People
The Hill CDC is committed to the social and economic development of Hill District residents, many of whom have been historically disadvantaged. A variety of programs are offered for business owners, entrepreneurs, aspiring homeowners, creatives and culture workers.


Place
The Hill CDC leads the planning and redevelopment efforts for the neighborhood on behalf of residents and stakeholders of the Hill District. With over $2 Billion of development slated for the area, the Hill CDC is focused on commercial revitalization and affordable homeownership. Equitable outcomes that foster place-keeping and transformative economic investment is the cornerstone of the Hill CDC’s work.
Policy
The Hill CDC is guided by the Greater Hill District Master Plan. This community-endorsed vision establishes fundamental values and development principles that are central to positive activities and healthy neighborhood development. The Hill CDC focuses on land-use policy, social and economic equity, and centering community voice.

Social
The Connelley Trade School served Pittsburgh students for 70 years, providing hands-on vocational training that prepared generations for careers in skilled trades. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re looking at the legacy of this educational institution and its enduring impact.
Founded in 1931 on a hilltop overlooking the Allegheny River, Connelley was the largest vocational school in Pennsylvania at the time. It was named after Clifford B. Connelley, a former city council member and advocate for expanding vocational education. The building featured impressive facilities, including carpentry, plumbing, and sheet metal workshops, as well as a radio operating lab and auto mechanic training spaces. Its halls were so wide that trucks could drive inside to deliver materials.
The school’s early years coincided with Pittsburgh’s industrial boom. By 1939, enrollment peaked at 1,800 students, many of whom trained in machine shops and welding classes to help produce military equipment for World War II. In later decades, returning veterans attended Connelley to learn new trades, building everything from toy trains to cookbooks as part of their education.
The 1960s brought challenges. The demolition of the Lower Hill displaced thousands of families, disrupting the school’s community base. As desegregation efforts led to racial tensions across city schools, Connelley adapted to serve a more diverse population, including English language learners from immigrant communities. Budget cuts in the 1970s made the school a tuition-based program, pricing out many students and contributing to declining enrollment.
By 2004, Connelley Trade School closed after decades of shrinking class sizes and state funding reductions. However, its educational mission was not lost. In 2015, the Energy Innovation Center opened in the old Connelley building, offering training programs in modern energy technologies while preserving the school’s legacy of education and innovation.
Do you have memories of Connelley Trade School or the Energy Innovation Center?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/11

The Connelley Trade School served Pittsburgh students for 70 years, providing hands-on vocational training that prepared generations for careers in skilled trades. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re looking at the legacy of this educational institution and its enduring impact.
Founded in 1931 on a hilltop overlooking the Allegheny River, Connelley was the largest vocational school in Pennsylvania at the time. It was named after Clifford B. Connelley, a former city council member and advocate for expanding vocational education. The building featured impressive facilities, including carpentry, plumbing, and sheet metal workshops, as well as a radio operating lab and auto mechanic training spaces. Its halls were so wide that trucks could drive inside to deliver materials.
The school’s early years coincided with Pittsburgh’s industrial boom. By 1939, enrollment peaked at 1,800 students, many of whom trained in machine shops and welding classes to help produce military equipment for World War II. In later decades, returning veterans attended Connelley to learn new trades, building everything from toy trains to cookbooks as part of their education.
The 1960s brought challenges. The demolition of the Lower Hill displaced thousands of families, disrupting the school’s community base. As desegregation efforts led to racial tensions across city schools, Connelley adapted to serve a more diverse population, including English language learners from immigrant communities. Budget cuts in the 1970s made the school a tuition-based program, pricing out many students and contributing to declining enrollment.
By 2004, Connelley Trade School closed after decades of shrinking class sizes and state funding reductions. However, its educational mission was not lost. In 2015, the Energy Innovation Center opened in the old Connelley building, offering training programs in modern energy technologies while preserving the school’s legacy of education and innovation.
Do you have memories of Connelley Trade School or the Energy Innovation Center?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/11
...
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Hurricane Bar and Lounge was one of the Hill District`s most popular jazz spots. Known as the "Happy House of the Hill District," it became a gathering place for music lovers and a training ground for up-and-coming musicians. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re taking a look at its role in Pittsburgh`s jazz history.
The Hurricane opened in 1953 at 1603 Centre Avenue under the ownership of Shine and "Birdie" Dunlap. Birdie, who had previously run Birdie`s Crib, was determined to make the new lounge a standout. She spared no expense, decorating the space with a tropical flair and creating an inviting, lively atmosphere. The club could seat 120 guests, with a stage tucked away in the back where jazz bands played to packed crowds.
The Hurricane quickly became known for its music. Aspiring performers like Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, and Wes Montgomery got their start there. Local favorites like Gene Walker’s "wailing sax and combo" and The Lun-A-Tones also took the stage, drawing big crowds. The music wasn`t the only draw. The Hurricane was also known for its food, with favorites like fried chicken, jumbo shrimp, and juicy steaks.
The club’s reputation extended beyond Pittsburgh. Musicians passing through from New York, Chicago, and Detroit often stopped to perform or catch a set. As local musician Al Dowe put it, "Everybody from New York either came to the Hurricane or the Crawford Grill."
Like much of the Hill District, the Hurricane was deeply affected by the urban renewal projects of the 1950s and 60s. The demolition of the Lower Hill displaced thousands of residents and altered the neighborhood’s business environment. A fire in 1970 ultimately closed the Hurricane for good.
Its impact was not forgotten. In 1973, the Crawford Grill hosted "Birdie Dunlap Night" to honor Birdie`s contributions to Pittsburgh`s jazz scene. In 2007, the Hill House Association launched a monthly jazz event called "Live at the Hurricane", recreating the energy and spirit of the Hill’s once-thriving "Happy House."
Do you remember the Hurricane or the jazz scene in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/4

