Pittsburgh’s downtown residents have reason to jump for joy. Market Square Grocery will soon open in the historic Thompson Building at 435 Market St., near Fifth Avenue, bringing downtown residents fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, artisan cheeses, fine coffees and everyday necessities. Not jumping for joy yet? The new store will have a wine bar open until 11.
People want to be able to walk to the grocery store, according to studies by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. No grocery stores is the biggest complaint of downtown residents, the Partnership says.
Some 12,343 people live downtown Pittsburgh and in the surrounding area, up 10.5% from 2010 and growing, the studies show. Cities across the nation are experiencing similar population growth and it is driving demand for upscale urban grocery stores. Real estate reports show residential properties located within walking distance to a grocery store are at a premium.