Lofty spaces
South Side’s St. Casimir Church transformed into heavenly condos
As parishes and congregations shrink, many century-old churches have ended up in the hands of developers. That’s not always a blessing, as church conversions are a tricky business. But the former St. Casimir Catholic Church on the South Side is definitely a triumph for good (design).
St. Casimir, the first Lithuanian parish in the Pittsburgh Diocese, was finished in 1902. The Baroque Revival-style church boasts ornate moldings, large pillars, a breathtaking domed ceiling and gorgeous stained-glass windows.
Now called the 22nd Street Condos, the 12 units developed by Ivor Hill feature many of the original architectural details set against bright white walls and modern conveniences. Four of the 12 condos are still available for prices ranging from $594,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath, 2,027-squarefoot unit to $697,000 for a two-bedroom, 2½bath dwelling with 2,474 square feet. The condos at 2132 Sarah St. are open by appointment with Laura Kingsbury of the Kathy Wallace Team at Keller Williams Realty (www.kw.com or 412-855-8419).
One of the occupied units belongs to
Marc Masterson, who moved back to Pittsburgh last year to again become artistic director of City Theatre, a job he last held in 1989. His condo was included in the South Side Home Tour on May 19.
“I had an agent, and we looked all over town for something appealing, and then we looked here,” he said.
Besides being able to walk to work, he liked that the condos were not yet finished. So he had a chance to work with the developer on interior details.
“The main feature is the 12-foot stained-glass window. It is what you see when you walk in. I felt it was important to have the stair centered on the window and customized the stairway.”
The dramatic open staircase with modern cable railings has a landing at the bottom of the window and the stairs follow the curved line of its trim.
Seating was arranged so that occupants can look directly through to large arched windows. There’s no need for blinds or artwork as the panes are filled with picturesque views of the South Side and Oakland across the Monongahela River.
“A third of the plaster work was damaged when he bought the building,” Mr. Masterson noted.
So Mr. Hill found craftsmen who could make molds of the intact sections to create new plaster molding. Other developers might have taken a shortcut, but this touch will preserve the building’s architecture for many years to come.
The kitchen has an island topped with globe pendants and white quartz with a waterfall edge. The slab-style cabinets have a washed gray finish, and the backsplash is charcoal gray tile.
One of two large windows in the dining area has been converted to doors that lead to an outdoor patio.
The modern staircase leads to the second-floor master suite, which has a small sitting area and large closets. The master bath features a soaking tub with walls of glass and natural stone. A huge rosette window peeks from behind, almost winking. The vanity area has two sinks and granite counters.
Building amenities include garage parking, a furnished guest suite, an elevator, storage units and common spaces that include a gym and a pet washing station.
Mr. Masterson noted how much the city has changed since his first stint at City Theatre.
“I came back a few times over the years and stayed in touch with friends. One of the things that I loved is that so much has transformed here, and there are other parts that don’t seem to have changed at all.
“I loved the contrast of the city, the pride of place, the social fabric. I feel so fortunate to be able to live here.”