It was about time someone did something about the Penn Theater.

Sure, it’s unfortunate that the “something” is a demolition order from the City of Butler, but considering the state of the theater, it’s likely the right direction for the facility.

It would take more money than is realistic for the Butler Redevelopment Authority to fix the place up. The authority, which purchased the property in 2009, still has a loan which it has not paid off yet.

Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy explained at the Thursday meeting what we all know: The building has been in disrepair for years and the problems with its structure are reaching a point that repairs are no longer probable.

Dandoy said the decision comes “with not a whole lot of joy.”

We feel similarly here. We know it’s what needs to happen, but it’s hard to let go of such a valuable piece of Butler County’s history. The theater originally opened in 1938, seating up to 1,100 moviegoers. It was closed in 1991.

Here at the Eagle, we have harped on and on about the importance of maintaining Butler County’s history. It’s worth it to think about preservation and do what needs to be done to keep historical places from falling into disrepair.

But the Penn Theater — it’s too far gone.

We are optimistic that Butler County will find a way to memorialize the theater. This can be done without the dilapidated building falling onto our Main Street.

And if someone thinks they can still save the space and have the money to do so, the clock is ticking. We’d love to see that happen, but a much-needed deadline is now firmly in place.

So while there’s “not a whole lot of joy” around this decision, we’re supportive of the Butler City Council’s Thursday night decision to ... do something.

–TL