Sewickley church agrees to preserve Pink House
SEWICKLEY, Apr 30, 2012 (Menafn - Beaver County Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Leaders of The Presbyterian Church, Sewickley, voted to preserve the historic "pink house" if enough money can be raised for the project.
Church member and 202 Beaver Task Force chairman Thomas Graham said the church's governing body met April 23 and "expressed its desire to use the house at 202 Beaver Street for its future youth and education building."
Graham said the session agreed to use the existing structure, provided that necessary funds can be obtained.
"That's the key," he said.
Since the property was purchased from the family of late Sewickley artist Carolyn Coyle for 825,000 in March, concerned neighbors and community members have called for the church to restore the three-story home rather than tear it down to build a one-story, 3,400-square-foot youth center.
During an April 10 community meeting, many residents offered their professional and financial support if the church agreed to a historic preservation of the house, which was built in the mid-1800s.
Peter Floyd, organizer of a community group called Save the Pink House, said more work lies ahead, but called last week's decision a positive development.
"I think what we've created is an environment of 'Let's slow things down and look at what can be created,' " he said.
Floyd said he wants to see a few things happen before fundraising efforts begin, including the development of a clear site plan and a firm statement from the church that the house will not be torn down.
Church officials and representatives from the community have been in communication and a joint statement is expected this week regarding a formal meeting between the two groups, Floyd said.
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