New Granada Theater facts for kids
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New Granada Theater
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New Granada Theater in 2025
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 Location in Pittsburgh
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2007 Centre Avenue (Hill District), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
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| Built | 1927 and 1928 |
| Architect | Louis Arnett Stuart Bellinger |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 10001071 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 27, 2010 |
The New Granada Theater is a very old and important building in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was first called the Pythian Temple. This historic building is located at 2007 Centre Avenue and was built between 1927 and 1928.
Contents
A Look Back: The Pythian Temple's Story
Building for a Special Group
The Pythian Temple was originally built for a group called the Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. This was a special club, mostly for Black men, that was similar to other groups of its time. They used the building for meetings and events.
Designed by a Talented Architect
A very important architect named Louis Arnett Stuart Bellinger designed this building. He was one of the few Black architects working in the United States back then. The New Granada Theater is considered his most famous work that is still standing today.
What Was Inside?
The building had many different spaces. On the first floor, there were shops, a kitchen, and a big hall. This hall was used for parties and for the Pythians' special drill exercises. The second floor had offices and a large auditorium that could seat 1,500 people. The third floor was where the Pythian club members had their private rooms and more offices.
From Temple to Theater: A New Era
Becoming the New Granada Theater
In the 1930s, the building was sold to a man named Harry Hendel. He already owned a theater called the Granada, and he moved it to this new location, renaming it the New Granada Theater.
A Place for Movies and Music
The building got a big makeover in 1937 and 1938, thanks to Alfred M. Marks. After this, it became a popular movie theater. It was also a fantastic place for live shows, music, and dancing. Many famous Jazz musicians performed here, including legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway. Imagine seeing them perform on that stage!
A Recognized Landmark
The New Granada Theater is a very important part of Pittsburgh's history. It has been officially recognized as a historic place several times:
- On October 8, 2004, it was added to the List of City of Pittsburgh historic designations.
- In 2007, it was added to the List of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks.
- Finally, on December 27, 2010, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historic site across the entire United States.
