OUR COMPANY OUR WORK STRADA STREET TALK CONTACT Market Square Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Historic preservation revitalizes an urban district Services Architecture Historic Preservation + Adaptive Reuse Interior Design Sustainable Design Urban Design Details CLIENT Millcraft Investments LOCATION Market Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania SIZE 146,000 SF SCOPE Architecture, historic preservation, interior design, LEED certification About this project Market Square Place represents the remarkable transformation of a block of seven buildings in Pittsburgh’s historic core, adjacent to a square that dates back to 1784. Since its inception, the surrounding district was a hub of activity, lasting well into the early 20th century. By the 1990s, however, this streetscape was marred by neglect and disinvestment. Market Square Place brought new life to this block, attracting an influx of residents and visitors and stimulating additional investment on neighboring streets. This block is now the cornerstone of a thriving commercial district and an active public square. The first challenge of this project was a logistical one; the architects needed to solve a puzzle of buildings of varying heights, styles, and materials. The team negotiated a maze of code requirements to come up with a design that joined all seven buildings into one, making it easier to subdivide for present-day tenants, which include a YMCA, an array of retailers, and residents of 46 market-rate apartments. While the interior of the project is successful due to a complete reconfiguration, the exterior shines because of its faithfulness to history. Among the seven buildings, the oldest is a unique cast-iron building dating to 1870, and the most recent dates to 1931-32. The renovation allowed historic facades to shed unfortunate additions such as fire escapes and other appendages, allowing for the restoration of stone and metal elements and the re-creation of long-missing features such as wood cornices and tin panels. For some, the historic facades belie the forward-thinking sustainability of a project in which conservation and efficiency took many forms. The new project reused 93% of the building envelope and 87% of the existing structure. The team also undertook creative reuse of architectural components, such as signage, which was reused as light fixtures; metal railings which were employed in residential units; and commercial casework which was restored to become shelving in a living space. The restoration and reinvention of this group of seven buildings illustrates the direct correlation between historic preservation and sustainability as successful drivers of urban revitalization, demonstrating a process for renewal that planners, developers, and designers could repeat on other city blocks like this one. Recognition National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award Congress for the New Urbanism Block – Award of Merit Urban Land Institute Finalist – Global Award for Excellence Urban Land Institute Pittsburgh Catalytic Place Award Preservation Pennsylvania Award for Sustainability in Historic Preservation AIA Pennsylvania Honor Award Regional and Urban Design AIA Pittsburgh Honor Award Regional and Urban Design 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania Gold Award Mixed-use LEED Gold Core and Shell PRESS The Atlantic Cities: Behold the (Highly Desirable) Frankenstein of Green Building Steeltown Anthem: Preserving the History of G.C. Murphy ”Market Square Place has contributed significantly to the revitalization of our urban core. Our city has seen more investment, international press attention, and a higher quality of life.” – Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Related Projects Offices PITTSBURGH STUDIO 611 William Penn Place Suite 700 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 p: 412.263.3800 f: 412.471.5704 info@stradallc.com PHILADELPHIA STUDIO 325 Chestnut Street Suite 909 Philadelphia, PA 19106 p: 215.440.0190 f: 215.440.0197 TRIANGLE STUDIO 1011 South Hamilton Rd Suite 201 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 p: 919.521.8022 Search this site Get quarterly e-news Email Address First Name Last Name Company