Grand Theatre’s roof collapses

posted by CSWalczak on May 18, 2010 at 3:35 pm

WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ — The roof over the auditorium and stage house sections of the Grand Theatre collapsed on Friday, May 14, apparently as a result of weakening due last winter’s heavy snowfall. A least one resident of an apartment that was a part the theater building or adjacent to it suffered injury abandoning his residence after the roof’s fall.

The theater – known for its wall sconces, raised-metal ceilings, and velour seats – housed two apartments in the front. Both were occupied and shook as the roof fell.

The first report of the collapse was received about 3 p.m., Williamstown Fire Chief James DeHart said. Residents heard a loud crash and felt a jolt, he said.

The theater opened in 1924; roof repairs were made in 2004 as a part of a renovation. The full story is in the Philadelphia Inquirer and there are pictures here atWPVI.

Theaters in this post

• Grand Theatre