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PITTSBURGH, PA — City restaurants are teaming up with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and local artists to support local merchants during the reconstruction of Market Square.

The three-month Plates and Perspectives initiative will partner local artists with Market Square restaurants to create artwork inspired by the city that will be displayed in participating establishments. Each piece invites patrons to share their memories, stories and opinions on Pittsburgh for a chance to win gift cards and individual art pieces.

The $15 million renovation of Downtown's Market Square is on schedule and should be completed by the intended date of next year's NFL Draft in April.

According to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, this is the key construction progress:

• New Shared Streetscape: A shared street blends the roadway and sidewalks into one continuous, curb-less surface and is designed to slow down drivers and put people first. It creates a more flexible, pedestrian-friendly space that can support walking, outdoor dining, events, and everyday use.

• Installation of new precast concrete pavers for the streetscape.

• Infrastructure upgrades: Crews are modernizing electrical and water systems, adding capacity for large-scale events and upgrading irrigation to support a healthier, more expansive tree canopy.

• Pavilion: Drilling of 18 structural caissons is underway for the glass-and-steel pavilion inspired by the 18th-century covered market stalls that once stood in the Square. Designed with blue and green glass panels evoking Pittsburgh’s rivers, the structure will serve as an anchor for markets, performances, and community gatherings.

“Art invites people to connect with a place and remember it long after they leave," Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership CEO Jeremy Waldrup said.

“Throughout this revitalization process, Market Square is redefining what it means to be a public square, as a platform where local artists, businesses and the community can come together to create new connections and experiences that will continue to inspire future engagement even afterthe construction is done.”

Ten Market Square restaurants are participating: Emerson's Alta Via, City Works, Las Velas, Medi’s on Market, Millie’s Ice Cream, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Original Oyster House, Pizzaiolo Primo and Space Bar.

Each restaurant features a piece by a local artist, along with an engagement question that invites viewers to submit a response for a chance to win the piece, among other prizes.

Prize drawings will take place on the first weekday of the month through December.

1st Giveaway: Wednesday, October 1st (Gift Card Prize)

2nd Giveaway: Monday, November 3rd (Gift Card Prize)

3rd Giveaway: Monday, December 1st (Original Artwork Prize)