A new small Sewickley park outside The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center will soon be open to the public. The lawn outside the main entrance to the renown entertainment and educational venue at 418 Walnut St. has been under construction since July.
The borough owns the land and the lawn but not the theater, itself. That is owned by an independent, film-driven arts nonprofit. Borough engineer Mike Galet said the parklet is expected to be open in early October.
“The project is substantially complete,” Galet said Sept. 17. “We’re just waiting on some electrical work and final project closeout.
“There are significant landscape improvements including new trees, shrubs and flowers and associated landscaping. There is an open plaza space that will serve as a multi-purpose open area. There’s going to be tables, furnishings and chairs.
“The intent is to be able to go there and hang out during the day. We have some light features that were added, including some string lights and a couple lighted bollards to light up the sidewalks.” Environmental renovations are part of a nearly $93,400 project that was awarded to Pittsburgh-based Vermont Stone & Horticulture in May .
Council President Cynthia Mullins said the project is the culmination of several years’ worth of effort. “Council has been discussing the space in front of the theater since 2019,” Mullins said Sept. 17.
“It’s wonderful to see this project come together. It’s going to be a lovely addition to our parks and green space. “So many community events will benefit from having this space.
” The venue was known as The Tull Family Theater from its opening in February 2017 to the start of last year, when its new name was christened as part of a 10-year sponsorship by The Corry Family Foundation. The Corry family’s multi-year gift is a tribute to their late, much-adored daughter and sister, Lindsay Nicole Corry. The theater remained in operation throughout the construction.
It posted a few updates on its Instagram page and website as well as multiple signs in the area directing patrons how to get around the site and into the theater. “It wasn’t as challenging as I thought,” said Josh Axelrod, theater director of communications and media relations. “I wouldn’t say our business suffered.
We just had a lot more questions from people coming in wondering what was going on. “We kept telling them, ‘This is going to be a really beautiful community asset when all is said and done.’ That’s exactly what I think it’s going to be.
” Access to the theater was limited to the Green Street parking lot for a majority of the construction. Sidewalk access from Walnut Street to the main doors was created last month. “That made life a lot easier,” Axelrod said about the entrance accessibility.
“At that point, there was no question whether we were open or not.” Axelrod was excited to hear the news about the park opening soon. “It sounds like we’re about to get through the construction and we’re going to come out in an awesome way for everyone involved on the other side,” he said.
“We’re very grateful for the terrific space (the borough) created in front of the theater. We have no doubts that it will be a great asset for the entire community.” More information about the theater and its programs is available by calling 412-259-8542 or email hello@thelindsaytheater.
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