Welcome to Mellon Square! Interested in learning more about the park? Explore the history and the present features of Mellon Square virtually.

In order to restore the historic space you’re standing in, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy gave Mellon Square a complete makeover in 2014 with new curbs, signage, lighting, planters, benches, and trash receptacles. The $10 million project focused on the Square’s fountains and also restored the unique paving and pathways, along with expanding the space by adding a terrace overlooking Smithfield Street. The restoration project was one of ten projects in the nation to win the Docomo US Design of Excellence Award in 2016. 

The new design is full of features you may not have noticed. For example, did you know that the triangle shapes in the walkways are a series of “M’s” to pay homage to Mellon? The unique walkways are designed to capture the distinctive “Venetian terrazzo” paving of the original square, which was inspired by Sarah Mellon Scaife’s travels to Europe.

Can you name any of the trees or plants around you?

The garden has trees, shrubs, spring bulbs, and perennials. You might actually be sitting next to a patch of perennials right now, as their raised beds provide seating throughout the park. Look for the trees that are planted in raised granite beds–those are unique Persian Ironwoods trees. If you’re in the Square in the spring, they may have beautiful reddish-purple leaves, but in the fall, you’ll find their foliage changed to red, orange, or yellow. Around you are also evergreen trees, like Mugo pine, yews, and boxwoods. If you’re visiting during the summer, you might be catching some shade in the shade of the Linden trees.