Focus On Renewal has received $500,000 from
The Grable Foundation for the second phase of its Sto-Rox Cultural Arts Center. Located at 420 Chartiers Ave. in
McKees Rocks, the new
26,000-square-foot facility will house a 125-seat theater, art studios and office, conference and reception space. The $3.4M center is slated to be complete in June. Architect John
Baverso designed the building on a pro bono basis; contractor is
Arcon Construction.
The rehabilitation of a three-story, 80-year-old furniture store involved replacing floors and mechanical systems, as well as restoring original tin ceilings. “We would have been at a standstill if not for this grant,” says Pat Moran, director of Point Park University's
Community Outreach Partnership Center. “It’s our ray of hope to charge forward in 2007, and gives us time to find additional funding.” Moran says the project is seeking additional funds from political and philanthropic sources.
The area's first arts center, the fully accessible state-of-the-art facility will provide services to underserved school districts, whose art programs are severely limited. “We’re hoping to complement what they don’t have,” says Father Ryan, executive director of Focus on Renewal. Since 2004, Focus on Renewal has partnered with
Point Park University on economic revitalization efforts that provide service-learning opportunities and performing arts instruction for McKees Rocks students.
Founded in 1969, Focus On Renewal provides health and social services through its neighborhood corporation, community federal credit union and family health center.
Image courtesy of John Baverso