The Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks is on its way to being restored.

McKees Rocks CDC and Penn Interiors Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the beginning of restoration of the Roxian Theater, an art-deco-style hall built in 1928.

The building served as the Roxian Theater until the late 1970s and was known as the Emerald Room more recently before it was closed about four years ago.

"This shows what a community-driven project can do when everyone works together from a shared vision," said Taris Vrcek, executive director of the McKees Rocks CDC, in a news release.

"The Roxian has faced its challenegs and will prevail again thanks to the vision and leadership of those involved with this project," said Dennis Stasa of Penn Interiors.

The theater is expected to seat up to 1,500 people. It also will be available for banquets, dances, parties and wedding receptions.

Completion is expected in April.

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