Butler Eagle, Sunday, April 14th, 2002, Front Page article

Strand Theater plans get unlikely boost

USDA backs loans needed to buy site
By David Zafris
Eagle Staff Writer

ZELIENOPLE – This community is one step closer to getting a theater for the arts, thanks to an unexpected source.

An effort to renovate the former Strand Theater on Main Street has gotten a boost from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ron Carter, president of the nonprofit theater initiative, said the USDA has agreed to back $150,000 in loans as part of its rural development program.

This means Carter’s group can buy the building for $150,000.

He said the USDA will guarantee two loans: $100,000 from Fidelity Bank of Zelienople, and $50,000 from Preservation Pennsylvania, a nonprofit group in Harrisburg. Because the project adheres to Preservation Pennsylvania’s refurbishing guidelines, one-third of the $50,000 loan will not have to be repaid, Carter said.

The sale should be closed by early May, and renovations will begin as soon as additional funding is found.

The Cranberry Township man hopes to bring national acts to the theater after it is fully renovated. The renovation is expected to cost nearly $2 million, he said.

The project would completely refurbish the interior and exterior of the building, which closed in the mid-1980’s after serving as a movie theater for years.

The building was built in 1914 and the first tenant was a grocery store. When silent films became popular, the building was converted into a theater, showing movies coupled with live vaudeville acts.

The renovation plan will not only restore the building to its old glory, but also make significant improvements. The theater’s seating will be increased from about 300 to 400 with the installation of a balcony.

Also, the plan calls for the construction of a new stage, rehearsal studio and dressing rooms to accommodate national acts. Carter envisions the theater featuring plays, small musical productions, blues and jazz acts as well as community events.

A second building on the rear of the lot would be demolished for additional parking.

Carter said the theater’s demise came with the popularity of VCRs, cable television and multiplex theater systems.

A commercial theater of the arts would have no problem being successful because many residents do not want to drive to Pittsburgh to see a show, he said.

“North Pittsburgh has no professional live theater, and what we are trying to do will be attractive to people all throughout the area. We knew this would be a difficult project from the word go. But we know the community is behind us,” Carter said.

Foreman Architects Engineers of Zelienople did a feasibility study. The firm drew up schematics, renderings and cost estimates for the conversion.

Although Carter continues to raise money from contributors, he said most of the funds will need to come from nonprofit organizations and endowments.

“It will make it a lot easier to seek funding for renovations after we own the building,” he said.

The group is selling 300 personalized seats in the theater. Each chair sells for $200 and will have a nameplate on it of the donor. So far, 35 seats have been sold, he said.

About $14,000 has been raised so far through this effort and other fund-raising events.

Additional fund-raising events are planned for the summer.

The property is owned by Gloria Nalevanko, who operated the theater with her husband for years before its closing.

For information on the project, visit www.TheStrandTheater.org