The efforts of some Millvale-based businesses and nonprofits were not doused in the aftermath of a basement fire at the Millvale Food + Energy building along East Sherman Street on Jan. 30.
A New Orleans-inspired fundraiser featuring food, live music, visual arts and more will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 25 at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale to help with expenses to reopen the building.
A GoFundMe page has already raised more than $10,000 of a $24,000 goal as of Feb. 15.
The Millvale Volunteer Fire Department, along with assistance from neighboring fire companies, was able to knock down the basement fire. Concerns over contamination from lithium batteries, however, prompted emergency officials to conduct checkups of firefighters on the scene. No injuries were reported.
Allegheny County Chief Fire Marshal Matthew J. Brown said the cause of the fire was accidental and related to a battery storage system. His office is continuing its investigation.
The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the blaze. Calls requesting comment were not immediately returned Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Formerly the Moose, the Millvale Food + Energy Hub is owned by New Sun Rising. The five tenants include the Sprezzatura Café, 412 Food Rescue and multiple nonprofits.
Sprezzatura Café owner Jen Saffron shifted culinary operations to Fulton Commons, a shared office and kitchen commissary in the North Side. She is selling the cafe’s popular soups, lemony chickpea salad and other items at the Millvale Market, Local Provisions at the Fox Chapel Plaza, the Bryant Street Market and other venues.
“The generosity and love we feel from our customers and longtime clients who have enjoyed celebrating with us and enjoying our traditions and food have been a real beacon,” Saffron said.
Although there is insurance for Sprezzatura’s space at the East Sherman Street building, there are expenses that are not covered, such as the cost of hazardous cleanup.
The Business Association of Millvale started an online fundraiser for the campaign at givebutter.com/1mmzfu.
Electrical work at the building is underway, Saffron said, and the cafe will return as soon as possible. Patrons should check Sprezzatura’s newsletter, website and social media for details.
In the meantime, Sprezzatura will continue with its signature events, at pop-up locations including March Meatball Madness and the St. Joseph Day’s dinner next month.
