The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust was born in the 1980s with the goal of weaning eight central blocks of downtown Pittsburgh from pornography to high culture. The blocks were demarcated by the Convention Center (AL15) and Liberty Center on the east, Gateway Center (AL7) on the west, the Allegheny riverfront on the north, and Liberty Avenue on the south. The success of this transformation was almost immediate in terms of infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, signage, and lighting), facade restoration, and the new audience that was attracted downtown. The area's two theaters—the Penn, now Heinz Hall (AL11), and this, the Stanley—had declined along with their surroundings.

The Stanley (now the Benedum), the third largest theater in the country when built, was renovated as a performance space for the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet, Civic Light Opera, and Dance Council. To accommodate these arts groups, a new six-story backstage was added, which also includes two rehearsal halls. The old Stanley's exterior of off-white terra-cotta and brick was restored to its original appearance.