Demolition of St. Nicholas in Pittsburgh under way

A multiyear campaign to save the former St. Nicholas Church by a small contingent led by parishioners has come to an end with the demolition of the historic Troy Hill landmark.

The building, which the nonprofit Preserve Croatian Heritage Foundation had fought to turn into a national museum dedicated to immigrants, is expected to be completely torn down in the next 10 days.

"In the 12 years we've been working with the diocese, we've learned that money is their only concern, not the thoughts of their parishioners," said the foundation's chairman, William Vergot, who was married in the church -- as were his two children. "I'm really concerned that the bishop's heart didn't soften to see how great this could be for Pittsburgh."

Tuesday's announcement of the demolition by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh comes one day after the parish rejected a $300,000 offer for the building by the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority, which intended to sell it to the foundation for $1.

The offer was developed for more than a month and made before Christmas. Those with knowledge of the deal said the diocese gave verbal indication that it would be accepted and wanted to close the deal by last Friday. But on Monday, the city learned the offer was rejected.

"I can't understand why in the world they would want this church down so badly," city council President Darlene Harris said. "I can't understand why they wouldn't let them preserve some of their heritage. I can't understand the heartlessness of this."

Ms. Harris said she was also befuddled by the parish's decision to spend money on demolition and therefore open themselves up to liability if it caused damage to the hillside or surrounding area.

"It may cost them a lot more than what it would have if they had given it away," she said.

Bishop David Zubik said the parish, which provided a recommendation to him against the offer, was firm in its decision to demolish the property after the city dropped an appeal to a Court of Common Pleas ruling that granted the parish the right to take down the church. He said the building was in "precarious condition," posed a danger and had cost the parish $360,000 in maintenance since it closed.

"They really felt there could be a catastrophe if the building was not disassembled," he said.

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Demolition of St. Nicholas in Pittsburgh under way