Time to Redd Up Downtown: Retail and Art Programs Working to Beautify Pittsburgh Ahead of the NFL Draft
Written by Cassie St. John
With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching and with it bringing thousands of visitors to the city of Pittsburgh, Downtown Neighbors Alliance, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the Mayor’s office are working to make Downtown shine during its time center stage.
The Pittsburghian phrase “redd up”, meaning to tidy or straighten up, is currently being used to urge the city to make Downtown look as beautiful and welcoming as it can be ahead of the draft. One way we’re “redding up” is by bringing local businesses to empty storefronts Downtown.
Both the DNA and the PDP have been working very closely in retail recruitment for the Downtown area. DNA has been responsible for bringing a wide variety of businesses that will remain Downtown long-term! After being recruited Downtown by DNA, the PDP looks to assist these businesses financially through their Rent Abatement Program.
Some businesses that have already been recruited include Origin Story Coffee and Ruckus Cafe. The former is a superhero-themed specialty latte coffee shop, and the latter is a cafe that offers delicious coffee and is a cultural hub for customers, featuring art galleries and live music.
In addition to long-term retail building, businesses can become a part of the Downtown scene for a short period of time through Project Pop-Up, spearheaded by the PDP, which allows businesses to fill vacant storefronts for a 6-12 month window.
One business that opened as a Pop-Up just two months ago is Confleurtti, a flower shop located on 208 Fifth Avenue. The shop sells fresh bouquets and beautiful floral arrangements and will be up and running when the draft happens at the end of April.
This Pop-Up program also encourages artists and creative teams to utilize empty storefronts to display their artwork. Many of the empty buildings are in need of retail construction, making them the perfect place to spotlight the work of local artists.
Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Media Partnership
This project helps fill otherwise empty spaces with creative work. For example, some include artistic vinyl wrap, and in turn make the Downtown scene more visually pleasing and vibrant.
While these expansive projects are looking to promote Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, they are also revitalizing the atmosphere and community of Downtown for the people who live here. These projects are expected to continue beyond the Draft as we look to continue bringing in long term retail partners to the Downtown scene.
