A fixture on West Main Street in Mt. Pleasant for more than 130 years is coming down.
The former Wesley United Methodist Church, which became known as the Antique Mall on the 700 block of West Main Street, is being razed, according to its owner, Gene Saloom, a former state legislator and a retired borough funeral director.
“There is no timetable on it,” Saloom said.
Saloom, 86, said, after the bell tower of the church partially collapsed in the spring of 2020, borough officials ordered him to either make improvements or demolish the structure.
“I guess the rain got in there and rotted it out, causing the collapse. It would have cost more to upgrade the building than to tear it down,” Saloom said.
“It took awhile to find someone willing to do the demolition work. We’re paying for it ourselves,” he said.
With the demolition and asbestos mitigation requirements, he anticipates the bill will exceed $110,000.
Saloom said James McNabb Contracting of Coraopolis is the contractor on the project, which began in February.
The front of the church is an open shell, and the rear of the church is still standing. There was no activity at the site Monday.
Saloom noted the antique mall operator specialized in local glassmaking history and frequently held auctions, onsite and online.
Mayor Jerry Lucia said, after the bell tower collapse, safety became an issue.
“We were concerned with the public’s safety at the front of that building after the bell tower collapsed,” Lucia said.
Borough manager Jeff Landy said, after the collapse, the church was used for a short time for storage.
“I’ve been here (as borough manager) 16 years, and it was never a church during that period,” he said.
Saloom said he has no plans for the site after the building is demolished.
