Harmar House fire results in clients scrambling to find alternate venues
Joyce Hanz, The Valley News-Dispatch, Tarentum, Pa.
Updated 5 min read
Aug. 31—Bride-to-be Ashley Pometo spent most of Wednesday night in shock — and in tears.
Pometo, 23, of New Kensington thought the plans for her wedding on Sept. 23 were neatly squared away until a fire swept through Futules' Harmar House on Wednesday evening, leaving the popular family-owned event venue considered to be a total loss by co-owner Nick Futules Jr.
The Harmar blaze resulted in nine tenants being displaced and the cancellation of about 40 events scheduled for the rest of this year.
Allegheny Valley Fire Company Chief Keven Funkhouser said Thursday that a firefighter had been taken to a local hospital and evaluated for exhaustion. That person was treated and released.
"I spent the whole night crying and was up all night. I couldn't sleep," said Pometo, a hairstylist engaged to Matthew Hall, 25, of New Kensington.
An iconic Alle-Kiski Valley venue, Harmar House has welcomed guests for 25 years. It has hosted countless celebrations, including weddings, anniversary dinners, proms, class reunions, baby showers, baptisms, first Communion parties and more.
Nick Futules Sr., 70, co-owns the business with his son, Nick Futules Jr.
According to Funkhouser, the Allegheny County Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire started with freshly cleaned rags that were stuffed in a pale and combusted. Futules Sr. said the mishap occurred in a rear kitchen on the main floor.
The building housed a downstairs lounge; a hotel and apartments, not all of which were occupied; and the banquet hall.
Part of the reason Pometo selected Harmar House for her wedding ceremony and reception is that the venue offered "one-stop shopping" amenities such as in-house handling of details like music, table set-up, bar, catering and more.
When Pometo's stepfather called her to say the Harmar House was on fire, she didn't think he was serious.
"At first I thought it was a joke," Pometo said. "I told him not to kid about that."
She raced over to Harmar House on Wednesday night with her mother, Jennifer Pometo-Davis, and witnessed firsthand the devastation.
"I walked away because I was in such disbelief it was actually happening," said Pometo-Davis, of Lower Burrell.
Pometo and her mother sprang into action Thursday, touring several possible venues in the Alle-Kiski Valley that have availability Sept. 23. Changing the date wasn't an option for Pometo.
"We've been together eight years," she said. "We're getting married on that day."
One possible venue they toured was Knead Community Café in New Kensington.
Another possibility was The Sanctuary, a former historic church in Vandergrift.
Sanctuary owner Chloe Kruse said she sympathizes with all of the displaced events customers.
"I can't imagine this. I know what it's like to put a lot of effort into planning a big day. To lose your spot, that's terrible," Kruse said. "I have a venue that is a little unorthodox that you see for a typical wedding, but it's here and there's availability. It's a very artsy space."
Pometo said her wedding guests and fiance have been supportive.
"We've been through so much, this is just another obstacle at this point," Pometo said. "I'll have a story to tell for the rest of my life on what will be one of the most important days of my life."
Her advice: "Don't take things for granted, and have a backup plan in place."
Reunion committee rallies
Penn Hills alumni from the Class of 1973 are regrouping to find a new venue for their upcoming 50th high school reunion Oct. 6., which was booked at Harmar House.
"It was recently remodeled and so nice inside, dressed up real nice, and the price was wonderful," said reunion committee organizer Connie Hall Hannan.
She was out of town when she was informed by classmates that a fire had destroyed the venue.
"You've got to take what's given to you and take things one day at a time," Hannan said. "We're trying to find a venue that is close to Harmar because that's where people have booked hotels."
Reunion organizers are closing in on securing a new location for the more than 250 attendees who have RSVP'd.
"We will call every person to make sure they know about the change in venue when it happens," Hannan said. "Kudos to the reunion committee for being Johnny-on-the-spot calling places. Please keep Nick Futules in your prayers as he works through his tragedy."
Nick Futules Sr. said Thursday that he is planning to contact each affected customer personally.
The Futules family was planning a 25th anniversary Harmar House celebration in September. Monday is the date of the anniversary.
Charity cash bash still planned
The annual Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley Cash Bash fundraiser scheduled for Nov. 11 at Harmar House will go on once a new location is secured.
In a post made to its Facebook page, Animal Protectors organizers updated the public on the Veterans Day event.
"We are so sorry to hear of the tragedy at the Harmar House yesterday," the post read. "The annual Cash Bash event is still happening. We are working hard to find a new venue. Tickets are still available for purchase and we will update everyone as soon as we have a new location picked."
Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .
