Matt Shorraw – 500 Donner Project
Music, art, and culture have always been a part of my life. I grew up loving music – listening to it constantly, and performing in the Monessen Chorus and Marching Band. After graduating, I went to California University, where I become involved in their choir, and decided to pursue a major in Commercial Music Technology. I am now the Assistant Band Director at Monessen High School. This was a full-circle moment for me. It gave me the chance to give back to the school, and share my love of music with my students.
I have also renewed my interest in architecture, and founded the “500 Donner Project”. I decided that I wanted to save that building, and create a café, music center, and restore the former third-floor Masonic Hall, in order to create a recital hall. The 500 Donner Project Fund will be a Permanent Agency Fund, whose annual proceeds will provide for the sustainability of the new music center, which will be a non-profit organization.
I have been working on this project for over a year, reaching out to people and making my story known. It is my hope that upon my acquisition of 500 Donner, I will restore it, and implement my plan for reuse. Students in this region need and deserve a music center, where they can be connected to the community.
Within a year’s time, the building has been listed on the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh’s Top 10 Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Region, as well as granted Conditional Historic Status from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, pending an exterior restoration. I also have the support of Preservation Pittsburgh, as well as several other groups, and many individuals. The “500 Donner Project Fund” will be used to fund the operations of the music center. This center will focus on youth, but will aim to serve, teach, and unite all music lovers in the region.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said, and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Hugo.”
