The Pittsburgh Musical Theater Building. (Photo courtesy of Colleen Doyno)

By Riley Dunn, Pittsburgh Business Times

Pittsburgh Musical Theater will kick off the first of a three-phase, $20 million renovation effort through a ceremonial “wall breaking” at its West End home at 327 S Main Street on July 9. The campaign, called “Elevating the PMT Experience for All,” plans to dedicate $8 million to accessibility and economic impact. 

Through this wall breaking, the PMT will turn the page on its newest chapter, one it hopes to center around accessibility, economic revitalization, and enchanted public space for the growing creative community in the Pittsburgh region. 

“[The] Wall Breaking marks more than the start of construction—it signals a bold step into the future of Pittsburgh Musical Theater. With this first $8 million phase of our $20 million comprehensive campaign, we are transforming our home to be more accessible, welcoming, and inspiring for every individual who walks through our doors,” Pittsburgh Musical Theater Executive Director Colleen Doyno said in a statement. 

Some of the project’s highlights include a new focus on accessibility through the building’s first elevator, which will reach all six levels of the facility, helping to expand PMT programming efforts. 

In addition, the organization is also constructing a new two story lobby, redesigning its entrances, and upgrading its mechanical and electrical systems to be more sustainable. 

These efforts are supported by a coalition of dedicated PMT partners, including the Allegheny Regional Asset District, Heinz Endowments, Hillman Foundation, Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has also offered financial assistance through its Redevelopment Assistance Capital program. The project team includes Rothschild Doyno Collaborative and Jendoco Construction Corporation. 

At the conclusion of the new campaign, the PMT hopes to elevate its arts programming and continue its reputation as an anchor institution in the West End. 

Doyno said, “This is about honoring our community and ensuring that the arts truly belong to everyone.”

Riley Dunn is a student at the University of Iowa and one of 10 Pittsburgh Media Partnership summer interns.