McKEES ROCKS, Pa. -- Crews are shoveling out the old to make way for the new inside the old Roxian Theater in McKees Rocks.

Channel 11 was given a look at the old theater that was built back in 1928 Thursday. Old projectors and films were still in house.

The McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation has been working to renovate the building for five years. It will be a state-of-the-art mid-size multi-entertainment venue, focusing on live performance, when the renovation is complete.

The building has been vacant for the last six years.

“We really see this as being the catalyst for a rebirth of lower Chartiers Avenue,” said Taris Vrcek of the McKees Rock Community Development Corporation.

The theater is across from the new $4.1 Father Ryan Arts Center, which opened in October.

The development company is hoping the theater will have a positive impact on other businesses in the area.

"We are hoping that the demand of the Roxian is going to generate for these properties and will help us find developers and investors for those properties as well," said Vrcek.

The development company hopes to have the project finished by the spring.