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 confirmed the foundation, which holds the mortgage on the property, began making facade improvements Tuesday.

Clair Boring Painting and Services of Butler is handling 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.

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 Penn Theater in 2009 using the foundation’s loan program.

Representatives with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks earlier this summer said it would make improvements to the lower facade of the theater and refinish the entryway tile.

However, the city conducted two inspections of the former theater in July and August and sent a notice of violation letter to the authority that was received Aug. 20. The report indicated cracks in the structure’s masonry, bricks shifting in the walls, water damage in the interior, numerous electrical violations and a lack of utilities.

A complete copy of that letter has not be made available to the public due to potential litigation concerning it, said authority solicitor Tom Breth.

A response letter from the authority to the city is due today. That letter must state how the authority plans to move forward with making repairs.

Breth said the authority will meet with city officials to discuss the future of the structure and resolve any immediate safety concerns that may exist.

The city has not condemned the property, but code enforcement officials said it is not safe for occupancy.

Boring said he made repairs to the roof last winter for the authority.

“I guess they still have a small leak that needs repaired,” he said.

Boring said he has been through the building and thinks it is salvageable.

“It’s not real bad,” he said. “Just a little lack of maintenance.”

The current repairs will focus on the front of the building.

He said the current project will take about 2 to 3 weeks to complete.

A spokesman for the foundation could not be reached.

The foundation has been making physical improvements in downtown Butler for the past several years.

Last year, the organization renovated the surface parking lot at the corner of North Main and Locust streets. The year before that, it added new signs, lighting and benches in the area of North Main and Penn streets.