McCali Manor in Mt. Pleasant set for demolition after fire

McCali Manor in Mt. Pleasant is set to be demolished soon after a stove fire caused heavy damage to the building in April.

Jane Altman, owner of the historic property located on the diamond in the center of town, said the decision was “a process.”

“I had hoped we could save the back area, but I was told that the town did not want a cinderblock wall on the town square,” said Altman, of Youngwood. “I wanted to save it for my high school program.”

The Main Street building was condemned by the borough after the fire, and the charred shell has remained on the site.

She plans to sell the property, which last served as a restaurant and apartment complex, after it is demolished.

“The mansion was not salvageable,” Altman said. “It just became my only choice.”

Seven people were living in apartments there while working at an area construction job, and an after-school program held there was not in session that day, Altman previously told the Tribune-Review.

Altman said it “just so happened” the teacher of the program called in sick that day. And one of the tenants, who could’ve been at home sleeping during the fire, was called home to an emergency in Philadelphia, she said.

“It’s horrible, but God shows himself right there to protect you,” Altman said.

The blaze was reported around 3 p.m. The flames spread quickly, and firefighters were pulled out of the building when the roof collapsed. The fire that started on the second floor and was deemed accidental by a state police fire marshal.

Brian Lawrence, executive director of the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank, said it could take three months from demolition to grassy lot.

McCali Manor was constructed in four phases over more than 200 years, and the 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.

For many years, the historic building served as the local Elks lodge, and it also housed a tavern.

Altman acquired the building in 2009 and renovated it.

“I did this as a gift to give back to my community,” said Altman, who grew up outside of Mt. Pleasant. “It’s just a project that’s come to an end.”

Lawrence said authority was approached several months ago about having the property demolished and cleared.

“The whole thing is heartbreaking,” Altman said.

Westmoreland County commissioners approved the project at their September meeting, Lawrence said, and it will go out to bid.