Downtown Population increased 25% since 2000 (Pittsburgh, Liberty: purchases, foods, activity)

[BrianTH]

That seems like a nice addition to the Market Square mix, for both visitors and residents.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by pman

this might be crossposted under the more breakfast options thread as well.

Read more: Local bakery cafe to fill last space at Market Square Place[/LEFT]

That'll work. Can't wait to see what they do. I mean, okay, "bakery cafe" sounds like another Au Bon Pain, but the local shop will perhaps have something to differentiate itself.

[pman]

Originally Posted by greg42

That'll work. Can't wait to see what they do. I mean, okay, "bakery cafe" sounds like another Au Bon Pain, but the local shop will perhaps have something to differentiate itself.

the best way to differentiate yourself from au bon pain is good quality. the baked goods there are atrocious save the baguettes which are mediocre. they should call it sugarbombs and mediocre coffee corp.
you are correct, though, it could mean anything. the road to hell...

[BrianTH]

Although I don't like the chain aspect and agree the typical quality is low, the basic concept of Au Bon Pain (what I would call a boulangerie) is a fine one. So I agree that if they execute it creatively and competently, it could be cool.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Although I don't like the chain aspect and agree the typical quality is low, the basic concept of Au Bon Pain (what I would call a boulangerie) is a fine one. So I agree that if they execute it creatively and competently, it could be cool.

I've never been in an ABP that didn't feel dirty and greasy.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Au Bon Pain (what I would call a boulangerie) is a fine one.

^ Proof that the Pittsburgh sub-forum is the smartest sub-forum on City-Data!

[pman]

[LEFT]The owners of Cioppino Restaurant and Cigar Bar in the Strip District are planning to branch out into Downtown.
Osteria "101" is expected to open March 1 in the restaurant space built into Point Park University's new park at the corner of Wood Street and Boulevard of the Allies. ...will offer Italian classics and "innovative specials" prepared by executive chef Greg Alauzen, a Pittsburgh native.
...The Osteria "101" menu is expected to be similar to that offered by Osteria 2350, although there will be some dishes unique to the Point Park location

Read more: Restaurant one highlight of new Downtown park[/LEFT]

[BrianTH]

I've never eaten at Osteria 2350, but I have heard good things and from what I understand it seems like a great fit for that space (what I have heard is that it isn't very fancy but it is good quality and affordable).

[pman]

Outdoor cafe opens at Point State Park

also

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has purchased properties on Wood Street now occupied by the J.R. Weldin Co. store, which sells stationery, office supplies, maps, writing instruments and other items.

According to a deed filed with the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate, PHLF paid $653,000 for three buildings at 413, 415 and 417 Wood Street

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11260...#ixzz1YEHeTbKB

Built in 1916 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the building originally was known as the Union Arcade and featured 240 shops and galleries. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building assumed its current name when Union Trust Co. acquired it in 1923.

"I suspect the inefficiency of that building -- with that atrium and an auditorium -- presents somewhat of a challenge to lease..."It's basically an inner city mall with a large floor plate, but it's a donut

Read more: History weighs heavily on landmark - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt...#ixzz1YEJ07600

mabe it should become a shopping building again, at least in part....rather than have sak's stay where they are, perhaps this would be a better fit. I've seen quite a few of these types of buildings come back to life with shopping again.

[BrianTH]

The design of the park cafe is really neat--hopefully it does good business.

I assume the PHLF is planning to do an upper-floors conversion to residential, which would be fantastic--those are great buildings. In fact, the 400 block of Wood could be one of the coolest blocks Downtown if it was fully renovated.

Speaking of which, I always wondered if you could do a combined retail/residential project in the Union Trust Building, given the central atrium.