On Friday, October 25, Westmoreland Cultural Trust will be hosting an Open House celebrating Greensburg Garden & Civic Center’s half-century of serving the community.
GG&CC tenants CityReach Westmoreland, Greensburg Civic Theatre, Greensburg College Club, Greensburg Garden Center, Westmoreland Suzuki School of Music, and Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra & Academy of Music will be on hand to showcase their organizations and a string quartet provided by the symphony will entertain in the Laurel and Iris Rooms.
The Open House will allow visitors to explore all areas of Greensburg Garden & Civic Center including the Penthouse Suite. Guests can speak with senior staff and GG&CC tenants to learn more about the facility and its history.
Greensburg Garden & Civic Center was built by philanthropist Katherine Mabis as a memorial to her late son, Mennel Mabis Smith, as well as providing her a catalyst to enable her vision of creating a regional educational and cultural civic center. McKenna’s years as a student of engineer drawing, horticulture and landscape design contributed to her visionary plan to ensure that the center was a multi-functioning facility for a variety of community organizations.
The unique building, featuring glazed green brick and concrete sheeted steel columns studded with marble chips, was deeded to the city of Greensburg in 1969 by the trustees of The Katherine and Mennel Smith Charitable Foundation and dedicated on October 25. Initially governed by the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center Board of Directors, a five-member commission was appointed by city council in 1990 to oversee the center’s operation, as well as that of the board’s new acquisition, The Palace Theatre. In 1992, the board voted to change the focus, and the name, of the governing body. The Westmoreland Trust (later renamed Westmoreland Cultural Trust), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed to manage and operate the GG&CC, as well as serve the community on a much larger scale.
Today, GG&CC has become one of this area’s premier meeting, education, and special event facilities offering four conference rooms with flexible seating space and a 320-seat auditorium. The center is utilized by more than 100 organizations hosting 700+ events each year and serves as home to seven nonprofit organizations – CityReach Church Westmoreland, Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, Greensburg Civic Theatre, Greensburg College Club, Greensburg Garden Center, Westmoreland Suzuki School or Music, and Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra & Academy of Music.
Everything was perfect. Thanks to you and your staff.
Danielle
Everyone loved the venue; they loved the lanai set up and the outside tables in the shade. The catering kitchen was perfect for us to heat our apps and keep warm. Thank you for all of your tips and suggestions.
John
Everything was perfect!! You and your staff made everything go so smoothly and professionally we could not of asked for a more. Thank you for making our sister’s celebration a truly special day.
Sonia
Thank you for making everything happen so beautifully. You are amazing. It would not have looked and gone so wonderfully without all of your help. Nadia’s Baby Shower on Saturday, October 21, 2017 wouldn’t have looked so fantastic without you. Guests (Ladies) had such a great time. And I announced, that without Mrs. Janice Barsoum, this would not have gone so well. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you from my heart to yours.
Bonnie
I just wanted to share with you that I have heard very good feedback from all on the training held at your facility yesterday. They mentioned that the site was lovely and that the attendant there was most cordial and helpful. I’m sure you are in no small way responsible for our positive experience and I wanted to thank you for all you have done to help us succeed in getting this accomplished.
Tony
My family had a great evening. Your staff was very polite and helpful. The facility itself was perfect for us. We could not be happier with evening and the center. Thank you very much for your help with making a very memorable evening for my family.
Jean
The party was so very nice-- nothing but compliments. I wanted to thank you and the staff as everyone was very accommodating. Even my sister (who was the one that had the critical eye) was happy. She said the space was nice, everything was arranged well, and when we needed an adjustment for the "cookie table" Fred couldn't have been more helpful. She noticed the clean up went smooth and was impressed by the very attentive staff... The day was a delight and I will recommend the venue to ALL my friends.
Patty
It went very well! I am never disappointed with the service you all provide!
Hope all is well with you!
Allison
Our event went very well thank you! I never worry about setup when it's in your hands because you guys are great!
Sarah
It's a boy!! (I was right!) 🙂
Jordan and I want to thank you so much for your incredible service and facility! We had fun at our gender reveal and everything was perfect!
Thanks again!
April
We were very happy with the facility. It was spacious and accommodated us perfectly. Mark was very nice in letting me know if we needed anything, he would be more than happy to help. Thank you for all of your services and allowing us to rent your facility. We will be sure to keep you in mind for any upcoming meetings we may have.
John
Loved the room. Going to be doing more workshops in May or June, would love to come back.
Kay
Thank you so much for helping to make the party a huge success. You do your work very well- I will definitely recommend the Garden Center to people.
Brittany
Not only was I pleased with everything on Saturday, but so were all of the guests. They commented on how beautiful the facility was especially since we had the outdoor patio to add some light and decor. You had a gentleman working on Saturday who was very helpful with everything and very pleasant to work with. I appreciate all that you and your staff did for my sister's baby shower, it turned out better than I ever expected.
Susan
Another wonderful party for the Swans! Thank you and your staff for all being so helpful and friendly!
Michelle
Party was awesome! We had a great day - everything was perfect! Thank you so much! Everyone commented on how beautiful of a party it was.
Jennifer
Thank you! You were a pleasure to work with & everything was perfect & went smoothly.
Roberta
This looks great. Thank you for everything. You have been a great help. This would not be nearly as beautiful or gone as smoothly without your help.
ensburg Garden
