EDITORIAL – Market opening Downtown, finally

There’s going to be a grocery store Downtown – and it isn’t a Giant Eagle. Downtown hasn’t had… There’s going to be a grocery store Downtown – and it isn’t a Giant Eagle. Downtown hasn’t had a grocery store since 1994, but Millcraft Industries is going to change that, possibly by the end of the year.

Millcraft is redeveloping the former Lazarus department store, which closed its doors in early 2004. The site, to be called the Shoppes at Piatt Place, will have retail, residential and office space in addition to the as-yet unnamed grocery store.

Recently christened the city’s 89th neighborhood, Downtown is poised for growth. There’s been talk of installing free wireless Internet in the area, new housing developments are going up and a grocery store is definitely one of the best ways to attract new residents. Slowly, businesses might start staying open past 5 p.m. People might have a reason, other than a concert or show, to go Downtown.

The general plan is to avoid the traditional supermarket model. The new grocery is going to stock products from DeLallo Italian Foods, based in Jeannette, and Omaha Steak, along with fresh produce, prepared entrees, sushi, salads, breads and other specialized items, according to articles in yesterday’s Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review.

Considering that the market plans to offer localized delivery, the development should prove beneficial to those who work in the area – making it a more attractive place for businesses.

Although the market isn’t built yet, it sounds like it’s going to be an asset even for those who don’t normally go Downtown. There are a number of neighborhoods in the area – Oakland and the Hill District, among others – that also lack a supermarket. While this development won’t solve these problems, it will at least provide a relatively nearby option.

What’s more, given Giant Eagle’s near-monopoly on supermarkets in this city, some increased competition is a welcomed presence.

This competition was repeatedly referred to as a “New York” or “European”-style market in yesterday’s articles. What this means is unclear – after all, what exactly qualifies a market as “New York” or “Pittsburgh”? From the descriptions, which focus on the multicultural offerings and the fresh products, it sounds like the store could just as easily have been labeled “Strip District” style.

Ultimately, though, this is a minor issue. Overall, this development, however it’s labeled or marketed, can only help Downtown to thrive – which, in turn, can mean only good things for Pittsburgh.