Repairs under way to entrance of Penn Theater
The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation has started making improvements to the former Penn Theater less than two weeks after a city inspection revealed numerous violations with the structure.
Officials with the redevelopment authority today confirmed the foundation, which has the mortgage on the Main Street property, began making facade improvements on Tuesday.
Clair Boring Painting and Services of Butler is doing the work for the foundation.
“We’re restoring the front of the theater — doing some masonry work, repairing the marquee and the ceiling to the entrance,” Boring said this morning.
The authority owns the property but has not been able to make mortgage payments on it for several months.
The city redevelopment authority bought the theater in 2009 using the foundation’s loan program.
Representatives with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks said it would make improvements to the lower facade of the theater and refinish the entryway.
However, the city did two inspections of the former theater and sent a notice of violation to the authority. The report indicated cracks in the structure’s masonry, bricks shifting in the walls, water damage in the interior, electrical violations and a lack of utilities.
Breth said the authority will meet with city officials to discuss the structure and resolve immediate safety concerns.
The city has not condemned the property, but code enforcement officials said it is not safe for occupancy.
