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

The McKees Rocks CDC and Penn Interiors Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday to mark the beginning of restoration of the 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. The CDC formed an investment team in 2007 aimed at reopening the theater as a multi-entertainment venue, mainly for live performances.

The theater is expected to seat up to 1,500 people. Completion is expected in April.

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