Day care center takes over location of former Creighton Hotel in East Deer

The vacant Creighton Hotel building along Freeport Road is home to a day care center.

Raney Day Learning Center opened in August. The day care previously was a block away on 879 Freeport Road. It recently celebrated 16 years in business.

Judy Raney, owner of the day care, frequented the restaurant, eating there almost every day. She chose the location because she didn’t want to go too far from the old location.

“I was really sad to see the Creighton Hotel shut down,” she said.

Raney acquired the building in December 2018.

Creighton Hotel owner Cary Rigatti closed the popular East Deer bar and restaurant in March 2013. The restaurant was in business for more than 100 years.

Rigatti said there were a number of reasons for the shutdown, including mismanagement of accountant funds. To be able to reopen the restaurant, he was required to pay more than $25,000 in delinquent Allegheny County “alcoholic drink tax” and costs.

“We had a person paying bills but didn’t find out until much later she didn’t pay the liquor tax,” he said.

Rigatti’s wife, Nicolle, said the couple wishes Raney all the best.

The property was valued at $250,000 when it was put up for sale. Raney was able to purchase the building for $28,000 after it experienced flooding that caused a water main to burst. It also was missing a few copper pipes and a hot water tank.

Raney said the renovations were an estimated $200,000, with work still being done. The building needed new plumbing and wiring and a kitchen.

The day care is on the first floor of the three-story building. The space is smaller than the previous building the day care occupied, but Raney said that has not affected business.

“Most parents said the kids like the small space,” she said.

The day care is at full capacity with 36 kids. There are five employees and four volunteers. Kids are spread out in three rooms based on age.

“I like the new space. It is a lot more inviting and makes day-to-day operations easier,” said Joanie Stover, the day care’s assistant director.

The day care is looking for a part-time preschool teacher. Raney said to stop in or call 724-224-3737 to apply.