New cafe and learning space proposed for Hill District

A vacant plaza may be the site of a new café and learning space in the Hill District.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is ready to begin lease negotiations with the Cares CommuniTEA Café for a space in the vacant Centre Heldman plaza on Centre Avenue.

The beginning phase of the negotiations was scheduled to go before the URA board on Thursday.

The plan calls for the URA to work with the Center That CARES to establish a coffee house and a learning lab for local youth. The coffee house would also host special events such as community conversations, book clubs, art displays and jazz performances.

“Through this opportunity, the Center That CARES looks forward to providing this exciting social enterprise in order to create career development opportunities for our youth and young adults, as well as share the rich legacy of entrepreneurship, pride, and history of the Hill District,” said the Rev. Glenn G. Grayson, president and CEO of the Center That CARES.

“For 21 years, the Center That CARES has been committed to serving the children, youth and families of the Hill District. CARES CommuniTEA Café is a unique project that empowers our youth as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents while also collaborating and showcasing other vendors, artists and entrepreneurs.”

The plan has the support of Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and City Councilman Daniel Lavelle.

“It is wonderful to have an opportunity to partner with a long standing community resource in the Center That CARES to begin populating the Centre Heldman Plaza with business,” said Lavelle.

“This space will be both a much needed café and gathering place for the community. But it will also provide an innovative opportunity to teach children how to run a business.”

Peduto called it a perfect collaboration.

“This innovative space will match opportunities for youth with the deep resources, knowledge and culture of the Hill District community,” Peduto said. “I couldn’t be happier to be collaborating with the URA, the Center That CARES and café operator Claudy Pierre on this proposal.”