New Granada Theater Set to Reopen in Pittsburgh’s Hill District After 60-Year Closure
Pittsburgh’s historic New Granada Theater, a landmark in the Hill District, is poised to reopen its doors after being closed for six decades.1 The venue, once a premier destination for jazz and entertainment during the 1900s, is undergoing a significant restoration to transform it into a multi-purpose event space.
A Legacy Revived
The New Granada Theater originally served as a social hall for African Americans in the Hill District, known as the Pythian Temple.1 Developed by the Knights of Pythias and designed by one of America’s early African-American architects, the building holds a significant place in the community’s history. The reopening is the culmination of years of planning led by the Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC).
What to Expect at the Reopened Theater
The revitalized New Granada Theater will feature a diverse range of spaces, including:
- A Black Box theater and lounge
- A jazz recording studio
- Space for education and nonprofit organizations1
The University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center will be an anchor tenant within the renovated space.1
Community Involvement and Future Plans
Marimba Milliones, President and CEO of the Hill CDC, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Many Hill District residents have been hopeful, so I am excited that we’re going to be opening this first phase, which will be coming soon.”1 A community meeting is scheduled to provide further details about the reopening and future phases of the project.1
Recent Community Concerns
While the reopening is largely celebrated, some Hill District community groups have voiced concerns regarding investment priorities. In May 2023, groups including the Hill District Consensus Group and the Hill District Collaborative suggested that $2 million earmarked for the New Granada Theater could be better utilized for housing initiatives.2 These groups argue that addressing housing needs should be the primary focus of Lower Hill development investments.2
Part of a Larger Redevelopment Effort
The New Granada Theater’s restoration is occurring alongside other developments in the Lower Hill District, including the construction of a new concert venue near the site of the former Civic Arena.3 The Hill CDC has secured $45 million in current and future investments for the Hill District, with housing identified as the next phase of development.2