Before we get into the newsletter this week, I had an idea. How would you all feel if we did some sort of picture gallery of all the readers who checked out the events we posted for the week?

You’d need to either tag us on Instagram or email us your photos but then we would feature everyone having a good ol’ time at these events. Just a thought. Vote here.

It has been a long time coming but we’re now only weeks away from the New Granada Theater reopening after 60 years. The project led by The Hill Community Development Corporation is another step in strengthening the community.

Originally built between 1927 and 1928 as the Pythian Temple, it was designed by Louis Bellinger who was only one of a few Black architects working in the United States at the time. It was built as a gathering place for the Knights of Pythias of North America, a primarily Black fraternal order. The first floor housed commercial space and a banquet hall while the second floor held a 1,500-seat auditorium. It was a community anchor before it was anything else.

In the 1930s the building became the New Granada Theater where Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway all performed. It was one of the few theaters at the time that primarily showed movies with mainly African American-led casts. As a community hub, it was welcome to all regardless of ethnicity or social status.

But in 1965, the doors closed. For six decades it sat vacant along Centre Ave as the Hill District changed around it.

In 2023, the Hill CDC broke ground on Phase 1 to bring the theater back to its former glory. The University of Pittsburgh's Community Engagement Center moved into the space in early 2026 as an anchor tenant. Now the full reopening is weeks away.

The reopened venue will feature a Black Box theater, a jazz recording studio, and space for education and nonprofit organizations. An announcement is expected this week on the reopening date. A modern theater that still honors its history is an exciting landmark for our city.

Last week’s answer - $339,000. If you’re interested in seeing more, you can see the listing here

This week’s hints:

The Forge Speakeasy at Pittsburgh Winery - Doors open at 6 pm. Get your tickets.

Carnegie's Legacy: The Evolution of Steel in Pittsburgh with Emily Grugan - Starts at 7:30 pm. Learn more.

Neil deGrasse Tyson - Carnegie Music Hall at 7:30 pm. Tickets here.

Wine Dinner at Walnut Grill Wexford - 6pm. Call 724-933-8410 for reservations. More details here.

Sheetz hiring event at every PA location - see details in The Bulletin section below.

Pirates Opening Day Cookout - 12pm to 4pm at Allegheny City Brewery. I heard there’s a flu going around and the cure is Bucco baseball. Details here.

Uptown Jazz Series: Faculty & Friends - The Compositions of Erroll Garner (in memory of Ernest McCarty Jr.) - 7 pm at the PNC Recital Hall. More details.

Morgan Jay: The Goofy Guy Tour - 7pm at the Benedum Center. Tickets here.

Beetlejuice Jr. - Starting 7:30 pm on Thursday and running through Sunday at Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Support the students of PMT Conservatory. Get your tickets.

Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience - 7 pm at the Rivers Club. Make your reservation.

Hunter Hayes: The Evergreen Tour - Doors open at 7 pm at Mr. Smalls Theatre. Get tickets here.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown - 7:30 pm at PPG Paints. Find your seats.

Annual Mt. Washington Cleanup - 8:30 am on Saturday at the Mt. Washington Overlook. RSVP here.

Handmade Arcade’s Inaugural Modern Craft Market - Preview party Friday at 5 pm. Early bird Saturday at 9 am. General admission 11 am. It runs through Sunday at 6 pm. Support our local makers.

Bunny Trolley - Opens 10 am at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Get your Easter Bunny photos! More info here.

Phipps Spring Flower Show - Starting 3/28 and running through 4/26. If you’ve never been, this is a must-see. Check out the details.

Eggstravaganza - National Aviary 10:30 am to 3 pm. Find your tickets here.

10TH ANNUAL BREWHAHA - Mayernik Center at Avonworth Community Park from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Get your tickets.

Bunny’s Breakfast Bash - 8:45 am at the Dave & Buster’s Homestead location. Find your tickets.

Competitive Puzzle Night at Happenstance Cafe - Starting at 6 pm bring your team of 2-4. More details here.

Who else took advantage of Sunday’s weather before the storm rolled in? Well…it’s not looking like we’re going to repeat this coming weekend. Much more March-y.

Friday: 🌤️ 45° Hi / 23° Lo | 💧 25% chance of rain | 💨 12 mph wind

Saturday: 🌤️ 44° Hi / 30° Lo | 💧 3% chance of rain | 💨 10 mph wind

Sunday: ⛅️ 56° Hi / 41° Lo | 💧 9% chance of rain | 💨 9 mph wind

For those runners (or walkers) among us, P3R announced the course map for the Draft Day 5k. Meant to showcase the bridges and views downtown offers, this is an awesome way to show off our city to the out-of-towners. More details here.

With the anxiety and uncertainty in the current job market, Sheetz is doing their part to bring jobs to PA. On Wednesday, March 25th, they’ll be holding interviews in every store for anyone who wants to apply. If you or anyone you know may be interested, apply online ahead of the event. Once in the store, you’ll scan a QR code to check in. Click here to apply.

A new Pirate pre-game hangout spot is opening up on April 2nd. The Plaza is an open air space that’s going to become an entertainment hub. It’s set to have a 40-foot LED screen for hosting movie nights and live sporting events. It’ll also host live music, yoga, festivals, and other activities. SugarBird, the first restaurant, will serve chicken, doughnuts, and ice cream. They’ll also have a full outdoor bar to serve frozen drinks. Highball Social Club, a restaurant and bar, will be opening in the Fall.

Everyone meet Emmett. He’s a handsome tabby that is still quite shy. He needs someone that has the patience to gain his trust but he seems like he’ll truly be a ham once it’s gained. We have a cat with a very similar personality who is the most loyal girl you’ll ever meet. I’m sure Emmett would be the exact same way. If you’re interested in meeting him, you can find more info here.

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