HEAVENLY VIEW
Two-story condo within former St. Michaels the Archangel Church priced at $379,000
Pittsburgh is full of old houses, churches, and even the odd brewery that has been converted for residential living. Many lean toward the industrial; some remind us of their past glory, with turrets and towers, while others were houses of faith.
St. Michael the Archangel Church, built in 1861, began life anew in 2002 when construction work started for the conversion to condominiums. Now known as Angel’s Arms, the building seems to cling to the slopes of the South Side, looking out over the Monongahela River.
An amazing view of the Downtown is just part of what Angel’s Arms, 1 Pius Street, Suite B8 has to offer to its new owner. The two-bedroom, twobathroom condo with 1,437 square feet of living space over two floors is listed for $379,900 (MLS #1583126) with agent Karen Itteilag of Coldwell Banker Realty (617.905.5183 or coldwellbanker.com).
Mara Tripoli wasn’t the first to own this unit, but her connection with the building started before she moved in.
“My dad was the property developer for the unit,” Tripoli said. “The unit I loved was designed as a show unit by Thomas Tripoli; he had a great eye for design.”
Besides, she grew up down the street and wanted to stay on the South Side. And to her, “It felt like living in a castle.”
Like the Romanesque Revival style church of its past, Suite 8B is architecturally unique, like a gem inside the jewelry box that was St. Michael the Archangel.
The large pillars that once held the soaring domed ceilings of the church high above the faithful are scattered throughout the open living space. Now, they help create a sense of separation while maintaining the unobstructed feel of the unit spread over two floors.
The amazing views only top the openness of the interior of the unit through a variety of windows, from the very large ones tucked into the arches to a smaller circular one to one side of the living room.
Step outside to the private Trex deck through a secret arched glass door, and the city is laid out before you. From Mount Washington to Downtown to Oakland, the views extend down the Monongahela to the confluence at the Point.
Step back inside to the well-equipped kitchen, which houses just about everything. Many of the larger appliances have been replaced over the years, and the list includes a brandnew InSinkErator disposal, water purifier and instantaneous hot water heater. The stainless steel appliances include a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a custom paneled door, an electric stove with an over-the-range microwave vent hood and a dishwasher. Granite countertops pull the kitchen together and the dark wood cabinets mean good storage.
Tripoli’s unit is designed to create a sense of calm, with soft blue walls and stunning cork flooring in the main living area that reminds one of water. There is movement in the pattern that flows through the unit.
That same flooring flows through to the main foyer from which the main or master bedroom and bathroom are located.
The main bathroom features a walk-in shower wrapped in floor-to-ceiling tile with ceramic tile flooring and a striking amber vessel sink and access to the separate laundry/utility room. The washer and dryer are staying with the unit.
The open design combined with the Roman arches and dramatic pillars gives the main living area a sense of drama, bringing the old and new together to create a truly unique experience. The space is truly its own character in the historical setting of St. Michaels.
“The first floor has the original terrazzo flooring, some of the same column work, still high ceilings but not the same as mine,” Tripoli said. “Each of the units in there are so unique and different.”
The designer worked some pretty good magic joining the two floors of the unit with a contemporary staircase in total contrast to the magnificence of the church’s more formal structure.
You find the unit’s second bedroom at the top of the glass and steel staircase.
“The guest bedroom is up in the loft area, open but still very secluded,” said Tripoli. With the luxury of the tall ceilings, the guest bedroom with its own bathroom is separated by a row of frosted glass panels, creating a separation for needed privacy.
The second bathroom offers a shower tub combination and a stunning vanity with a dark wood base above which the sink is dimpled
into a frosted glass countertop.
The entire unit is best described as a maze without the confusion; turns bring the unexpected, including a lovely sitting area tucked into an archway with a stone wall in place behind it. Tripoli set this up as an office area or would make a delightful reading nook set off by itself.
“The Angel Arms Condominium was the first church renovated on the South Side area,” explained Tripoli. “This project started when I was in grade school.”
There is a private courtyard outside that is only available to the residents, including a fire pit and a small fountain, and if a resident wants, it can be reserved for a private party. The building association worked with the Pittsburgh Landmark and Historical Society to maintain the church’s exterior as the masterpiece of architecture it was and still is.
Parking is available for residents and guests on a parking deck at the rear of the building. Additional amenities include a fitness room, storage area and wine cellar. The bustling business district on Carson Street is a short walk away and offers various stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. At the same time, Angel Arms is tucked away from that bustle in a quiet residential district, the best of both worlds.
Condominium fees are $440 per month, including water, sewer, trash pickup, internet, roof, exterior maintenance and snow removal.
For Tripoli, life has sent her outside the city, but her home in the Angel Arms still tugs at her heart.
“If I could pick that unit up and take it with me, I would. I grew from a kid to an adult in that beautiful space,” is how she summed up the great memories the place holds for her.