meantime, the buildings will be “mothballed” – closed
up with utilities shut off in such a way as to protect the
structures from risk, while local groups involved with
preserving the three churches will expand the marketing
efforts to bring in potential buyers and look for funding
streams that can help with construction or renovation
costs.
Partners is optimistic about the future of St. Columba’s,
Ss. Casimir and Emerich, and Immaculate Conception.
The work done in Johnstown showed the power of a
community-based approach to save the historic fabric of
a neighborhood. And with luck, the effort to save these
churches will serve as a template for other projects that
revitalize the economic vitality and improve the quality of
life in the area.
Visit Partners’ website for links to media coverage
of the event, to view the opening and closing session
presentations, and to see more drawings of proposed
uses: www.sacredplaces.org/Johnstown.htm.
One of the proposed re-use ideas for Immaculate Conception
Church in Johnstown, PA. Seen in the top photograph is the
current interior view of the church, while above is an architect’s
rendering of what the interior might look like if used as a
rockclimbing gym. Rendering courtesy of architect John Springer.
Closed in 2009,
Ss. Casimir and
Emerich Roman
Catholic Church in
Johnstown, PA, (at
left) could be used
as a columbarium,
as seen in a crosssection drawing
(below, left).
Drawing courtesy of
Clive Copping.
The painted mural
inside St. Columba’s
Church (at right) in
Johnstown, PA, would
be retained as the
focal point behind
the stage as seen in
a rendering (below,
right) showing the
building re-used as a
performance space.
Rendering courtesy of
Carmine Carapella.
Sacred Places • Spring 2011 • 6