Newsroom
Neighbors in the Strip
Main Street Spotlight
July 23, 2010
Long promising to open in "summer 2010," the Pittsburgh Public Market finally is coming together and could open by Labor Day weekend.
Final approvals came through July 1, and construction commenced last week on a bigger-than-planned space inside the Produce Terminal on Smallman Street in the Strip District.
Over the din of sawing yesterday, Cindy Cassell, the market manager who works for Neighbors in the Strip, still wasn't ready to announce an opening date but said it likely would be early September.
She and Neighbors in the Strip have been working on the project since 2001. Final Urban Redevelopment Authority funding was announced in January for the $1.275 million market, which now is to occupy about 10,000 square feet between 16th and 17th streets, not the 6,500-square-foot space in the next block. With a long skylight and garage doors that open on Smallman on one side and on the riverfront on the back, it's being designed by Indovina Associates Architects.
Thirty-seven vendors are ready to go into the market, which will be open Friday through Sunday to start; there's space for about 55. Daily cost for a booth ranges from $25 (10 by 6 feet) to $35 (10 by 8) to $50 (10 by 10).
"This is a great opportunity for starting a retail business at minimal costs," said Ms. Cassell, who is looking for vendors that round out the offerings.
Some vendors have been antsy about delays to the opening, which have included historic review of the old doors. A few vendors bailed out.
But once it opens, the market will offer shoppers a wide array of goods and edibles. Vendors include Aida's [Southern Italian] Cucina; Always Summer Herbs; Babouche, a seller of Moroccan crafts; Carlo's Garage Winery; Christopher's Collages; Common Plea Catering's Pastaria; Crested Duck Charcuterie; Edith and Eartha Textiles; Enrico Biscotti; Floral King; Fudgie Wudgie; Gosia's Pierogies; Janie Bags; Jenns Jems Jewelry and Accessories; La Prima Espresso; LaScola's Italian Ice; Michael Bros. Nursery; Mushrooms for Life; Pittsburgh Candy Buffet; Quiet Storm; Rowdy BBQ; Sito's Foods; Sustenance Rustic Bakery; Tracy's Treats; USA Concessions Lemonade; Zelda's Bead Kit Co.; Zoe's Herbs and Teas; and more, including several farms, food from which will be prepared by Slow Cooked Pittsburgh.
Plans include about a dozen tables where patrons can sit or stand, and an area for demonstrations and entertainment.
Hours are to be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. For the full list of vendors and more, visit pittsburghpublicmarket.org.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10203/1074279-34.stm#ixzz0uXLyrZow