Pittsburgh City Council yesterday gave final approval to the city's acceptance of a $1 million state grant to renovate the Hazlett Theater on the North Side.

The Hazlett formerly housed the Pittsburgh Public Theater, which moved Downtown. Except for a few special performances, the city-owned building has been shuttered since 2002. It is expected to reopen in early 2006, said Councilman Luke Ravenstahl.

"Without this [state] funding, it would have remained closed," Ravenstahl said, crediting state representatives for securing the grant. He said much of the money will go toward roof repairs.

The facility will be operated by the New Hazlett Theater for the Performing Arts.

That effort has been spearheaded by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the Warhol Museum and the Northside Leadership Conference.