Strand Theater work could finish by spring
Building's inside being gutte
By ADAM M. FABIAN
Eagle Staff Writer

ZELIENOPLE — If all goes according to plan, the Strand Theater could officially reopen as early as next spring.
The demolition of the historic Main Street theater's interior, which began in June, should be completed within the next few weeks, said Ron Carter, executive director of the Strand Theater Initiative.
The initiative, the nonprofit group working to restore the theater, bought the building in 2002 and has worked since then to raise money and begin renovations.

When the demolition is complete, Carter said, the interior construction is set to begin, by the end of September at the latest

By spring, Carter hopes the theater will be an arts and cultural center for the North Hills and Butler County. The $4.4 million project includes the renovation of the building at 121 N. Main St. next to the theater, an elevator and stairs in the theater, and a multi-purpose room built on the back of the theater.

Ron Carter, left, executive director of the Strand Theater Initiative, Andrew D. Moss, architect, David F Hickenboth, project manager, and Robert J. Conway, engineer, discuss progress at the Strand Theater on Main Street in Zelienople. Demolition of the historic theater's interior, which began in June, should be completed within the next few weeks.
RAY THOMPSON/SPECIAL TO THE EAGLE

 Sheer Paradise, a hair salon in the adjacent building, will remain open and move into space there.
Carter said the initiative has $1 million for the interior renovations.
After five years of fundraising, Carter said 5it is odd to see the theater torn to pieces.
"It's very strange," he said. "It's kind of surreal."
Carter said that even though plans have always called for the crews to gut the building, he still found himself cringing when contractors first brought in sledgehammers.
Carter said he has taken pictures of the work daily to document the progress.
Carter said he plans to post the images on the Initiative's Web site, www.thestrandtheater.org.
Much of the work to the building's exterior is already completed.
In 2005, a new marquee was attached to the building, which has also had its facade replaced brick by brick.