Historic Mt. Pleasant Elks to reopen as upscale banquet, meeting facility
A historical building sitting at the town of Mt. Pleasant's diamond was threatened more than two years ago when the Elks lodge closed.
But Jane Altman saw value in the structure.
After spending more than a year in planning and development, Altman will open the doors to McCali Manor. The building will house an upscale banquet and meeting facility.
"It's more than I ever imagined," said Altman. "It's much more."
Built in four phases throughout more than 200 years of existence, McCali Manor's first segment is thought to have stood on the town square during Gen. Edward Braddock's march to Fort Pitt during the French and Indian War. Dr. M.W. Horner added to the home in 1900, doubling its size. When the Horner family donated the home to the Elks Club in 1951, the Elks added a grand ballroom — complete with maple dance flooring.
In 1971, another addition to the building provided a card room and offices. When Altman interviewed Horner's granddaughter, a 103-year-old resident of Mt. Pleasant and Elks Club member in the 1970s, she indicated that section was a response to the women's movement. Women wanted to join, so they were permitted in a section of the addition.
Over the years, the building has seen many expansion projects.
When Altman acquired the building, she started a major renovation project. She tore out walls and windows.
"It's experienced about 70 percent or more in renovations," she said.
One of her first undertakings was the removal of dark wood paneling in the ballroom/large meeting area.
"It was really dark in here," said Sue Skovira. "It was dark and dingy."
Altman removed all but one accent wall of the paneling and lightened the interior with warm colors, adding six chandeliers.
She removed the Elks bar and installed it in the lower level of the building.
"The cigar bar is completely redone, and I feel that this is a nice area now," Altman said. "People can come here and sit at the tables or play games, and we are putting in a little stage area for some acoustic music."
The bar will be a tribute to the former Elks Club and its members, she said.
"There isn't anything in this building left that is a club, but in honor of the Elks and all the time that they spent here, we are calling this the 868 Club," she said of the bar area.
Altman acquired numerous pieces when the contents of the Mountain View Inn were auctioned, most notably the gold mirror in the women's room and the bar on the main floor, which will be open to the public.
"The bar will be open Tuesday through Sunday," she said. The small bar sports the Mountain View bar, brass railing and avante garde bar stools.
Altman is taking reservations for the banquet and meeting facilities that can accommodate groups from 10 to 260.
Completely remodeling the third floor, she created a bridal changing and waiting area adjacent to a guest suite for out-of-town visitors. All areas can become meeting rooms if needed.
"We have a total of five breakout rooms," she said. "We are fully set up to accommodate business meetings or classes or anything that the public wants."
Altman will host a private VIP reception tonight. The doors will open to the public Saturday for the official grand opening.
"People have been really curious as to what she's been doing in here," Skovira said. "I think they're dying to see what's inside."
There will be refreshments and tours.
"We have worked so hard to make this a nice place for the community," Skovira said. "We'd like for the community to come out and embrace this on Saturday."
The open house will be from 1 to 8 p.m. at the McCali Manor, 462 W. Main St.
Special features of McCali Manor include a large dance floor, game room, cigar bar and sleeping quarters. To assist guests in facilitating special occasions, some services offered will include valet parking, event planning and a choice of local chefs who will offer a broad spectrum of menu choices.
