[3] In the fall of 1893, The City of Pittsburgh pondered on the idea of multi-purpose facility that would be a place for theater, recreation and social gathering.

The idea sputtered through a committee of capitalists until Casino manager, James Wallace Conant convinced political boss, Christopher Magee, that the new building could feature an indoor ice skating rink.

The rooms were owned by politicians and capitalists from the banking, steel, coal and railroad industries and were used for winter carnivals, skating expos and political rallies.

The facility also contained a ladies’ reception room which was furnished with imported carpeting, lace curtains, and stuffed leather recliners.

[1] On December 30, 1895, the Pittsburgh Press made mention of a “great international hockey and polo tournament” opening game at the casino.

Christopher Magee, the city's first elected treasurer, focused local attention on the Duquesne Traction Company, an old streetcar barn less than a half mile away from the casino.

The devastating loss of the casino hastened efforts in transforming the barn into the city’s new multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue that became the Duquesne Gardens.