Warner Centre (Pittsburgh, Taylor: house, tenants, theater)

[nuwaver88]

Warner Centre stands as reminder that Downtown restoration is not complete


I hope the momentum of Market Square and Three PNC creeps up Fifth and Forbes. I find it interesting that 2500 ate daily in the Warner Centre Food Court in the 1980s to only 250 before it closed on 2004. Meanwhile, the food court at Fifth Avenue Place is packed during lunch. We also need to get the Lord and Taylor building occupied, and get tenants to sign at Union Trust Building, which is being restored througout, including new ground level facades. Without a refurbished Fifth/Forbes corridor, our Downtown will never be what it can be. This is the heart of Downtown.

[raubre]

I don't know how plausible it could be, but are they able to turn it back into a theater (or at least some sort of enteratinment venue)?

[nuwaver88]

Originally Posted by raubre

I don't know how plausible it could be, but are they able to turn it back into a theater (or at least some sort of enteratinment venue)?

If it were in the Cultural District, it would have been snatched up by the Cultural Trust years ago. I would not rule out it turning back into a theater/entertainment venue. It all depends on how the surrounding area transpires. I am sure that the theater's auditorium is filled in with drywall etc., so it probably does not resemble a theater at all. I will say that Downtown could use a first run theater. I think a dual screen theater of first run quality movies would do ok. Maybe one screen for G and PG films and the other for PG-PG 13 and R rated films.

[lifepgh2op]

How about a House of Blues? I think Downtown would be a perfect location for one.

[nuwaver88]

Originally Posted by lifepgh2op

How about a House of Blues? I think Downtown would be a perfect location for one.

House of Blues was thrown around as a possible tenant about a decade ago, along with Planet Hollywood, Johnny Rockets, and a few other notables. Not necessarily at Warner, but as part of former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy's controversial Marketplace at Fifth and Forbes plan in the late 1990s. This plan was ambitious, but planned to use eminent domain and raze dozens of historical structures. The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation was not keen on this plan to say the least. We should be glad Pittsburgh has one of the best and most active foundations for preservation in the USA. It may delay things, but has served the city well in the long run and will continue to do so. It just comes down to Pittsburgh becoming a real destination and deep pocketed investors taking a chance on this area. I see things things changing. There is a good vibe around here. Residents have been moving Downtown. Things are gradually changing.