Legends of Pittsburgh eyeing May 1 opening at former Holy Martyrs in Tarentum

The former Holy Martyrs Church in Tarentum that was closed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2022 is expected to be bustling again by May 1.

Legends of Pittsburgh fitness center is scheduled to open its doors, drawing crowds for the gym equipment, sport court and soccer field.

Legends is moving from its current home at Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer.

“We are eyeing the end of April (for the move),” co-owner Stefan Lundberg said.

“We are very excited about the move and hope being centered around so many houses will bring in new faces from the area and be a convenient option for Tarentum residents.”

Tarentum Council is expected to approve one final item, a conditional use request for an outdoor practice field. A public hearing on the issue is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. April 2 at the borough building.

Council previously approved a covered field, but plans have changed slightly, said Anthony Bruni, Tarentum’s code enforcement officer.

“A covered field isn’t in their budget this year so they are requesting just a playing field,” Bruni said. “Because it is a change from what council originally approved, it has to go back to be reviewed again.”

Gym owners received the go-ahead from council last year to open their gym inside the church at 344 W. Ninth Ave.

Next-phase plans include a covered field. This summer, the gym is looking to have a 2,500-square-foot sport court and a similar-sized turf area.

“Having an outdoor training option for members will be another amenity that sets our fitness center apart,” said Lundberg, a Kiski Area graduate and former Pittsburgh Riverhounds professional soccer player.

The 2.76-acre property in the West Tarentum neighborhood has a total assessed value of about $106,000 and a market value of about $860,000, according to Allegheny County real estate records.

It was sold to Legends earlier this year for $360,000 and will return to the borough tax rolls.

The church was among five Guardian Angels Parish buildings closed by the diocese in 2022.

Tom Babinsack, business manager of Guardian Angels, said parish officials find the sale bittersweet.

“It’s sad to have to close the building, but we’re happy it’s going to be put to good use,” he said.

“I think the sale was mutually beneficial.”

The 24-hour gym offers services for training people of all ages. Gym-goers will enter the church with a computerized key fob.

There are 80 parking spaces available, plus a grassy area on the Grantham Street side of the building.