The Hill Community Development Corporation has secured a $1 million state grant to support the continued restoration of the historic New Granada Building in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, marking a major milestone in efforts to revive one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program, which awarded a total of $17.2 million to 56 community projects across the state aimed at revitalizing downtown areas, supporting small businesses, and strengthening local economies.
Originally built in 1928 as the Pythian Temple and later converted into the New Granada Theatre in 1937, the building has deep cultural significance in Pittsburgh’s history. It once hosted legendary performers such as Duke Ellington, Billy Eckstine, and Ella Fitzgerald before closing in the late 1970s and remaining largely unused for decades.
The Hill Community Development Corporation, which is leading the redevelopment, said the new funding will play a critical role in advancing the project. Current work includes facade restoration, security upgrades, and the development of a community engagement center in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.
Future plans for the building include the creation of a first-floor café and lounge, along with a second-floor multipurpose event space designed to host community gatherings, cultural events, and local programming.
Project leaders emphasized that the goal is to restore the New Granada Building as a cultural and economic anchor for the Hill District, reconnecting the neighborhood with its historic legacy of music, arts, and community life.
State officials noted that the project was selected from more than 220 applicants competing for limited funding, highlighting the strong demand for investment in community revitalization initiatives across Pennsylvania.
The redevelopment effort reflects broader statewide priorities focused on preserving historic landmarks while encouraging economic growth and neighborhood renewal in long-neglected urban areas.
