COMMUNITY MEETING STATUS OF ST. JAMES CONVENT / HERBST HOUSE Early 1880's D.C. Herbst House built (according to Hopkins Atlas). December 1913 St. James Church purchases the D. C. Herbst House to be used as the parish's first school. Dec 1913-1990's St. James Church uses the structure as a school, convent, and gathering space. By 2000 the utilities are terminated and the building is no longer actively used by the parish. July 2022 The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh submits an application for demolition for the St. James Convent / Herbst House. August 2022 Based on ordinance 198-8 Effects of Designation, the Historic Review Commission (HRC) for the Borough of Sewickley unanimously votes to recommend denial for the demolition permit to Borough Council. October 2022 Council representatives for the Borough of Sewickley vote to table further discussion and a final vote until the Borough engineer inspects the property. Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 Talks between Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) and the Divine Redeemer Parish take place. Talks are not open to the public. No resolution is found. March 2023 Borough engineers are allowed access inside the building for a structural inspection. April 2023 Based on the recommendation of the HRC, the engineer's report, and ordinance 198-8 Effects of Designation, council representatives for the Borough of Sewickley vote to deny the Catholic Diocese the application for a demolition permit. April 2023 The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh appeal Council's decision to the Allegheny County Court. The judge pushes the case back to the Borough and Diocese to mediate a resolution. May 2024 The St. James Convent / Herbst House achieves designation to the Preservation PA At Risk program, highlighting statewide awareness of possible demolition. May 2023-August 2024 The Borough of Sewickley seeks to enter into discussion with the Diocese regarding various options for preservation funding, future uses and the possibility of selling the property. The current status remains at an impasse. The Sewickley Valley Historical Society is collecting information to better understand community interest and knowledge regarding the St. James Convent / Herbst House status. Please use the QR Code below, fill out the five question survey, and attend the Community meeting. Your voice is important - all are welcome to attend the Community Meeting regardless of filling out the survey. Results of the survey will be discussed at the Community Meeting: Sewickley Public Library Wednesday November 20, 7 - 8 pm SEWICKLEY VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY adno-350505 COMMUNITY MEETING STATUS OF ST . JAMES CONVENT / HERBST HOUSE Early 1880's D.C. Herbst House built ( according to Hopkins Atlas ) . December 1913 St. James Church purchases the D. C. Herbst House to be used as the parish's first school . Dec 1913-1990's St. James Church uses the structure as a school , convent , and gathering space . By 2000 the utilities are terminated and the building is no longer actively used by the parish . July 2022 The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh submits an application for demolition for the St. James Convent / Herbst House . August 2022 Based on ordinance 198-8 Effects of Designation , the Historic Review Commission ( HRC ) for the Borough of Sewickley unanimously votes to recommend denial for the demolition permit to Borough Council . October 2022 Council representatives for the Borough of Sewickley vote to table further discussion and a final vote until the Borough engineer inspects the property . Oct 2022 - Feb 2023 Talks between Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation ( PHLF ) and the Divine Redeemer Parish take place . Talks are not open to the public . No resolution is found . March 2023 Borough engineers are allowed access inside the building for a structural inspection . April 2023 Based on the recommendation of the HRC , the engineer's report , and ordinance 198-8 Effects of Designation , council representatives for the Borough of Sewickley vote to deny the Catholic Diocese the application for a demolition permit . April 2023 The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh appeal Council's decision to the Allegheny County Court . The judge pushes the case back to the Borough and Diocese to mediate a resolution . May 2024 The St. James Convent / Herbst House achieves designation to the Preservation PA At Risk program , highlighting statewide awareness of possible demolition . May 2023 - August 2024 The Borough of Sewickley seeks to enter into discussion with the Diocese regarding various options for preservation funding , future uses and the possibility of selling the property . The current status remains at an impasse . The Sewickley Valley Historical Society is collecting information to better understand community interest and knowledge regarding the St. James Convent / Herbst House status . Please use the QR Code below , fill out the five question survey , and attend the Community meeting . Your voice is important - all are welcome to attend the Community Meeting regardless of filling out the survey . Results of the survey will be discussed at the Community Meeting : Sewickley Public Library Wednesday November 20 , 7 - 8 pm SEWICKLEY VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY adno - 350505