The end result of a decade of urban planning initiated by The Downtown Plan completed in 2008 (and led by Strada principal, Michael Stern), this plan is now coming to completion. Working in collaboration with Millcraft Investments, Strada led the design of this master plan development for the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh’s retail district. The plan combines the adaptive reuse of many existing and historic structures along with new infill construction. The plan called for the renovation of both the Lazarus Department Store and the historic G.C. Murphy’s Building to include apartments, retail space, and parking, and paved the way for Strada’s designs of both Market Square Place and Piatt Place. This master plan also set the stage for the subsequent renovation of Market Square itself, the oldest public space in the city, which has become a huge success. An additional new building south of Forbes Avenue was planned to offer retail space, apartments, and condominiums with integral parking. It is now under construction.
