Landmarks Foundation works to save historic house in Sewickley

Divine Redeemer Parish in Sewickley is proposing to demolish this historic house, formerly used as a convent, on the campus of St. James School located at 201 Broad Street.

The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) is concerned about a proposal by Divine Redeemer Parish to demolish the historic former Herbst House located on Broad Street, on the campus of St. James School in the Borough of Sewickley, about 12 miles northwest of Downtown Pittsburgh.

The parish has applied for a permit to demolish the three-story, Victorian Gothic building, which is located in the borough’s Third Historic District. PHLF opposed to the demolition of this building because we believe the building can and should be renovated and restored for a new use.

Working with a group of concerned neighbors and borough residents, they have expressed our opposition to any demolition of this building to borough elected officials, leaders of the Divine Redeemer Parish, and the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

This c. 1880 building is significant for its history and served as the summer home of the Herbst family— D.C. Herbst, of the Independent Natural Gas Co. and Standard Oil Company — from 1914 to 1954. It is also one of the very few Victorian Gothic buildings in Sewickley.

PHLF stands ready to help the parish and the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh plan how to renovate and adapt this building for a new use.

Help them call upon the Borough of Sewickley Council not to approve a permit for demolition until all efforts have been exhausted in studying how to preserve this important building.