New Granada

 

Historic New Granada and Residential Retail 
The Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC) has been dedicated to serving the Hill District community for many years, working tirelessly to address the community's needs and aspirations. Now, the Hill CDC is embarking on a groundbreaking project—the construction of the initial $36 million phase of the Historic New Granada Building and adjacent residential retail. This momentous occasion will not only signify the beginning of a transformative project, but also bridge the neighborhood's illustrious past with its promising future.
Throughout the planning process, the Hill CDC has consistently prioritized community input by actively engaging with residents, stakeholders, and local organizations to ensure that the development aligns with the desires and needs of the Hill District. This commitment to community collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the vision for the project, with the goal of revitalizing the area while preserving its unique heritage.

The Greater Hill District Master Plan identified Centre Avenue as the top priority in the Hill District's redevelopment nearly ten years ago. Upon completion of the Master Plan, the Hill District community engaged in an extensive Centre Avenue design and implementation planning process, in which New Granada Square was ranked as the number one project of interest to complete along the entire Centre Avenue corridor. We are thrilled to deliver on the Hill District's documented priorities!

As the Hill CDC celebrates this historic groundbreaking, we are also launching a community fundraising effort with the goal of raising $500,000 to support the project. This inclusive approach will empower everyone in the community to participate in rebuilding the Hill District. By announcing celebrity chairs for the fundraising campaign, the Hill CDC aims to inspire broad support and engagement, emphasizing that this endeavor is a collective effort and a shared vision -- not just locally, but nationally. The New Granada redevelopment is a signal of hope for Black communities throughout the Country who desire to build from their history, assets, and vision of self.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be a moment of pride, uniting the Community, Hill CDC stakeholders, project partners, funders, and special guests. It will serve as a symbol of progress and a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Hill District community. Together, we will celebrate the beginning of this local collaboration, which seeks to restore and revitalize a national treasure—the Historic New Granada Building.

This groundbreaking event is not just about bricks and mortar; it signifies a new chapter in the Hill District's story—a chapter where the community's voice, aspirations, and dreams are at the forefront of development. It showcases the Hill CDC's commitment to creating spaces that reflect the character and history of the neighborhood, while also meeting the needs of its residents and fostering a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.

Join the Hill CDC and the entire Hill District community as we celebrate this momentous occasion, rallying together to rebuild and reshape our beloved neighborhood. Together, we will create a future that honors the past and embraces the unlimited potential of the Hill District! Help us by becoming an early donor. Early donors will be recognized at the event!

Click here to contribute!

THE HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
BREAKS GROUND ON A
$36M HISTORIC NEW GRANADA AND RESIDENTIAL RETAIL

Reception to follow with an Exclusive Viewing of
Still Standing, a photographic exhibit by Hannah Price.

Thursday, May 25, 2023; 11 a.m.-1p.m.

PITTSBURGH—MAY 25, 2023 The Hill Community Development Corporation (Hill CDC)
announces the groundbreaking of the historic New Granada and Residential Retail (NGRR)
structure along the Hill District’s Centre Avenue cultural and commercial corridor. The
construction of the initial $36M phase marks an historic moment in the Hill District linking the
neighborhood's rich past to its vibrant future.

Hill CDC stakeholders, project partners, funders and special guests will join together to mark
this special occasion and the beginning of a local collaboration to restore our very own
national treasure. The Hill CDC launched its community fundraising effort announcing its
celebrity chairs as film director, actor, singer and philanthropist, Billy Porter and actor and
philanthropist, Lamman Rucker.

“This is, in fact a moment that is groundbreaking,” says Marimba Milliones, President and
CEO of the Hill CDC. Milliones has led the New Granada and adjacent retail project to
fruition in partnership with the following funders and partners: Henry L. Hillman Foundation,
The Heinz Endowments, Mellon Foundation (AW Mellon), Richard King Mellon Foundation,
Eden Hall Foundation, Allegheny Foundation, PA Historical and Museum Commission, PA
Department of Community and Economic Development, University of Pittsburgh, the
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund,
Pittsburgh Urban Initiatives LLC, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), City of Pittsburgh,
Allegheny County, State of Pennsylvania, US Congress and the Pittsburgh Penguins
Foundation. The residential retails is supported by: Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency,
McAuley Ministries, First National Bank, KeyBank, Duquesne Light Company, URA, the Office
of Bob Casey - U.S. Congress. “This is the largest commercial development and investment
along the Centre Avenue corridor in generations”, says Milliones.

“Marimba Milliones is a great leader who leads with fierce compassion for the Hill District
and the Hill CDC staff,” says Roderick Craighead (Board Chair of the Hill CDC). “Her
strength, diverse skill set, courage and resiliency has been paramount in reaching this great
milestone of the rebirth of the Historic New Granada. Moreover, salute to the Hill CDC staff
whose tireless efforts have remained steadfast, professional and incredible.”

“An endeavor and project of this magnitude takes many stakeholders and champions to
embrace a vision into reality,” says Mr. Craighead. “On behalf of the Hill CDC Board of
Directors both past and present, we sincerely thank the funders and partners for their
support and contributions to this important and transformative project. To that end, we are
excited to launch the community portion of the Capital Campaign through crowd sourcing
to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the Historic New Granada legacy.”
“Marimba is definitely one of the most fearless and community focused leaders, not just
here in Pittsburgh, but nationally,” says William Generett Jr., J.D. (Senior Vice President of
Civic Engagement and External Relations for Duquesne University and Chair of the Capital
Campaign Committee). This region is fortunate to have her. There is so much good
happening in the Hill. This would not be the case without Marimba’s love of the Hill, integral
leadership and laser focused commitment to equity.”

“The New Granada is the heart of the Hill District’s commercial corridor,” says Mr. Generett.
“You can’t develop the corridor without developing the Granada. Special thanks to all of
the funders who stepped up and supported this vital project. I am excited that everyone will
now be able to participate in this capital campaign through the launch of the crowd
funding initiative. Our goal is to raise $500,000, and no amount is too large or too small.”

Additional information about leasing and media assets will be available following the event
at https://www.hilldistrict.org/newgranadasquare.

Hill CDC Mission:
The Hill CDC https://hilldistrict.org works in partnership with residents and stakeholders to create, promote, and
implement strategies and programs that connect plans, policies and people to drive compelling community
development opportunities in the Hill District.