Building That Once Housed Iconic Pittsburgh Bar Appears Doomed

PITTSBURGH, PA - The owner of the Downtown Pittsburgh building that once housed the old Froggy's tavern has renewed plans to demolish it and several other adjacent structures. But instead of a new office tower for the site that was proposed in 2019, the owner now wants to build bocce courts there.

The city planning commission on Tuesday was briefed on the proposal to raze four condemned buildings at 100, 104 and 106 Market St. and 209 First Ave. to make way for four bocce courts. Court battles over the fate of the buildings have been waged for years.

For a quarter of a century beginning in 1978, the gravelly voiced Steve "Froggy" Morris held court in his bar and restaurant at 100 Market Street where celebrities flocked when they were in town.

Despite its reputation as one of Downtown's go-to destinations, Morris eventually encountered financial difficulties and Froggy's closed in 2003. Morris died five years later; the bar space long has been vacant.

Under this latest proposal, bocce court time will be available hourly on weekdays during business hours with priority to online reservations. However, walk-up game play could be purchases onsite from the adjacent parking lot attendee.

League play would take place on the weekends. The court rental fees would be market-based.

The planning commission likely will vote on the proposal in several weeks. If approved, a city council vote would be required before the buildings could be demolished.