market will have space for 42 vendors, ranging from fresh and prepared foods to arts and crafts to local, seasonal produce. So far, vendors will include: 21st Street Coffee and Tea, Elysian Fields Farm, Pittsburgh Candy Buffet, Tracy's Treats natural skincare products and more. The market will be open Friday through Sunday each week.
Pittsburgh Public Market is being made possible through funding through the URA, a Department of Community and Economic Development Grant from Rep. Don Walko and Governor Rendell, a federal Health & Human Services Grant (the market will create about 100 new jobs, including jobs for low-income individuals), the Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development, the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh, and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Cindy Cassell, economic development and market manager, Neighbors in the Strip
Image courtesy of Indovina Associates Architects