Decaying Latrobe theater earmarked for demolition, new plans discussed

The City of Latrobe is partnering with the nonprofit Latrobe Foundation to pursue demolition of a vacant commercial building on Main Street.

Decades ago, the building at 319 Main St. was home to the Olympic Theater movie house. Most recently, it was occupied by vending machine supplier Westmoreland Amusements.

The foundation acquired the vinyl-sided building in February and has determined that it’s beyond repair.

“We acquired it because it needs to be demolished,” said foundation spokesman Jim Okonak. “Our concern always is, if a building, house or apartment falls into the hands of people who aren’t associated with our Latrobe community, they can oftentimes just sit for years.”

City council this week agreed to jointly apply with the foundation for state funding to help raze the building and develop the property as a parking lot. They’re seeking money from Pennsylvania’s local share account, which draws upon casino revenue.

The project has an estimated cost of about $250,000, according to city manager Sue Trout.

She indicated a parking lot could be just an initial use in longer-term redevelopment of the property.

“If someone wants to place a building there, we’ll have a discussion with them,” Okonak said.

“It’s not our aim to keep knocking buildings down if we don’t have to,” said Mayor Eric Bartels.

Two other Latrobe structures that are in poor condition are being targeted for demolition.

The foundation continues to seek funding to tear down a six-story apartment building that stands at 333 Main St., just a few doors away from the former theater.

The apartments were vacated after the city condemned the building in March 2024, and the foundation later purchased it. Problems there have included pest infestation, structural issues and inadequate security and lighting.

Meanwhile, city council is pursuing funding from an alternate source — through Westmoreland County — for demolition of the Olympic building and of a home at 415 Fairmont St. that is owned by the Westmoreland County Land Bank and also is deemed past repair.

“We were told we could apply to both,” said Trout. “All of these funding sources are very competitive. We’re trying to see what we can get.”

Nonprofit eyes potential new housing

Another Latrobe property that was condemned last year — the former Paxton chiropractic office and an attached home with converted apartments at 1207 Ligonier St. — was purchased by the nonprofit Latrobe Community Revitalization Program and recently was demolished.

Executive Director Jarod Trunzo said the revitalization program is working with a consultant on a plan for redeveloping the now-vacant lot, possibly with new housing.

“We’re studying how to position it for potential apartments,” Trunzo said of the lot. “There’s definitely a higher demand than supply for housing in Latrobe. We’re very confident that new construction of market rate apartments would be filled very quickly.”

He noted the property is within a short distance from community assets including a public park and library, churches and businesses.

“It’s an area of prime real estate,” he said.