Manos Gallery owners plan cultural hub in New Kensington

A historic New Kensington building that once housed a recreation center for manufacturing powerhouse, Alcoa, will become a hub for creative arts in early 2026.

The vision by Tarentum businessmen Ernesto Camacho and Brian DeFelice, owners of The Manos Gallery, strives to provide inclusivity for all creative types.

“It will be an art mega-center for all genres,” DeFelice said. “It will be a destination welcoming to anyone with regards to their level of artistry.”

Aluminum City Arts will be situated at 200 Freeport Road. The two-story brick building will offer art, dance, theater, studios, history and more.

“This new adventure is the next step up,” Camacho said. “We want it to be a place where people connect and find opportunity in art.”

The move, he said, allows the gallery to blossom into something greater — a cornerstone of cultural vitality that draws visitors, fosters local talent and contributes to the economic and creative landscape of the city.

It was unclear what will become of The Manos, although DeFelice said there are plans in the works that he believes will be good for Tarentum.

“We own several buildings in town, and we run the Night Market event,” he said. “We are still very connected to the community.”

Built in 1915, the former Alcoa site was designed for male employees and visitors of the nearby metal manufacturing plant. It was designed by Benno Janssen and Franklin Abbott, the pair responsible for Mellon Institute, the William Penn Hotel and Longue Vue Country Club.

Inside, remnants such as aluminum light fixtures are a nod to Alcoa’s industrial rise. The building was donated in 1962 to Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing and was later used nearly 20 years by the River Community Church before it moved to Lower Burrell.

At 20,000 square feet, it is five times the size of the existing Manos gallery.

Donna Weckerly, executive director for the Armstrong County Arts Council, said the expansive space lends itself to making an impact.

A professional photographer, Weckerly is a resident artist at The Manos.

“It’s a much bigger space that will allow people to come there and celebrate, have more opportunities and make connections,” she said.

Resident Millie Pipman lives in the neighborhood where many of the factory workers made their home. A history buff, Pipman said she’s ecstatic to see new life breathed into the building.

“We didn’t want to see this storied structure torn down,” she said. “This will be a great place not only for arts, but for all.”

Pipman envisions small parties hosted at the center, book clubs and at the very least, an eye-catching backdrop for photos.

“Those who are into the arts can take advantage of the spaces inside but I think it will be a game-changer for so many more reasons,” she said.

DeFelice said the center will celebrate the arts in all forms. The Manos Gallery will be housed there, along with the Tri-City Historical Society, dedicated studios, space for performing arts, a professional frame shop, craftsman group Rustbelt Revival Artisan Collective and a possible dance studio.

He said it will make arts accessible for people from Allegheny, Westmoreland and Armstrong counties. The lawn, nearly 2 acres, will provide space for outdoor festivals and gatherings.

Like the pair’s initial vision with The Manos in Tarentum, Camacho said the goal is to cultivate a vibrant space where art thrives and people can find connections.

A frequent guest speaker at local high schools and art exhibits, he is excited to reach new artists and give them a space to feel welcome.

“Everyone needs that first opportunity,” Camacho said. “They know they have someone they can trust and feel comfortable with here.”

The Manos Gallery space is expected to celebrate a soft opening with an exhibit beginning Nov. 8. Other spaces will open in phases.

Mayor Tom Guzzo said the center is a perfect fit for the city’s revitalization efforts.

“We are thrilled that they are opening in New Kensington,” Guzzo said. “I think that that space is perfectly suited for a gallery and events center.

“They really want to be invested in the city, and we certainly welcome them.”