The New Granada Theater was originally designed by architect Louis A. Bellinger and constructed in 1927-1928 as a Knights of Pythian Temple, a lodge, and a commercial building. In 1937, the building was renovated into the New Granada Theater. During this renovation, the marquee and the enameled metal on the first floor façade were added. The New Granada Theater operated as an entertainment venue until the 1970s, after which time the theater sat vacant. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.
The current restoration project will replicate the ground floor enameled metal façade on Center Avenue, restore the entire building’s windows and doors, and repair the building’s masonry. This phase will also transform the top floor into classrooms and office space for the University of Pittsburgh. Later phases will reconstruct the historic marquee and will convert the building’s interior into two multi-purpose theater spaces, a food hall, and a rooftop restaurant. Our work included all of the historical exterior detailing and specification, and interior code compliance while maintaining historic details such as an unenclosed primary staircase.
Completion: In-Progress
Client: Hill Community Development Corporation
Historic Photograph Credit: Historic Pittsburgh
Categories: Historic Preservation, Civic & Cultural