The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is expanding its popular Paris to Pittsburgh program thanks to a third of a million dollar grant. The program helps street level businesses downtown to make improvements to their building’s façade. In the past the funds have gone to restaurants but the program will be expanded to other businesses.
“When folks think about Paris they think of vibrant outdoor cafes and people sitting out enjoying a beautiful day of people watching and sipping coffee and that is exactly what we are trying to do with this program,” said Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership CEO Jeremy Waldrup
The program began in 2008 and has handed out more than $800,000 to 41 restaurants for Façade improvements and outdoor cafes. Tonic Bar and Grill, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Primanti Bros. are aong those who have received grants. “So when you are out there enjoying a beautiful day like today on their outdoor patios that is the thanks in part to the Paris to Pittsburgh Program,” said Waldrup.
The maximum grant through the program is $25,000 and Waldrup hopes to be able to fund 8-12 projects through the $350,00 grant from the Colcom Foundation this year. “If we get rid of it in three months that would be an excellent problem to have.” Business owners are required to match the grant money dollar-for-dollar.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Show all posts
Friday, June 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
New PDP Chief Begins Work
The new head of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership says that it won’t be easy to secure public and private support during a slow economic recovery, but he’s ready to take up the challenge.
PDP President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup says he’s eager to start working with the PDP Board, the city’s government, and the private sector to put together a collective vision for Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle.
Waldrup says he worked for New York City as the liaison between the city’s government and the network of 64 business improvement districts there.
“I’m on the other side of the equation now, working for the actual improvement district, the nonprofit organization, but I think I have a lot of relevant experience and insight that can help continue to ensure that the PDP progresses in a really positive way for Downtown,” says Waldrup.
He says he also wants to continue policies to attract and retain residents in the area, such as not requiring citizens to pay a fee for improvement district services.
Waldrup says after taking a “crash course” on the city after being named to his post last month, he and his family moved to Pittsburgh just days ago.
PDP President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup says he’s eager to start working with the PDP Board, the city’s government, and the private sector to put together a collective vision for Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle.
Waldrup says he worked for New York City as the liaison between the city’s government and the network of 64 business improvement districts there.
“I’m on the other side of the equation now, working for the actual improvement district, the nonprofit organization, but I think I have a lot of relevant experience and insight that can help continue to ensure that the PDP progresses in a really positive way for Downtown,” says Waldrup.
He says he also wants to continue policies to attract and retain residents in the area, such as not requiring citizens to pay a fee for improvement district services.
Waldrup says after taking a “crash course” on the city after being named to his post last month, he and his family moved to Pittsburgh just days ago.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Downtown Partnership Hires New CEO
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has gone out of town for its new leader. Jeremy Waldrup will take over the post of CEO for the Partnership next month. He comes to the PDP from New York City where he was the Deputy Director of the city’s Business Development Division. PDP Board Chair Richard Beynon says that means he has the experience needed to do the job. “He was the liaison between the city and over 64 business improvement districts in New York City. He served on eight boards so we believe his level of expertise will be instrumental in helping the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.”
Beynon says the board will give Waldrup time to get his feet under him before throwing him fully into the job. “It will take a little bit of development to have Jeremy [Waldrup] understand Pittsburgh and the players here, but … I think he will be a very quick learner and a very fast start.”
Waldrup will have to be able to both lead and follow. Beynon says Waldrup will have to listen to the board, the business owners he serves and city leaders while at the same time building a vision for the Partnership and the entire Golden Triangle.
Beynon says the board will give Waldrup time to get his feet under him before throwing him fully into the job. “It will take a little bit of development to have Jeremy [Waldrup] understand Pittsburgh and the players here, but … I think he will be a very quick learner and a very fast start.”
Waldrup will have to be able to both lead and follow. Beynon says Waldrup will have to listen to the board, the business owners he serves and city leaders while at the same time building a vision for the Partnership and the entire Golden Triangle.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Review of Downtown Partnership Begins
Every five years the Pittsburgh City Council must vote on renewing the Downtown Pittsburgh Business Improvement District. The district levies a tax on downtown property owners to fund the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. That taxing authority is up for renewal this year and legislation has been brought before council to extend it for another five years.