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Hurricane Bar and Lounge was one of the Hill District`s most popular jazz spots. Known as the "Happy House of the Hill District," it became a gathering place for music lovers and a training ground for up-and-coming musicians. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re taking a look at its role in Pittsburgh`s jazz history.
The Hurricane opened in 1953 at 1603 Centre Avenue under the ownership of Shine and "Birdie" Dunlap. Birdie, who had previously run Birdie`s Crib, was determined to make the new lounge a standout. She spared no expense, decorating the space with a tropical flair and creating an inviting, lively atmosphere. The club could seat 120 guests, with a stage tucked away in the back where jazz bands played to packed crowds.
The Hurricane quickly became known for its music. Aspiring performers like Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, and Wes Montgomery got their start there. Local favorites like Gene Walker’s "wailing sax and combo" and The Lun-A-Tones also took the stage, drawing big crowds. The music wasn`t the only draw. The Hurricane was also known for its food, with favorites like fried chicken, jumbo shrimp, and juicy steaks.
The club’s reputation extended beyond Pittsburgh. Musicians passing through from New York, Chicago, and Detroit often stopped to perform or catch a set. As local musician Al Dowe put it, "Everybody from New York either came to the Hurricane or the Crawford Grill."
Like much of the Hill District, the Hurricane was deeply affected by the urban renewal projects of the 1950s and 60s. The demolition of the Lower Hill displaced thousands of residents and altered the neighborhood’s business environment. A fire in 1970 ultimately closed the Hurricane for good.
Its impact was not forgotten. In 1973, the Crawford Grill hosted "Birdie Dunlap Night" to honor Birdie`s contributions to Pittsburgh`s jazz scene. In 2007, the Hill House Association launched a monthly jazz event called "Live at the Hurricane", recreating the energy and spirit of the Hill’s once-thriving "Happy House."
Do you remember the Hurricane or the jazz scene in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/4
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🏡 The Homeowner Assistance Program Applications Are NOW OPEN! 🏡
The URA and ACTION-Housing, Inc. have launched a pilot round of the Homeowner Assistance Program—apply today!
📅 Open Now: Friday, February 14th at 8:00 a.m.
📅 Deadline: Friday, March 14th at 4:00 p.m.
🔹 Limited grants available—don’t wait!
🔹 Visit the link below to sign up now!
This program supports critical home repairs for eligible homeowners—get your application in today!
https://actionhousing.org/our-services/home-allegheny-repair-programs/

