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May 30, 2009 7:45 pm US/Eastern
Celebration Marks August Wilson Center Open House
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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The August Wilson Center held it's first open house in downtown Pittsburgh.
KDKA
There was fanfare and celebration today as the community got its first look inside one of Pittsburgh newest and modern buildings.
The August Wilson Center opened its doors in downtown Pittsburgh today, unveiling more plans about its future as the region's first African American cultural center.
The building is named for Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner August Wilson, a Pittsburgh native.
After more than 10 years of planning and nearly three years of construction the community center held its first open house.
"Today is a celebration of what is possible when people from every segment of a community come together to value and to nurture a culture," said Neil Barclay, the president and CEO of the center.
The celebration was held in the street today honoring board members, local dignitaries and featuring a variety of performers on stage. But for the first time the public had a chance to tour the unfinished building, which will preserve, present and interpret the art culture and history of African Americans.
One of the attractions is an educational center for children featuring a state-of-the-art wireless environment with laptop computers.
"There's such incredible talent in this community and intelligence. And kids, I just hope they're inspired to do whatever it is that they feel they want to do with their lives," said Barclay.
Officials say the two-story building will also house exhibition galleries, a 486-seat theater for plays and concerts and multi-purpose spaces for community programs and events, along with a cafe and gift shop.
Also, the August Wilson Center is the only facility of its kind designed by an African American female architect. Allison Williams was in Pittsburgh for groundbreaking in 2006 and she came back today, several months before the official grand opening.
"I think for me, until this moment, it wasn't real. It has found a certain reality today that leaves me speechless," said Williams. "You know, I'm proud of myself, I'm proud of Pittsburgh."
Pittsburgh and the rest of the world will have a chance to see the center on September 19th when the building will be finished and back on display for the grand opening.
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