The decorative moulding and ornate railing along the edge of the roof — the cornice and balustrade, respectively — were integral components of the theater that opened in 1906, but decay and declining maintenance led to its eventual removal by the late 1950s.

Since then, the top of the building has remained bare, “leaving this magnificent facade unfulfilled,” according to Shaffer, who leads the nonprofit foundation that owns the Mishler.

After more than five years of preparation, the first phase of a three-step restoration project is finally underway, aiming to restore the Mishler’s exterior to its former glory, Shaffer said.

BCAF leadership have invested more than $3 million so far to restore both the interior and exterior of the theater to its “original splendor,” with the $138,700 Cornice Restoration Project serving as one of the last untouched areas within the overall project.

Mark Cross, owner of Cross Custom Builds, Altoona, cuts plywood for the new cornice on the Mishler Theatre on Monday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Previous projects restored the stained glass panels above the main entrance, hanging lanterns on the front facade and several portions of the interior, among other upgrade and upkeep work, she said.

According to a project outline provided by Shaffer, the first phase will see the new cornice fully built in the 6,700-square-foot Albert Michaels Conservation workshop in Altoona, then disassembled and installed on the Mishler building by contractors from Cross Custom Builds of Altoona.

The second phase will attach the balustrade atop the roof, while the third and final step will install a new electric globe sign reading “MISHLER THEATRE” above the balustrade spanning the entire width of the building.

Albert Michaels Historic Preservationist John Rita is overseeing the small team at the workshop, ensuring the newly built pieces match the original design, yet are sturdy enough to last for decades.

Rita has been trusted with restoration projects at the Mishler for over 40 years, and is an invaluable source of expertise and technical knowledge for BCAF staff.

Scaffolding covers the front of the Mishler Theatre in Altoona as a project is underway to restore the cornice atop the historic theater. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“He’s the resource (for these projects),” Shaffer said.

According to Rita, work on the first phase will take about two weeks depending on weather.

“It’s quite an amazing thing,” he said.

The entire BCAF Board of Directors is excited to see the results of the project, Shaffer said, as restoring the theater has been a generational undertaking.

“It’s really important to us, and to the community,” she said.

Joe Lawlor (left) and Eric Hamel of Cross Custom Builds, Altoona, receive a piece of plywood for the new cornice on the Mishler Theatre on Monday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

As a nonprofit foundation, the Mishler is sustained by ticket sales and donations from generous patrons, Shaffer said.

This continued support reflects the cherished place the theater occupies in the hearts of many Blair County residents.

“(The restoration) is giving back to the entire community,” Shaffer said.

The first phase of the Cornice Restoration Project was made possible by a sizable monetary contribution from an anonymous donor, she said, so BCAF will seek grant funding to support the next two phases.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.