Five years ago, Ernesto Camacho Jr. wanted to open doors for other artists by running his own gallery.

He succeeded.

But Camacho and his partner, Brian DeFelices, ran out of space at The Manos Gallery in Tarentum, which has lead to them beginning the pursuit of new goals across the Allegheny River in New Kensington.

On Saturday, the debut of their monthly exhibition, “Garden of Grandeur,” doubled as a soft opening for Aluminum City Arts in a former Alcoa building on Freeport Road.

A building that was once for men only under Alcoa, that became a nursing school and then a church, is set to become a space where all forms of art are welcome, Camacho said.

“We’ve been very fortunate how wonderful Tarentum was to us. We felt we needed to expand to a different opportunity,” Camacho said while taking a moment from greeting guests and well-wishers. “This just elevates what we started into a whole new experience for us and everyone in the arts community.”

Under Aluminum City Arts, DeFelices bought the property from Citizens General Hospital earlier this year for $245,000, according to Westmoreland County real estate records.

“We love iconic buildings and we love saving old buildings,” DeFelices said. “Everybody knows of Alcoa. Everybody knows of this building. I had to have the building.”

The soft opening was held with the work they were able to get done in just a few weeks. Now using about 20% of the building, DeFelices said they will in time use all of it, including the grounds.

In addition to spaces for artists to work and display, Aluminum City Arts also houses the Tri-City Historical Society and will include a playhouse theater, custom picture framer, a fashion designer and a bookstore.

They envision outdoor exhibits and markets and jazz concerts. The building will be available to for weddings, class reunions and prom photos.

“The possibilities are endless,” DeFelices said.

Larry Brandstetter, an artist from Monroeville, plans to move into his gallery space on the building’s second floor in January.

Brandstetter describes his work as “whimsical illustrations” and “doodles ‘n scribbles.” While he had shown his work at The Manos in Tarentum, he didn’t have a gallery there because there just wasn’t room.

He jumped at the opportunity to have a space at Aluminum City Arts, where he’s been impressed with what DeFelices and Camacho have already accomplished in a short time.

“They’re making great strides and bringing this to life,” he said. “It’s going to be a great thing for the community. I’m real excited.”

Lynda Sadecky, of Lower Burrell, grew up in New Kensington. Her work in acrylics was on display Saturday.

“It’s really an amazing building,” she said. “I used to walk by this building every day. I’m so happy that they got it.”

Sadecky had a gallery at The Manos, and says she’ll eventually have one at Aluminum City Arts.

“I think it’s beautiful. They really deserve a building this grand,” she said. “They really know how to make everything come together.”

As Camacho said he wanted to do upon opening The Manos, Sadecky said he gave her a great opportunity to show her work.

“I’m glad he accepted me,” she said. “He’s very open. He gives everybody a chance.”

A grand opening for Aluminum City Arts will be held, but a date has not yet been set.

DeFelices said he and Camacho envision the building becoming a regional hub for the arts.

“To bring all of the arts together in one building is just spectacular,” DeFelices said.

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