Former Squirrel Hill Rite Aid to become Murray Avenue Market, real estate firm says

August 11, 2026 - 23:23

The old Rite Aid building in Squirrel Hill is getting a second life. According to the real estate firm handling the property, the space will soon be transformed into Murray Avenue Market, a new grocery store for the neighborhood.

The building, located on the corner of Murray and Bartlett, has sat empty since the pharmacy chain closed its doors last year. Local residents had been watching the site closely, hoping for something useful to move in. The announcement confirms those hopes, though the firm did not offer a specific opening date or details on what the market will carry.

Murray Avenue Market is expected to bring fresh food options back to a stretch of the neighborhood that has seen several storefronts change hands in recent years. The area already has a few small grocers and specialty shops, but the loss of the Rite Aid left a noticeable gap for everyday essentials. A full grocery store could fill that void, especially for older residents who may not travel far for food.

The real estate firm said the deal has been finalized and work on the interior will begin soon. No word yet on whether the new market will include a pharmacy section, but the focus appears to be on groceries. For now, neighbors are just glad to see the building won't stay empty for much longer. More updates are expected as the project moves forward.