TL;DR: Please sign this petition to help to preserve a historic Mt. Washington building and transform it into a community center.

Hi, my name is Em.

Two years ago, I came to Pittsburgh and sought to built a community.  For the past 2 years, I've been crafting and hosting gatherings in my home where we've laughed, learned, shared meals, played games, exchanged books and records, and built meaningful connections. What started as small get-togethers has grown into a thriving community, with as many as 28 people gathering in my home at once and many more on my invite list. The demand for connection has outgrown my space, and I've started imagining what more we could create together.

Enter the former Presbyterian church at 301 Grandview Avenue, a grey stone gem hidden by a crumbling brick facade. The property is under contract contingent on rezoning. Some believe that the building itself has little value and that the land is worth more than the structure. I see something different, something beautiful. I see an opportunity to preserve a landmark and create a space that serves our community for generations.

I see a gathering hall for community forums and events. I see an art studio, gaming lounge, community kitchen, shared workspaces, sensory friendly and quiet spaces for reflection. I see workshops, movie nights, listening parties, book clubs, classes, debates, cookoffs, gardening projects, and opportunities for neighbors to connect. Most importantly, I see a space shaped by the people who use it. Together, we can create a community center built around our needs, interests, and vision for the future.

If you've ever spent an enjoyable evening at my home, or if you believe pgh deserves more places for people to gather, create, and connect, please consider signing this petition. Your signature will help me show that this building has a future worth preserving, and that our community wants to see it become something meaningful rather than be demolished.