🏡 The Homeowner Assistance Program Applications Are NOW OPEN! 🏡
The URA and ACTION-Housing, Inc. have launched a pilot round of the Homeowner Assistance Program—apply today!
📅 Open Now: Friday, February 14th at 8:00 a.m.
📅 Deadline: Friday, March 14th at 4:00 p.m.
🔹 Limited grants available—don’t wait!
🔹 Visit the link below to sign up now!
This program supports critical home repairs for eligible homeowners—get your application in today!
https://actionhousing.org/our-services/home-allegheny-repair-programs/
...
The Pittsburgh Courier was founded in 1910 by Nathaniel Edward Harleston, a security guard at the Heinz plant who wanted to publish his poetry. What started as a small project in the Hill District quickly became one of the nation’s most influential Black newspapers. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re reflecting on its legacy.
Under editor Robert Lee Vann, the Courier fought against racism in Pittsburgh and beyond. Vann declared the paper would "abolish every vestige of Jim Crowism in Pittsburgh" and used its pages to advocate for better housing, healthcare, and political engagement. The Courier’s national influence grew by the 1930s when Vann encouraged Black voters to support FDR—a move some credit with helping Roosevelt win the presidency.
The Courier also reported on national civil rights events like the Scottsboro Boys trial and Brown v. Board of Education, while covering local stories about discrimination in Pittsburgh. It hired promising young talent like photographer Teenie Harris and writer Frank Bolden, both of whom documented Black life in Pittsburgh during a time when few others did.
Do you remember the Pittsburgh Courier or its role in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/62

The Pittsburgh Courier was founded in 1910 by Nathaniel Edward Harleston, a security guard at the Heinz plant who wanted to publish his poetry. What started as a small project in the Hill District quickly became one of the nation’s most influential Black newspapers. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re reflecting on its legacy.
Under editor Robert Lee Vann, the Courier fought against racism in Pittsburgh and beyond. Vann declared the paper would "abolish every vestige of Jim Crowism in Pittsburgh" and used its pages to advocate for better housing, healthcare, and political engagement. The Courier’s national influence grew by the 1930s when Vann encouraged Black voters to support FDR—a move some credit with helping Roosevelt win the presidency.
The Courier also reported on national civil rights events like the Scottsboro Boys trial and Brown v. Board of Education, while covering local stories about discrimination in Pittsburgh. It hired promising young talent like photographer Teenie Harris and writer Frank Bolden, both of whom documented Black life in Pittsburgh during a time when few others did.
Do you remember the Pittsburgh Courier or its role in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/62
...
📢Happening Tomorrow!
Don`t miss our next FREE food distribution taking place on Friday, February 14th at 11:00 AM! The distribution will occur at Nafasi on Centre, 2145 Centre Ave. Bring your own tote or carry box to transport your items.
See you there!

📢Happening Tomorrow!
Don`t miss our next FREE food distribution taking place on Friday, February 14th at 11:00 AM! The distribution will occur at Nafasi on Centre, 2145 Centre Ave. Bring your own tote or carry box to transport your items.
See you there!
...
The Crawford Grill was a key part of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene, drawing crowds to the Hill District with its live music, good food, and welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Gus Greenlee, the original location became known for hosting jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis while giving a platform to local talent such as Walt Harper. In 1943, Greenlee and his partner Joseph Robinson opened Crawford Grill No. 2 on Wylie Avenue, where music spilled onto the sidewalk and crowds packed the dining room night after night. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re reflecting on the legacy of this historic venue.
The Grill was known for its diverse crowd. While segregation was the law across much of the country, the Crawford Grill welcomed everyone. Patrons included everyday neighbors alongside famous names like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Muhammad Ali. As the jazz scene grew, the Grill helped solidify Pittsburgh’s reputation as a music hub.
By the late 1940s and early 1950s, Greenlee tried to expand by opening two additional locations. These new spots closed quickly, and in 1951, a fire forced the closure of Crawford Grill No. 1. Greenlee died the following year, leaving Crawford Grill No. 2 as the only remaining location.
The 1960s brought new challenges. Urban renewal projects displaced thousands of Hill District residents and fractured the neighborhood’s social fabric. The construction of the Civic Arena and the riots following Martin Luther King Jr.`s assassination in 1968 further strained the community. By the late 1960s, jazz audiences declined as rock music took center stage. In 1975, a Post-Gazette article described co-owner Joe Robinson looking out at an empty lunch crowd and saying, "Used to be you couldn`t find a place to sit during lunch hour. Look now—who`s here?"
Despite these obstacles, the club remained open until 2003, when it closed for good. The building was listed for sale in 2006 and has stood vacant since.
Do you have memories of the Crawford Grill or other jazz venues in the Hill District?
Learn more here:https://hillhistory.org/items/show/3