PDP Board Chair Richard Beynon says the partnership will continue to keep its focus, “We have purposely not allocated the residential base because we did not want to tax the residential downtown, we are continuing to strive to build that base and not have any hindrances.” Beynon says the PDP is very supportive of the Downtown Neighborhood association, which represents the residents of the golden triangle, but their focus will remain on the business community.
Beynon was questioned by council members on a variety of issues including trash pickup and the possibility of school zone speed limits. Councilman Bill Peduto heaped praise on the PDP’s effort saying he shudders to think what downtown would look like without the partnership. “ The added public works patrols that you hire, the added police protection, keeping it clean and safe, the basics,” said Peduto.
PDP Board Chair Richard Beynon says the partnership will continue to keep its focus, “We have purposely not allocated the residential base because we did not want to tax the residential downtown, we are continuing to strive to build that base and not have any hindrances.” Beynon says the PDP is very supportive of the Downtown Neighborhood association, which represents the residents of the golden triangle, but their focus will remain on the business community.
Beynon was questioned by council members on a variety of issues including trash pickup and the possibility of school zone speed limits. Councilman Bill Peduto heaped praise on the PDP’s effort saying he shudders to think what downtown would look like without the partnership. “ The added public works patrols that you hire, the added police protection, keeping it clean and safe, the basics,” said Peduto.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sweater Drive Honors Mr. Rogers
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is honoring Fred Rogers' March 20th birthday for the third year by collecting gently used sweaters March 14th through 18th from 8 to 5 on the 4th floor of their downtown office at 925 Liberty Avenue.
Holly Geitner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, says the sweaters for men, women, and children will then be distributed to people in need through groups like Operation Safety Net, Salvation Army, Bethlehem Haven, and the Downtown Ministerium. Groups or individuals bringing sweaters to drop off can put their flashers on and call 412-566-4190 for help unloading.
Family Communications, the non-profit Fred Rogers founded, is asking people nationwide to wear their favorite sweaters on March 20th and to show their neighbors they care.
Holly Geitner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, says the sweaters for men, women, and children will then be distributed to people in need through groups like Operation Safety Net, Salvation Army, Bethlehem Haven, and the Downtown Ministerium. Groups or individuals bringing sweaters to drop off can put their flashers on and call 412-566-4190 for help unloading.
Family Communications, the non-profit Fred Rogers founded, is asking people nationwide to wear their favorite sweaters on March 20th and to show their neighbors they care.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
PDP Looks Forward to Busy 2011
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership outlined an ambitious agenda for 2011 at its annual meeting Tuesday. It begins with the call to create two major documents. The PDP is in the final year of its current five-year plan and will be issuing a new outline for priorities that PDP Board President Rich Beynon says will guide the partnership and help keep it focused on the organization’s vision. The PDP is also launching a project to create a “State of Downtown Report.” Outgoing PDP President Mike Edwards says right now there is no “single source for data centric metrics” for the region’s core. He says, “The data will include residential population, office rental rates number of employees and other more ‘vitality’ type indicators including the number of new cafes, the number of conventions and visitors, the number of students.” Edwards says the data will help to provide a better understanding and a better telling of the story of an evolving downtown.
The list of 2011 goals for the PDP also includes sustaining its efforts to make downtown cleaner and safer and adding 15 more Paris to Pittsburgh projects. The Paris to Pittsburgh project is a grant-funded effort to help building and business owners spruce up their street-level facades.
“The concept is basically to bring the outside in, the inside out,” says Rich Beynon, “everything from window boxes to tables outside to redoing the store fronts themselves to have more openness, more glass, more inviting.”
Beynon says he hopes to also encourage more downtown living through loans to convert vacant upper floors and he says the PDP will be asking all of its members to including promotion of the golden triangle in general when they do build their marketing and outreach plans. The partnership will also work to raise awareness among the general public of the importance of mass transit funding for the vitality of downtown Pittsburgh.
