Developer Buys Historic Lawrenceville Church Campus

Jamin Gross acquired the 1.1-acre St. Mary's Catholic Church property for $2 million in October 2026.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Commercial

Developer Buys Historic Lawrenceville Church Campus

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Should historic neighborhood church buildings be protected from private development by local government?

In October 2026, Jamin Gross finalized the $2 million purchase of the 1.1-acre St. Mary's Catholic Church campus in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The property, which dates back to 1874, includes a school, gymnasium, and church building.

Why it matters

The site holds historical significance as a designated city landmark, ensuring that any future exterior modifications must undergo a formal review process. This transition marks a new chapter for the campus following the parish closure and the subsequent period of ownership by the Catholic Cemeteries Association.

The campus occupies 1.1 acres and features structures built as early as 1874. All exterior alterations to these designated historical buildings remain subject to approval from the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission.

The players

Jamin Gross

He is the new owner of the St. Mary's campus who also maintains various residential properties in Lawrenceville.

Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

This organization acquired the church campus in 2007 and held it until the 2026 sale.

Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission

This city agency is responsible for overseeing and approving any exterior modifications to designated historical sites.

The details

The site, which ceased operation as a church in 2004, was later held by the Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh until the recent sale finalized in July 2026. The new owner manages other residential properties throughout the local neighborhood.

The St. Mary's church building was originally constructed in 1874.
Four Lawrenceville churches merged to form Our Lady of the Angels in 1993.
St. Mary's Catholic Church officially closed its doors in 2004.
The parish finalized the sale of the campus in July 2026.
Jamin Gross purchased the property in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This acquisition reflects the broader urban trend of repurposing legacy religious infrastructure within historic districts. It highlights the tension between preserving city heritage and the practical needs of residential developers operating under the City of Pittsburgh's historical designation protections.

Residents in Lawrenceville can expect that the site's historical status will limit significant aesthetic changes to the neighborhood's skyline. The project's future will ultimately depend on the developer's upcoming plans, which are expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

The takeaway

Historic properties often require extensive coordination with local review boards before redevelopment can begin. Property owners should anticipate long-term regulatory oversight when purchasing sites protected by municipal historical designations.