At 93 years old, historic Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple prepares for the future

Oct. 22—The 93-year-old Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is getting ready for its next act — modernizing the historic structure while restoring and preserving its original character.

The nonprofit center on Oct. 10 announced the completion of a long-range, $50,000 study that will guide future interior renovations. Funded with a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office, and a $25,000 match from a private donor, the report was done by Highland Associates of Clarks Summit and took slightly over a year to complete.

Opened in 1930 as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral, the 180,000-square-foot building at 420 N. Washington Ave. is one of downtown Scranton's architectural gems. Listed in 1997 on the National Register of Historic Places, the center has been a major regional entertainment venue from its start and one of the most important cultural assets in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The building and its neo-Gothic architecture also is significant as an example of the design work of Raymond Hood, a prominent American architect of the 1920s and early 1930s. Some of Hood's other designs include Rockefeller Center and the Daily News and McGraw-Hill buildings, all in Manhattan, and the Tribune Tower in Chicago.

The large Masonic edifice in Scranton features a distinctive facade with recessed arches and an ornate interior replete with symbolism, intricate details and unique interaction of rooms.

"What he (Hood) designed here in Scranton does not exist anywhere else, as far as we can find," said John Cardoni, general manager.

The building contains an 1800-seat auditorium theater, a ballroom with a balcony, a smaller theater, several Masonic lodge rooms, meeting rooms, a library, offices and support spaces.

The comprehensive review identified a lengthy list of needs, involving items such as mechanical systems, ventilation, plumbing, lighting and preservation of doors and historic paintwork, to name a few.

Future projects eyed include restoration of the main theater's interior and modernization of the stage, mechanical, audio and lighting systems; addition of air conditioning to second-, third- and fourth-floor spaces; upgrades to computer, phone and security systems; modernization of restrooms, dressing rooms and HVAC-control systems; and energy efficiency improvements, among other items.

"We were delighted to have been chosen by PHMC as a grant recipient. This study is absolutely critical to our ability to plan the next steps in the restoration program and will serve as guidance for our future development and capital campaigns," center Executive Director Deborah Moran Peterson said in a statement. "As a non-profit organization, this type of support is critical in our ongoing efforts to restore and improve our building so that we can continue to serve a broad and diverse population as a center for cultural and entertainment activities.

The report comes as part of ongoing capital improvements, and in advance of separate, state-funded exterior restoration and roof replacement projects expected to start in early 2024.

The Highland study does not contain cost estimates or time-frames, but instead is "essentially a contractor's laundry list" that contemplates myriad upgrades over time, Cardoni said.

"It's a lengthy, itemized list of systems, system components and rooms with items to be addressed as part of long-term restoration efforts," Cardoni said.

The center now will prioritize projects and funding allocation, with an underlying question of, "What does the cultural center raise funds for, for public safety as well as economic impact," Cardoni said.

For example, the main theater's stage mechanics are original and now nearly a century old.

"With modern shows, what is it that we need to do in that space to bring it up to modern times," Cardoni said.

The 16-page list goes from basement and sub-basement through upper floors and to rooftop tower. The nuts-and-bolts itemization delineates matters large and small, including: replace old light switches in a basement restroom with an occupancy sensor switch; replace all of the seating in the main theater; upgrade the sound systems in theaters and ballroom; replace or restore doors on janitor closets; replace domestic-water gate valves with ball valves; remove, clean, restore and reinstall chandeliers; and install new surveillance cameras and a video paging system, to name a few.

The castle-like building was designed with attention to detail throughout, including walls, flooring, ceilings and stairwells, chandeliers, sconces, windows and hardware.

It cost about $2.3 million to construct and fully furnish the building, Cardoni said. To build such a structure today would probably cost over $250 million, he estimated, though the building is considered "not replaceable."

"It's quite a little thing to have in your backyard — but not so little," Cardoni said.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@scrantontimes.com; 570-348-9100 x5185