PITTSBURGH — The lights are back on at the New Granada.
Community leaders, elected officials, University of Pittsburgh representatives and Hill District residents gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the historic New Granada Theater revitalization — a milestone years in the making for one of Pittsburgh's most significant Black cultural landmarks.
The celebration at 2007 Centre Avenue included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, building tours, live music, food vendors and a community block party. The evening culminated with the lighting of the theater's restored Art Deco marquee, once again illuminating Centre Avenue.
For the Hill District, the moment represented more than the restoration of a historic building. It marked the return of a landmark that was once at risk of being lost and a new investment in the neighborhood's cultural, educational and economic future.
A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark
The New Granada dates back nearly a century and was built by Black Masons, becoming an important entertainment and cultural destination in Pittsburgh's Black community. The restoration is designed to bring that role into a new era.
Phase I includes restoration and stabilization of the building's exterior, including its distinctive Art Deco facade and marquee. The project also brings the University of Pittsburgh's Community Engagement Center into the building's third floor.
The CEC provides what Pitt describes as a "front door" to the university for Hill District residents, offering free community programming and resources in areas including technology, education, workforce development, business and health.
Its programs include STEAM education for young people, digital literacy and technology training, career counseling, business assistance and community health programming.
That makes the New Granada more than a restored theater. It is becoming a place where residents can connect with educational and economic opportunities without leaving their neighborhood.
"The marquee is lit. The doors are open. And the next chapter of the New Granada has begun."
Pitt's Community Engagement Center Opens
The ribbon cutting also marked the opening of Pitt's new Hill District Community Engagement Center. The center's location inside the New Granada is significant because of Pitt's longstanding relationship with the Hill District and the university's effort to create a more accessible presence in the community.
The CEC offers classrooms and community gathering spaces, including programming focused on science, technology, education and mathematics. For young people, that includes opportunities to participate in hands-on STEM experiences. For adults, the center offers technology training, workforce and career assistance and other educational resources.
The center also provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with university resources.
Leaders Celebrate the Investment
Hill Community Development Corporation President and CEO Marimba Milliones has been a central figure in the effort to bring the New Granada back to life. University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel and other university and community leaders also participated in the celebration.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor joined the program, along with other elected officials and community leaders. The gathering reflected the broad coalition behind the project — Hill District residents and organizations, government, philanthropy, higher education and community development partners.
But the evening belonged to the neighborhood. Food vendors, musicians, DJs and residents filled the area around the New Granada as the celebration turned from ceremony into a community gathering.
And then came the moment many had been waiting for. The marquee was illuminated. The familiar Art Deco sign once again became a beacon on Centre Avenue — a visual reminder that the New Granada's story is not over.
Phase I Is Only the Beginning
While Wednesday's celebration marked the completion of Phase I, there is much more planned for the New Granada. Future development is expected to expand the building's role as an entertainment, cultural and community destination, including additional event, dining and commercial spaces.
The goal is to create a place where people can gather for performances and celebrations, while also supporting businesses, artists, entrepreneurs and community organizations.
For the Hill District, that future is especially important. The New Granada isn't simply being preserved as a reminder of Pittsburgh's past. It is being positioned as part of the neighborhood's future.
The marquee is lit. The doors are open. And the next chapter of the New Granada has begun.