In an effort to continue to improve the area around Market Square, the PDP has commissioned new artwork to help lead pedestrians down Market Street from 5th Avenue to Market Square. The group sees a revitalized Market Square as a key economic driver. Artist Carin Mincemoyer has created two sculptures that will hang on the light posts on the short block. Each sculpture will contain 40 eight-inch tall cut plastic diamond shapes that will each have their own LED. (See Right)
Mincemoyer says she was inspired by the history of what we now call Market Square. It was once called the Diamond and Forbes Avenue was known as Diamond Street because of the diamond exchange that resided there for years. Those plastic, lighted diamonds will hang from a steel frame on the light posts.
“The structure of the sculptures is really inspired by the form of a diamond molecule,” says Mincemoyer, “so it is really about the interplay between the natural form of the diamond and the man-made shape of the diamond we are used to seeing.” The five-and-a-half foot high sculptures are intended to have a life of about 10 years.
The list of 2011 goals for the PDP also includes sustaining its efforts to make downtown cleaner and safer and adding 15 more Paris to Pittsburgh projects. The Paris to Pittsburgh project is a grant-funded effort to help building and business owners spruce up their street-level facades.
“The concept is basically to bring the outside in, the inside out,” says Rich Beynon, “everything from window boxes to tables outside to redoing the store fronts themselves to have more openness, more glass, more inviting.”
Beynon says he hopes to also encourage more downtown living through loans to convert vacant upper floors and he says the PDP will be asking all of its members to including promotion of the golden triangle in general when they do build their marketing and outreach plans. The partnership will also work to raise awareness among the general public of the importance of mass transit funding for the vitality of downtown Pittsburgh.
In an effort to continue to improve the area around Market Square, the PDP has commissioned new artwork to help lead pedestrians down Market Street from 5th Avenue to Market Square. The group sees a revitalized Market Square as a key economic driver. Artist Carin Mincemoyer has created two sculptures that will hang on the light posts on the short block. Each sculpture will contain 40 eight-inch tall cut plastic diamond shapes that will each have their own LED. (See Right)
Mincemoyer says she was inspired by the history of what we now call Market Square. It was once called the Diamond and Forbes Avenue was known as Diamond Street because of the diamond exchange that resided there for years. Those plastic, lighted diamonds will hang from a steel frame on the light posts. “The structure of the sculptures is really inspired by the form of a diamond molecule,” says Mincemoyer, “so it is really about the interplay between the natural form of the diamond and the man-made shape of the diamond we are used to seeing.” The five-and-a-half foot high sculptures are intended to have a life of about 10 years.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Population and Activity Grow Downtown
More people live downtown and more workers are using the bus to get there. Those are among the findings released Monday by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership as part of its regular surveys of downtown activity. In 2000 there were about 3,000 people calling the Golden Triangle, the North Shore, the Strip District and the Bluff home. That number jumped to 7,200 in 2010. PDP President and CEO Michael Edwards says the economy slowed the growth, “we had, in the pipeline, when the economy crashed, about 4,500 more units of housing… that were scheduled to be built in the area that we are talking about, and those have been delayed or not gone forward. If they had gone forward there would be another 5,000 people living downtown.”
The study finds the average household size increased to 1.5 people and one-third of residents have annual incomes of more than $100,000. Edwards says that is reflective of the relatively high cost of housing in the Golden Triangle but he notes there is some very affordable housing in the Strip and other places. The study also finds that the “peak age group” downtown is 25-29 and 4% of households include children.
The study also looks at those who come downtown on a regular basis but do not live there. Edwards says the average commute to downtown is 13 miles or 36-39 minutes, 4 in 10 commuters are age 35 or younger and 53% of commuters use public transportation. In 2003 the number was 48%. Edwards notes that the increase comes, “despite all the busing cut backs over the last few years.” He says, “I think it is really reflective of the increased cost of gasoline, the increased cost of parking, the more efficient bus system that people can get their heads around and understand.”
The study asked weekend users why they come downtown and among the top reasons was a never before seen response, “to work out and to exercise.” “Its because of the plethora of new biking trails and running trails and parks and things that have been delivered by RiverLife, the foundation community and others,” says Edwards. The PDP has started to use those amenities as it tries to attract residents and new businesses.