The Crawford Grill was a key part of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene, drawing crowds to the Hill District with its live music, good food, and welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Gus Greenlee, the original location became known for hosting jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis while giving a platform to local talent such as Walt Harper. In 1943, Greenlee and his partner Joseph Robinson opened Crawford Grill No. 2 on Wylie Avenue, where music spilled onto the sidewalk and crowds packed the dining room night after night. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re reflecting on the legacy of this historic venue.
The Grill was known for its diverse crowd. While segregation was the law across much of the country, the Crawford Grill welcomed everyone. Patrons included everyday neighbors alongside famous names like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Muhammad Ali. As the jazz scene grew, the Grill helped solidify Pittsburgh’s reputation as a music hub.
By the late 1940s and early 1950s, Greenlee tried to expand by opening two additional locations. These new spots closed quickly, and in 1951, a fire forced the closure of Crawford Grill No. 1. Greenlee died the following year, leaving Crawford Grill No. 2 as the only remaining location.
The 1960s brought new challenges. Urban renewal projects displaced thousands of Hill District residents and fractured the neighborhood’s social fabric. The construction of the Civic Arena and the riots following Martin Luther King Jr.`s assassination in 1968 further strained the community. By the late 1960s, jazz audiences declined as rock music took center stage. In 1975, a Post-Gazette article described co-owner Joe Robinson looking out at an empty lunch crowd and saying, "Used to be you couldn`t find a place to sit during lunch hour. Look now—who`s here?"
Despite these obstacles, the club remained open until 2003, when it closed for good. The building was listed for sale in 2006 and has stood vacant since.
Do you have memories of the Crawford Grill or other jazz venues in the Hill District?
Learn more here:https://hillhistory.org/items/show/3
...
In the 1960s, the Workingmen`s Civic Club was one of the Hill District’s most popular spots for music and entertainment. A gathering place for the community, the club’s atmosphere and stories lived on long after its demolition, inspiring scenes in four of August Wilson’s plays: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, and Jitney. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re remembering its impact.
At its peak, the Workingmen’s Civic Club was a hub for social life in the Hill, where people gathered to enjoy live music, connect with friends, and engage in the neighborhood’s vibrant culture. Its influence extended beyond entertainment, shaping the creative world of August Wilson, who captured the spirit of the Hill District in his work.
Though the club no longer stands, its legacy remains through Wilson’s plays and the memories of those who experienced it firsthand.
Do you remember the Workingmen’s Civic Club or other legendary spots in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/41

In the 1960s, the Workingmen`s Civic Club was one of the Hill District’s most popular spots for music and entertainment. A gathering place for the community, the club’s atmosphere and stories lived on long after its demolition, inspiring scenes in four of August Wilson’s plays: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, and Jitney. To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re remembering its impact.
At its peak, the Workingmen’s Civic Club was a hub for social life in the Hill, where people gathered to enjoy live music, connect with friends, and engage in the neighborhood’s vibrant culture. Its influence extended beyond entertainment, shaping the creative world of August Wilson, who captured the spirit of the Hill District in his work.
Though the club no longer stands, its legacy remains through Wilson’s plays and the memories of those who experienced it firsthand.
Do you remember the Workingmen’s Civic Club or other legendary spots in the Hill District?
Learn more here: https://hillhistory.org/items/show/41
...
This week in the Hill, we’re looking at how we celebrated Marimba Milliones Day, welcoming Pastor Courtney Meadows as the 10th Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church, revisiting the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service with the Heroes on Call documentary, and more!
If you`re thinking about buying a home, check out the Operation HOME homeownership workshop this Saturday. It’s a great chance to learn what it takes to own your own home in the Hill District.
Make sure you’re getting the Weekend Roundup straight to your inbox! Sign up at hilldistrict.org/signup.
Read the latest edition here: https://mailchi.mp/hilldistrict/2-8-25-weekendroundup

This week in the Hill, we’re looking at how we celebrated Marimba Milliones Day, welcoming Pastor Courtney Meadows as the 10th Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church, revisiting the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service with the Heroes on Call documentary, and more!
If you`re thinking about buying a home, check out the Operation HOME homeownership workshop this Saturday. It’s a great chance to learn what it takes to own your own home in the Hill District.
Make sure you’re getting the Weekend Roundup straight to your inbox! Sign up at hilldistrict.org/signup.
Read the latest edition here: https://mailchi.mp/hilldistrict/2-8-25-weekendroundup
...
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