Casino Theatre in Vandergrift gets new and improved fire escapes

Two structurally deficient and crumbling fire escapes dating to the 1930s have been replaced at Vandergrift’s historic Casino Theatre.

Janice Oberdorf, treasurer of the nonprofit Casino Theatre Restoration and Management, said the project took about a year to complete and was long overdue.

“It was literally held on to the building by one bolt and had no support posts to hold it up,” Oberdorf said of the remaining fire escape, which was replaced with a new one constructed of steel.

“They weren’t safe. Having new fire escapes, one can now feel comfortable knowing that it’s something you hope you never have to use, but gives you peace of mind if you need it,” Oberdorf said.

The project was co-sponsored by Vandergrift Public Library and Casino Theatre Restoration.

A $21,500 grant secured last year from the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise financed the second fire escape. PACE, a partner agency of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that has financed more than $10 million in grants and technical help to more than 300 nonprofits in the Pittsburgh area.

The other fire escape, completed in 2019, was paid for by an anonymous donor from the Vandergrift community.

The new escapes meet all code requirements.

They flank both sides of the 122-year-old theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Because we’re in the historic district, we felt it was important to stay as close to the original fire escape designs as we could. We felt it was important to stay with materials used back in the 1930s.”

New Kensington-based architect Canzian/Johnston & Associates designed the project, and Cliff Cuddy Construction constructed and installed the second escape.

Theater season to commence

Theater volunteers have organized a fire escape dedication ceremony that is open to the public and begins at 1 p.m. Sunday on the Casino Theatre grounds. Light refreshments will be served.

The Casino Theatre’s season-opening performance kicks off at 2 p.m.

The Jazz Warriors, an all-volunteer 25-piece orchestra from Pittsburgh, will perform a mix of jazz, swing, big band and rock ’n’ roll.

Vandergrift Councilwoman Marilee Kessler plans to attend the dedication and concert with her husband.

“We’re looking forward to the performance. We like jazz, and the acoustics in the theater are wonderful,” Kessler said.

The completion of the work allows theater volunteers to focus on their next project: creating an outdoor patio space for patrons during events.

“We couldn’t have done it without their support: borough officials, local businesses and residents who helped fund this fire escape,” Oberdorf said.