Lamp Theater to become anchor of Irwin revitalization
Thursday, November 01, 2007
By Norm Vargo
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Westmoreland Cultural Trust has refocused its involvement in the economic revitalization of downtown Irwin to revive the landmark Lamp Theater as an entertainment and tourist destination in the fast-growing western residential areas of the county.
The trust's decision scraps the Greensburg-based, nonprofit organization's plans to invest $1.5 million to $2 million in the acquisition and renovation of the Thompson Building, which originally was touted as the anchor of the Irwin Project.
Attempts to get the 116-year-old building designated as a historical site failed, and planners had felt such designation was essential to the project's "Visit Historic Irwin" revitalization theme.
"We encountered unanticipated issues that resulted in lengthy delays," said trust President Michael J. Langer. "Rather than risk jeopardy to the Irwin revitalization effort, our directors put ambitions aside to focus on restoration of the Lamp Theater."
Built by the Aladdin Theater Co., the Lamp Theater opened on March 30, 1937. The 70-year-old theater does not qualify for consideration as a historical site, Mr. Langer noted, so there will be no similar delays seeking the designation.
After several owners, KCS Realty Investments purchased the theater in 2005 from Jean and George Rebich. The Lamp went dark shortly afterward.
"We hope the Lamp Theater shines brightly again as a beacon to attract people and tourists while keeping it a vital component of downtown Irwin," Mr. Langer told about 150 persons during a project review in the unfinished theater last week.
"Beacons like this one have been dark too long. More and more, cities and small towns across the nation are realizing the value of existing neighborhood theaters. The Lamp Theater is a treasure," Mr. Langer added.
"It's nice to see something old playing a vital role in the future of our town instead of being torn down to build something new," said borough Council President Danyce Neal. "A restored Lamp will benefit the entire Norwin community and surrounding municipalities."
Mr. Langer said the Trust spent $460,000 during the first phase of the theater restoration, including the $180,000 acquisition cost and $365,000 for a new roof and renovations.
Phase two will include a new stage, movie screen, electrical wiring, lighting, sound system, marquee and plumbing, including Americans With Disabilities Act-certified restrooms.
State Rep. James E. Casorio, Jr., D-North Huntingdon, has pledged a $15,000 legislative grant to help fund the marquee replacement.
"The final price tag could be about $800,000, all funded through grants and donations," Mr. Langer said. He projected a reopening during late summer or fall 2008.
With the aid of borough council, the Trust also received community development grants of $285,000 from the state and $175,000 from Westmoreland County Commissioners Tom Balya and Tom Ceraso this year.