Other interesting fact in the study:
• Weekly average spending at Downtown restaurants/retailers by downtown residents: $183
• Two-thirds of Downtown workers are employed in Service or Finance industries
• Downtown employee count by industry class and census track: 126,370
• Liberty and Penn Avenue are heavily populated with workers, while the Boulevard of the Allies is mostly traveled by students
• Market Square and Fifth Avenue are seeing increased traffic and are among the busiest pedestrian areas due to recent revitalization
• Weekday foot traffic peaks at 8:15 a.m.; 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and from 4:45 – 5:15 p.m. Largest peak is during the “lunch hour”
Download a PDP published summary sheet on the finding here.
The study finds the average household size increased to 1.5 people and one-third of residents have annual incomes of more than $100,000. Edwards says that is reflective of the relatively high cost of housing in the Golden Triangle but he notes there is some very affordable housing in the Strip and other places. The study also finds that the “peak age group” downtown is 25-29 and 4% of households include children.
The study also looks at those who come downtown on a regular basis but do not live there. Edwards says the average commute to downtown is 13 miles or 36-39 minutes, 4 in 10 commuters are age 35 or younger and 53% of commuters use public transportation. In 2003 the number was 48%. Edwards notes that the increase comes, “despite all the busing cut backs over the last few years.” He says, “I think it is really reflective of the increased cost of gasoline, the increased cost of parking, the more efficient bus system that people can get their heads around and understand.”
The study asked weekend users why they come downtown and among the top reasons was a never before seen response, “to work out and to exercise.” “Its because of the plethora of new biking trails and running trails and parks and things that have been delivered by RiverLife, the foundation community and others,” says Edwards. The PDP has started to use those amenities as it tries to attract residents and new businesses.
Other interesting fact in the study:
• Weekly average spending at Downtown restaurants/retailers by downtown residents: $183
• Two-thirds of Downtown workers are employed in Service or Finance industries
• Downtown employee count by industry class and census track: 126,370
• Liberty and Penn Avenue are heavily populated with workers, while the Boulevard of the Allies is mostly traveled by students
• Market Square and Fifth Avenue are seeing increased traffic and are among the busiest pedestrian areas due to recent revitalization
• Weekday foot traffic peaks at 8:15 a.m.; 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and from 4:45 – 5:15 p.m. Largest peak is during the “lunch hour”
Download a PDP published summary sheet on the finding here.
Friday, December 17, 2010
PDP to Lose President in February
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President Mike Edwards will leave his post next February to take a position with the City of Spokane, Washington.
PDP Board Chair Rich Beynon says Edwards accomplished much for downtown Pittsburgh since he was named president in May 2005, including Wi-Fi service, ZipCar car-sharing, and the renovation of Market Square.
Beynon says Edwards will leave behind some unfinished business, but that can’t be helped.
“To be honest, it’s never a good time for something like this to happen,” says Beynon. “There is always more work to do.”
Beynon says the PDP has organized a search committee to look for a new president both locally and nationally. The Board Chair says the next president must be creative and willing to work with both businesses and politicians downtown.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Light Up Night Tonight
For the 50th anniversary of Light Up Night, the event is expanding to 2 days. Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, says the festivities begin at 4 o'clock this afternoon so "come early" and "bring your sneakers." Friday November 19 and will be capped off with a fireworks display that night. Then the activities continue Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.....
"What makes this annual event so special is that it is entirely focused on Pittsburgh, its beauty, its performers , its traditions and its communities."
Edwards says the reopening of Market Square adds to the celebration because there is room for a lot more people and new events.
There will be 2 large stages in Market Square with performances by the CAPA Choir, Etta Cox and Al Dowe Trio and No Bad Ju JU; and, on the Clemente Bridge where the Granati Brothers, Johnny Angel and the Halos, and Donny Iris and the Cruisers will perform. In addition, five Pittsburgh area high school bands will march through downtown Pittsburgh playing holiday music.
