Market Square Place’s Occupancy Rate Hits 100%

by Liviu Oltean, Associate Editor

Millcraft Industries has recently announced the securing of the second Noodles & Co. location in Pittsburgh for the mixed-use redevelopment, Market Square Place. In addition, Herky Pollock, EVP for CB Richard Ellis, confirmed that Market Square’s last available retail space has been leased to Bluebird Kitchen, a bakery and café startup. Bluebird Kitchen is expected to open in 2012, and it was described by the owner, Liz Pessaro, as a bakery and café concept that focuses on breakfast and lunch. The two retailers have joined Chipotle Mexican Grill, DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines and Vallozzi’s Italian Restaurant.

Pollock told Pittsburgh Business Times that the quality of retailers and the occupancy rate have exceeded the company’s expectations, endorsing the project’s importance in Downtown for many years to come. Market Square Place also features 46 apartments that are usually leased.

Millcraft Industries, Inc. is a real estate company that focuses on industrial projects, mixed-use developments, commercial office buildings and retail centers.

In other news, the former Borders bookstore in Bethel Park found new tenants, the Pittsburgh Business Times reports.  Crossgates Management Inc. announced that Pier 1 Imports secured the lease, hoping to open in late fall or early winter this year. The first level is leased to the Academy of Dance by Lori – a 6,300 square feet gym and studio dedicated to children’s dance programs that will open this autumn. The Academy of Dance by Lori and Pier 1 Imports will join retailers as Louis Anthony Jewelers and Wild Birds Unlimited.