The Priory- Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is a fun, old city. Filled with fabulous architecture, incline railroads, and rivers, it has no shortage of grand historic hotels. The Omni William Penn, with its stately, marble dressed lobby and cozy speakeasy is an absolute dream. For those wanting a more intimate experience, head over to The Priory.

Located across the Allegheny from downtown, in the Deutschtown Historic District, it is a bit of a walk to some Pittsburgh attractions; however, it is less than a mile away from both PNC Park and the Andy Warhol museum. The hotel itself is a brilliant reuse project. Originally a Benedictine monastery, it has been transformed into a charming 42 room boutique hotel.

In 1848, the Roman Catholic residents of Deutschtown founded St. Mary’s parish; just a few years later, construction started on a grand Italianate church to serve the community. Seating over 900 people, it contained a soaring barrel vault ceiling, and massive Corinthian columns. In response to the anti-Immigrant/anti-Catholic sentiment of the day, it was built without windows, for the parishioners’ protection.  In 1888, the parish added a monastery for the priests who served the congregation, as well as for monks traveling to Latrobe, the seat of the Benedictine order in the United States.

The congregation thrived for over a century, but by the 1970s, the church found itself in the way of a proposed interstate highway. Despite the property’s historic landmark status, architectural merit, and value to the neighborhood, it was agreed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania would pay $1,294,000 to the diocese for both the church and the priory. While the church remained open, attendance dwindled; only two priests resided at the monastery.

Finally, a decree of suppression was issued by the Bishop. On September 27, 1981, the final mass was held at St. Mary’s. The following day, the parish was closed, and the property was scheduled for demolition. However, this was not just the fate of St. Mary’s; the neighboring parish of St. Boniface also found themselves in the proposed path of the interstate. However, their parish wholehearted fought Pennsylvania. Through a series of lawsuits and protests, they convinced the Department of Transportation to reroute the highway, saving not only their church, but St. Mary’s as well. No longer needed by either the diocese or the Commonwealth, the property went to auction in 1984.

Fortunately, the property was purchased by preservationists Ed and Mary Graf, who transformed the former monastery into a 25 room hotel. After extensive renovations, the property opened in November of 1986. Almost a decade later, the restored church opened as an event space. A huge success, in 2011 a new wing was added to the hotel, adding 17 rooms and meeting space.

It is an absolutely fabulous reuse project. The original architecture still shines. In the old section, rooms are clustered in hexagon like pods. Or maybe octagons – I didn’t count sides or doors, but it’s an interesting configuration. Original features were maintained; the monastery’s old safe is incorporated into the property’s diminutive bar. With only room for a few tables, and seating for 14, it is the smallest bar in Pittsburgh. Additional seating is available in an adjacent lounge area, next to a cozy fire.

Although small, the property is packed with original details. It’s a charming family owned hotel, run by people who were able to save a landmark. It is absolutely worth a stay.

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