Rumors of Old St. George demise greatly exaggerated

Ever since an early February fire destroyed the steeples of the historic Old St. George Church, rumors have circulated that the building is destined for the wrecking ball.

Those rumors are not true, according to Matt Bourgeois, director of the Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC), who says that insurance will pay for restoration of the church to its pre-fire condition.

"It's an obvious landmark," he says.  "The spires are a prominent part of our logo."

CHCURC has engaged City Center Properties to help explore options for the church's commercial re-use, and they will be meeting this week to map out how to proceed.

Because of the layout of the space, developer interest has been light.

According to Bourgeois, a retail use can likely be ruled out, but that they are exploring renovating the church for office space, a hotel or a brewery/restaurant, similar to some church re-use projects that have been occurring in Pittsburgh.

He also says that they have been promised $100,000 from the city for façade improvements, and will probably seek additional subsidies or tax credits to cover renovation costs.

"Once we can determine who the ultimate tenant will be, that will make all of the pieces fall into place," he says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Matt Bourgeois, director, CHCURC

Photography by Scott Beseler