When the Mt. Lebanon Partnership added tables at Clearview Common last summer, they were an immediate hit. 

“We’ve seen the tables used for overflow for our restaurants and cafes, family pizza nights, business meetings, coffee during the farmers market and even outdoor art classes,” said board member Mara Dowdy, who serves on the design committee. 

So this summer, when the tables, which were on loan from the swim center, had to head back to their home, the Partnership decided to purchase new ones. Six table-and-chair sets made their debut at Clearview Common in early August—and they’re already getting use. The Partnership is moving the metal picnic tables that were located at Clearview Common to Overlook—just next to WesBanco—to provide added seating in the Beverly Road business district. 

“The new tables are a wonderful addition that we hope families and visitors to Uptown will take advantage,” said Eric Milliron, commercial districts manager. “As the weather cools down, we hope to see people enjoying lunch or coffee with friends.” 

The Partnership’s COVID-era “Love Lebo” campaign was what initially brought the tables and chairs from the pool, which was closed, and into public spaces. The goal was to provide extra seating at Clearview Common, Clock Tower Plaza and off of Beverly Road to provide support for Lebo’s restaurants and cafes, Dowdy said.

During the next phase of Vibrant Uptown, the Partnership is working with the municipality to select permanent tables and chairs to place throughout business district, Dowdy said. That could even include benches, bike racks and new trash/recycling receptacles. 

The hope is that the added seating encourages people to actively enjoy the area.

“We know with these changes, along with a few others, the Vibrant Uptown project will continue to make Mt. Lebanon’s Uptown a welcoming place for residents to visit and enjoy their community,” said Tim Steinouer, a Partnership board member.