A growing, pulsating and revitalized Downtown seems headed for Pittsburgh's not-too-distant future.

Following the collapse six years ago of the city's single-developer, master renovation plan, small entrepreneurs, big business, a private university and city government are carving out manageable chunks of the Golden Triangle to raze, build and transform. In doing so, they're creating a patchwork of commercial and residential projects that, piece by piece, will bring a desperately needed social and economic liveliness to Downtown, maybe even after dark and on weekends.

By year's end, Millcraft Industries, Inc. -- the company behind the $40 million redevelopment of the former Lazarus-Macy's store into retail and office space and luxury condominiums and townhomes -- plans to open an upscale, European-style gourmet market-delicatessen on the ground floor featuring freshly prepared foods from soup to sushi, DeLallo Italian Foods and an exclusive line of Omaha steak products.

Last week Mayor Bob O'Connor announced the hiring of Urban Design Associates architect Don Carter to develop a master plan for Downtown's retail corridor in five weeks time that will consider the best use of existing lots, green space, lighting, parking and try to ensure that current and future developments will mesh well.

Add to this PNC Financial's previously announced $170 million office-hotel-condo project, Point Park University's expansion and other independent residential developments -- and slowly but surely the city will have a critical mass of Downtown inhabitants.

The more people who live Downtown, the greater the demand for businesses like gourmet groceries and entertainment venues. (Now, if only someone could build condominiums in the $80,000 to $120,000 range for the middle-class folks.)

Soon enough, it won't be the same old Dahntahn. Thanks to believers in Pittsburgh in the public and private sector, the neighborhood is growing and going upscale, and that can only buoy the Golden Triangle's lifeblood and nightlife. It's only a matter of time before Downtown becomes the place to be.