The permitting process is underway to demolish an old Mount Washington church building that caught on fire two weeks ago. A three-alarm fire broke out at the former Grandview United Presbyterian Church on July 7. The building had been vacant since the church closed in late 2022. “I think it’s sad. I mean, even just the abandoned building, you know, when it was standing up was kind of sad on its own,” said Mount Washington resident Zachary Hartman. Residents voiced concerns about the structure’s safety in the wake of the fire.”They’re concerned about it falling down, that’s for sure, and damaging some properties. And they’re also concerned about squatters getting in again and people being there that shouldn’t be there that may cause another fire,” Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Kim Salinetro told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa. A demolition order posted on the building stated the owner was required to demolish the building by July 20. According to Salinetro, the owners submitted the required paperwork on Friday. Salinetro said officials with the Permits, Licenses, and Inspections team were expediting the review process to get the permits issued, out of safety concerns. “I’m hoping to have it permitted by Thursday, and then maybe they can start Friday or Monday,” Salinetro said. Rev. Jessica McClure Archer, the general minister of Pittsburgh Presbytery, shared the following statement with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. “Pittsburgh Presbytery has been working closely with the City of Pittsburgh’s Code Enforcement Office following the tragic fire at the former Grand View United Presbyterian Church and the subsequent emergency demolition order.We have retained Schaaf Excavating Contractors to carry out the demolition. The contractor is currently working with city officials to obtain the necessary permits before work can begin. We will continue to provide updates to the community as additional information becomes available.We are deeply saddened by the loss of this historic building and are grateful for the response of fire and all emergency personnel. We also recognize the disruption this incident has caused for neighbors and the surrounding community, and we appreciate their patience as this process moves forward.”It’s possible a multi-unit condominium building will replace the church in the future. The plan was proposed by a developer before the fire. “It’s still under contract. They’re still interested in buying it, but it is the responsibility of the property owner to tear the property down right now,” Salinetro said. Meanwhile, the Carnegie Library next to the church has been closed since the fire. According to the library’s website, the library will remain closed through Wednesday, July 22.

PITTSBURGH —

The permitting process is underway to demolish an old Mount Washington church building that caught on fire two weeks ago.

A three-alarm fire broke out at the former Grandview United Presbyterian Church on July 7. The building had been vacant since the church closed in late 2022.

“I think it’s sad. I mean, even just the abandoned building, you know, when it was standing up was kind of sad on its own,” said Mount Washington resident Zachary Hartman.

Residents voiced concerns about the structure’s safety in the wake of the fire.

“They’re concerned about it falling down, that’s for sure, and damaging some properties. And they’re also concerned about squatters getting in again and people being there that shouldn’t be there that may cause another fire,” Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Kim Salinetro told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 Reporter Jordan Cioppa.

A demolition order posted on the building stated the owner was required to demolish the building by July 20. According to Salinetro, the owners submitted the required paperwork on Friday.

Salinetro said officials with the Permits, Licenses, and Inspections team were expediting the review process to get the permits issued, out of safety concerns.

“I’m hoping to have it permitted by Thursday, and then maybe they can start Friday or Monday,” Salinetro said.

Rev. Jessica McClure Archer, the general minister of Pittsburgh Presbytery, shared the following statement with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

“Pittsburgh Presbytery has been working closely with the City of Pittsburgh’s Code Enforcement Office following the tragic fire at the former Grand View United Presbyterian Church and the subsequent emergency demolition order.

We have retained Schaaf Excavating Contractors to carry out the demolition. The contractor is currently working with city officials to obtain the necessary permits before work can begin. We will continue to provide updates to the community as additional information becomes available.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this historic building and are grateful for the response of fire and all emergency personnel. We also recognize the disruption this incident has caused for neighbors and the surrounding community, and we appreciate their patience as this process moves forward.”

It’s possible a multi-unit condominium building will replace the church in the future. The plan was proposed by a developer before the fire.

“It’s still under contract. They’re still interested in buying it, but it is the responsibility of the property owner to tear the property down right now,” Salinetro said.

Meanwhile, the Carnegie Library next to the church has been closed since the fire. According to the library’s website, the library will remain closed through Wednesday, July 22.