Saturday's performance schedule includes the Joe Negri Quartet, Jeff Jimerson and Airborne, Vanessa Campagna Christmas Show, and Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa Stage Show. The highlight should be the Candlelight Carriage Parade featuring horses of all sizes and carriages including the famous Wells Fargo stagecoach.
Pittsburgh Area native, Tom Nesbit, currently living in Mesa, Arizona made the 2,200 mile trek to his hometown to participate in the Carriage Parade. Nesbit owns several antique fire wagons, dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s participate annually in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
"What makes this annual event so special is that it is entirely focused on Pittsburgh, its beauty, its performers , its traditions and its communities."
Edwards says the reopening of Market Square adds to the celebration because there is room for a lot more people and new events.
There will be 2 large stages in Market Square with performances by the CAPA Choir, Etta Cox and Al Dowe Trio and No Bad Ju JU; and, on the Clemente Bridge where the Granati Brothers, Johnny Angel and the Halos, and Donny Iris and the Cruisers will perform. In addition, five Pittsburgh area high school bands will march through downtown Pittsburgh playing holiday music.
Saturday's performance schedule includes the Joe Negri Quartet, Jeff Jimerson and Airborne, Vanessa Campagna Christmas Show, and Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa Stage Show. The highlight should be the Candlelight Carriage Parade featuring horses of all sizes and carriages including the famous Wells Fargo stagecoach.
Pittsburgh Area native, Tom Nesbit, currently living in Mesa, Arizona made the 2,200 mile trek to his hometown to participate in the Carriage Parade. Nesbit owns several antique fire wagons, dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s participate annually in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
PDP Wants More Money for PAT
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has teamed up with several local businesses and organizations to launch an effort to pressure state lawmakers to find new ways to fund mass transit in Allegheny County. The PDP has launched the website keepPGHmoving.com as a way to educate the public about the issues at hand and to give citizens a new way to make contact with legislators. The site allows visitors to send a message to their state representative and senator. They can also view message created by others and send those along to their lawmakers. PDP Executive Director Michael Edwards says if the Port Authority of Allegheny County has to go through with the currently proposed cuts it will add another 5,200 cars to the roads every day.
He says it will have impacts beyond traffic jams. “The demand for more parking will increase the competition for both on-street and off-street spaces for our employees, our shoppers, our theater goers and our visitors,” says Edwards. “PDP believes employers relying on workers who use public transit may lose significant numbers of employees, and find it increasingly difficult to find employees for new downtown jobs.” Edwards says that will lead to more businesses leaving the golden triangle, occupancy rates falling and a dwindling tax base for the city.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Plans Unveiled for Light Up Night
Pittsburgh's traditional Light Up Night is expanding to 2 days to mark the 50th anniversary of the event. Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President and CEO Mike Edwards says the festivities begin at 4 p.m. Friday November 19 and will be capped off with a fireworks display that night. Then the activities continue Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.....
"What makes this annual event so special is that it is entirely focused on Pittsburgh, its beauty, its performers , its traditions and its communities."
Edwards says the reopening of Market Square adds to the celebration...
"Market Square is a great new venue. We can get a lot more people in there. We can do a lot of new things and we intend to do that."
There will be 2 large performance stages in Market Square (featuring the CAPA Choir, Etta Cox and Al Dowe Trio and No Bad Ju JU) and on the Clemente Bridge (Granati Brothers, Johnny Angel and the Halos, and Donny Iris and the Cruisers. In addition, five Pittsburgh area high school bands will march through downtown Pittsburgh playing holiday music.
Saturday's performance schedule includes the Joe Negri Quartet, Jeff Jimerson and Airborne, Vanessa Campagna Christmas Show, and Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa Stage Show. The highlight should be the Candlelight Carriage Parade featuring horses of all sizes and carriages including the famous Wells Fargo stagecoach.
"What makes this annual event so special is that it is entirely focused on Pittsburgh, its beauty, its performers , its traditions and its communities."
Edwards says the reopening of Market Square adds to the celebration...
"Market Square is a great new venue. We can get a lot more people in there. We can do a lot of new things and we intend to do that."
