Since then, it has traditionally been the navigational center of the city, and experienced a post-1980s revival, with the creation of several new commercial, residential and retail spaces.

It allowed for 207 quarter-acre building lots aligned along streets set to a standard width of fifty-two feet six inches (16.00 m).

Where it intersected with Second Street, Maclay planned in ample setbacks to allow for a “Market Square,” which has remained a prominent feature of Harrisburg to this present day.

[6] Revolutionary War hero the Marquis De Lafayette, Daniel Webster and General Ulysses S. Grant also have spoken at Market Square.

[3] Since the 1980s, open concerts performed by professional artists have taken place at the square, and it is the location for the "drop" at the City's New Years Eve celebration.