Church Brew Works- Pittsburgh, PA

Having just posted about The Priory hotel, another Pittsburgh reuse project came to mind. Considering the city’s tribulations, and shrinking population, there’s bound to be an available historic building or two to repurpose. Empty, well built buildings, begging for a second life. Enter Church Brew Works, a fabulous brew pub in a restored Catholic Church.

Church Brew Works is located in an area of Pittsburgh once known as Lawrenceville. The site of an arsenal that was used to provide supplies to Union Troops, the area later became home to several industrial giants following the Civil War. Companies such as Carnegie Steel, that not only attracted workers, but spurred a residential construction boom around their factories. Soon, Second Empires and Italianates filled the neighborhood, which was transformed into a thriving community.

Responding to the population growth, the Diocese of Pittsburgh created more parishes. In 1878, St. John the Baptist was formed to serve the hundreds of Irish and Scottish Catholic steel workers that moved to Lawrenceville. By 1902, the church had outgrown their original building; a much larger church was then constructed on Liberty Avenue. Designed in a Northern Italian architectural style, it boasted grand arches, a vaulted ceiling with hand painted cypress beams, and elegant stained glass windows.

By the 1950s, however, Lawrenceville began to change, as did the entire city of Pittsburgh. Mills and factories began to close, leading to the gradual depopulation of the area. Throughout the city, church membership declined. The Diocese could longer support the number of churches that were necessary a century before. In 1993, St. John the Baptist was put under an Act of Suppression by the Bishop of Pittsburgh. The parish disbanded, the doors were locked, and the building went dark. Fortunately, it didn’t remain empty for too long; following an extensive three year renovation, it reopened in 1996 as a brewery.

The new owners incorporated many original features of the church into the new design. The pews were shortened for use in the restaurant; oak planks salvaged from that project were used to construct the bar. The Douglas Fir floors were uncovered and refurbished. Ceiling lanterns were cleaned, repainted gold and reinstalled. In the Apse, copper fermenting tanks were added, set against a vibrant blue background.

Not only is the setting stunning, but their beer is fantastic. They have won several medals over the years, and continue to come up with intriguing brews. Their fall seasonal had just enough spice to add interest, not enough to overwhelm. Their food is also outstanding. It is Pittsburgh, so definitely order the pierogies. Perhaps the best I have ever had. The Kobe cheesesteak is also not to miss. Literally melts in your  mouth. So in sum, a beautiful building, great beer, and fabulous food. Perfect.

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