Future of historic Lawrenceville church in jeopardy

PITTSBURGH — Holy Family Church served the community for more than a century. Now, the future of the building is in jeopardy.

The church officially closed its doors in 2008 in a merger with nearby parishes.

Since then, weeds have overgrown the front steps and several of the windows have been shattered.

There's a "for sale" sign on its brick exterior, but E Properties and Development purchased the property years ago with plans to turn it into apartments.

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Mayor Bill Peduto said the city was told vital historic parts of the church would be preserved. Now, Lawrenceville community groups say the developer is going back on that promise and planning to turn the whole space into rental properties.

Peduto issued a statement, saying:

"For community-based development to succeed developers must continue to work honestly with the neighborhoods they build in, and not take actions that violate the trust of the community."

Channel 11 reached out to the property owner following the mayor’s comments. We’re were told they had no comment.

Cox Media Group