There will be 2 large performance stages in Market Square (featuring the CAPA Choir, Etta Cox and Al Dowe Trio and No Bad Ju JU) and on the Clemente Bridge (Granati Brothers, Johnny Angel and the Halos, and Donny Iris and the Cruisers. In addition, five Pittsburgh area high school bands will march through downtown Pittsburgh playing holiday music.
Saturday's performance schedule includes the Joe Negri Quartet, Jeff Jimerson and Airborne, Vanessa Campagna Christmas Show, and Grand Pittsburgh Celebrate Santa Stage Show. The highlight should be the Candlelight Carriage Parade featuring horses of all sizes and carriages including the famous Wells Fargo stagecoach.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Downtown Traffic Patterns to Shift
The second phase of Market Square construction began in downtown Pittsburgh today.
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President Michael Edwards says traffic coming from Forbes Avenue will now be shifted to the left, as that half of the square reopens after 8 ½ months of construction.
The right side will be closed to traffic, but will remain open to pedestrians.
Edwards says the interior square is scheduled to reopen June 1, allowing for events like the Farmers Market and concerts. He says the Downtown Partnership is also applying for an outdoor dining permit at the Zoning Hearing Board.
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership President Michael Edwards says traffic coming from Forbes Avenue will now be shifted to the left, as that half of the square reopens after 8 ½ months of construction.
The right side will be closed to traffic, but will remain open to pedestrians.
Edwards says the interior square is scheduled to reopen June 1, allowing for events like the Farmers Market and concerts. He says the Downtown Partnership is also applying for an outdoor dining permit at the Zoning Hearing Board.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
PDP Issues Parking Lease Ideas
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership gathered parking experts, community members and city officials this week to hash out a list of recommendations for the city to consider while drawing up the request for proposals for firms looking to lease city garages. The Ravenstahl administration wants to lease the Parking Authority’s garages for 50 years and then use the proceeds to shore up the city’s under funded pension program. Downtown Partnership CEO Mike Edwards says they began the process nearly a year ago but it’s importance increased when the mayor floated his lease proposal. The panel came out with a long list of recommendations dealing with everything from length of lease to parking policies under the lease agreement. Edwards says he is concerned with the city entering into a 50-year lease. He says 35 years is a more manageable number. The panel recommends that the city ask bidders for a numbers at 35 years and at 50 years. The city needs roughly $200 million from the deal to bring the pension fund up to the state mandated 50% level. The panel also called for the bids to include a 5-year rate structure guarantee, the promise of the use of more technology and an outline on how to help promote downtown retail activity. He says among the ideas on that front is restricting parking on the first floors of garages until after 10:00am. The panel tackled a few controversial issues as well. Some City Council members had complained that the terms of the lease, as it is written now, would not allow the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to build any garages for the next 50 years. The PDP is asking that the possibility of at least some competition be left open. Edwards says even among the participants there was some debate of parking supply. He says some feel there is a need for more parking in the golden triangle right now, while others feel more parkers need to be encouraged to use fringe garages. The panel also touched on some issues that have been flying below the radar including a desire to have more free parking for special events and church services. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership paid for the $19,000 study. It was presented to the Mayor before it was made public. It can be downloaded from the PDP’s web site.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
PDP Plans for Mobile Website, 50th Anniv. of Light Up Night
At its annual meeting today, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership unveiled its plans for 2010. PDP President Mike Edwards says they just launched a revamped safety/security program to replace the Safety Ambassador Program that ended late last year. According to Edwards, the 4-member PDP Street Team will focus on addressing panhandling and homeless issues in downtown Pittsburgh.
Edwards says the organization is going mobile by creating a web application (http://m.downtownpittsburgh.com) that connects to mobile systems. Edwards says the application works well with most smart phones making it convenient for mobile users to access information and locate places to park, dine, shop, stay and even live.
The PDP will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Light Up Night with Light Up Weekend November 19-20 with the traditional elements of the past including a fireworks display. Edwards says Saturday will be highlighted by a candlelit horse drawn carriage parade with 40 carriages and more than 250 horses including Clydesdales and miniature horses.
At the annual meeting, Edwards reported to members on 2009 results. He told DUQ that due to the soft economy some businesses did close last year in downtown Pittsburgh but there was also the opening of the EQT corporate offices and new retail on lower Fifth Avenue. He says the construction in Market Square will "transform" that part of downtown.
Edwards says the organization is going mobile by creating a web application (http://m.downtownpittsburgh.com) that connects to mobile systems. Edwards says the application works well with most smart phones making it convenient for mobile users to access information and locate places to park, dine, shop, stay and even live.
The PDP will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Light Up Night with Light Up Weekend November 19-20 with the traditional elements of the past including a fireworks display. Edwards says Saturday will be highlighted by a candlelit horse drawn carriage parade with 40 carriages and more than 250 horses including Clydesdales and miniature horses.
At the annual meeting, Edwards reported to members on 2009 results. He told DUQ that due to the soft economy some businesses did close last year in downtown Pittsburgh but there was also the opening of the EQT corporate offices and new retail on lower Fifth Avenue. He says the construction in Market Square will "transform" that part of downtown.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Light Up Plans This Year
With Market Square under construction and access to the point a bit difficult due to construction of the new T station, the Pittsburgh downtown partnership has made some big venue changes to this year’s Light Up Night. The biggest change may be the best place to watch the fireworks. The fireworks have been moved up the Allegheny River from just off the Point to the area near the 7th Street Bridge. A concert will be held on the 6th Street Bridge starting at 5:30 and the fireworks begin at 9:15. Partnership President and CEO Mike Edwards says it was simply going to be too hard to get people in and out of Point State Park so it made sense to move the launch up river. He says the new location will provide a great backdrop, “There is no other place in the world like it with the city and the sister bridges.” Edwards says the north shore will be another good viewing area. Also new this year will be a parade through the golden triangle. The marching bands will step off from PPG Place at 6:45 and work its way to the Clemente Bridge. Edwards says they waned to make sure revelers would know to make their way to the bridge. He says, “430 kids playing Christmas music as loud as can be through marching bands would be a good way to do that.” Light Up Night activities will also be found at Oxford center, Macy’s and Fifth Avenue Place. The entire Light Up Night line up can be found online.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Downtown Spending Study
A recent survey by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership shows that there are more people spending more money downtown than in 2006. PDP CEO Michael Edwards says there is a change in dynamic because Downtown Pittsburgh is evolving in many ways. For instance, there are more people living in downtown, as well as more businesses that are now based in downtown. Also, Edwards says they have partnered with other companies to make downtown more aesthetically pleasing with planters and hanging baskets. Market Square is also being renovated in order to make it a more prominent downtown destination.
According to the study, total average spending increased from $47 per person per week in 2006 to $66 last September. Also, among the growing number of people who live downtown, the survey shows that they spend an average of $134 per week. Edwards says this is an important distinction to recognize because this means that the residents have more impact than ones who only work in downtown.
According to the study, total average spending increased from $47 per person per week in 2006 to $66 last September. Also, among the growing number of people who live downtown, the survey shows that they spend an average of $134 per week. Edwards says this is an important distinction to recognize because this means that the residents have more impact than ones who only work in downtown.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
PDP Turns 15
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership launched its 15th year celebration Tuesday morning with its annual members meeting. During the event PDP President and CEO Mike Edwards noted that cleanliness and safety have always been top priorities of the partnership and that has not changed. The Clean Teams in their yellow outfits and the Safety Ambassadors are now under one contract and have been doing more than every before. He says in 2008 the Clean Teams collected more than 50,000 bags of trash and removed 3,600 graffiti “tags.” The Safety Ambassadors helped answer more than 24,000 questions from visitors and dealt with 2,500 “panhandling incidents.” He says they will continue to focus on panhandlers and the homeless. Edwards says over the last year the PDP has focused on 5th Ave and Smithfield St. and he thinks despite the slowdown in the economy the Golden Triangle will continue to attract more retailers in the coming year. He points to a pair of studies which show there has been an increase in the number of people walking around downtown from 2006 to 2008 and they have “more money in their pockets,” which Edwards says is good news or downtown businesses.
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