John Beale, Post-Gazette A stained-glass window and 30-foot cathedral ceiling are among the features in a sold unit in Angel's Arms. Click photo for larger image. Loft sources Open houses will be held today from 1 to 4 p.m. at Angel's Arms, 1 Pius St., and from 1 to 3 p.m. at Unit 204, The Classroom Lofts, 120 S. 15th St. Angel's Arms information: Harry O'Brien, Carlson & McGinley Real Estate Services, 412-889-5253 or www.angelsarms.net. Classroom Lofts information: David Pirain, PPM Realty, 412-343-6206, or www.realtor.com, MLS No. 559090. For information on Unit J in Bedford School Lofts, 910 Bingham St., and two units in Southside Lofts, 2250 Mary St., call Leesa Belt Haglund, Howard Hanna Real Estate, at 412-361-4000 ext. 249. For information on Unit 104 in South Side Lofts, 171 S. 15th St., call Marilyn Mosso, Keller Williams Realty, at 412-358-0200, ext. 336.

Looking at the former St. Michael the Archangel Church and rectory in the South Side, most developers would have thought "restaurant," "art gallery" or maybe "law offices." A few unimaginative souls might have even considered knocking down the massive, 140-year-old building and starting from scratch.

But only one idea flashed in Tom Tripoli's mind as he walked through the Romanesque-style building in 2001: loft condominiums.

"The architectural details inside and out, with all the high ceilings and exposed brickwork ... it was such a wonderful combination of features," Mr. Tripoli said.

Adding to the Pius Street property's appeal were spectacular views and the fact that the church, which was designed by Charles Bartberger and built in 1857-1861 for the Passionist Fathers, was within easy walking distance of South Side attractions.

Mr. Tripoli is currently creating 26 luxury condos known as Angel's Arms. Prices start at about $250,000 for a 1,400-square-foot unit and run as high as $400,000 for one twice as large.

Other developers have also found lofty opportunities on the South Side. David and John Pirain bought the former Prince of Peace School just a few blocks away at 120 S. 15th St. Built in 1870 as a city public school, the three-story building was sold in 1940 to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. As enrollment at Prince of Peace declined, the diocese closed the school in 2000 and sold it in 2003 to the Pirains, co-owners of PPM Realty in Dormont.

With its high ceilings and oversized windows, the school is "perfect" for lofts, says John Pirain. Together with Bear Construction, the brothers have renovated its 15 classrooms and wide hallways into 12 loft-style residences ranging in size from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

Response to The Classroom Lofts has been so positive that most of the units sold during renovation, John Pirain said. Today, only one space is unclaimed: Unit 204, a one-bedroom loft on the second floor with a price tag of $265,000.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette The living room in one of six sold units in Angel's Arms, loft condominiums created in the former St. Michael the Archangel Church and rectory, 1 Pius St., South Side. Click photo for larger image.

Lofts are nothing new, of course, especially in hip urban neighborhoods like the South Side. But most people associate these raw, open spaces with old industrial and commercial buildings. The South Side has those, specifically Southside Lofts, which served originally as a Mary Street warehouse for the old Duquesne Brewery. There are currently four, one-bedroom units available ranging in price from $229,900 to $398,800. The condo fee is $240 per month.

This neighborhood is rich in loft developments, and the market is red-hot, especially among young professionals who like the look and don't want to mow a yard.

"It's completely taken off in the South Side," says Leesa Belt Haglund, an agent who specializes in the sale of lofts at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services' Shadyside office.

Purists might insist that a space can't really be called a loft unless it includes high ceilings, a wide-open floor plan and a second-level mezzanine. But more and more, any converted-use space can be considered a loft, Ms. Belt Haglund says.

That would certainly describe Angel's Arms. Designated a historic landmark by the city's Historic Review Commission in 2001, the building boasts Roman columns and spectacular domed ceilings. One of the first units was created out of the space that soared above the altar. Finished at a cost of about $250,000, it features a 30-foot cathedral ceiling with original plasterwork and a circular stained-glass window. There's also a view out an arched window of the onion dome upon the rectory next door.

A second sold unit on the ground floor has original mosaic tile in the master bath; one on the second floor has wooden beams in the bedroom and a cozy breakfast nook that sits in one of the church's original dormers. Six units have been sold and Mr. Tripoli expects to finish all 26 by 2007.

What sets Angel's Arms apart from other projects is the fact that each residence is unique, says Mr. Tripoli. And because they are sold unfinished, each unit can be customized to the owner's taste.

The unit currently on the market, D-1, will have two full baths, two bedrooms facing South 15th Street and a living room with views of the city. Other amenities include a laundry room, off-street parking, security system and trash service. Buyers can also buy a portion of the church's original wine cellar in the basement. Price: $339,000, with a $188 monthly condo fee.

	John Beale, Post-Gazette Above: Unit J of Bedford School Lofts on Bingham Street has steel stairs to a mezzanine level and a bathtub placed just outside the bathroom in front of a mirrored wall. Below: Developer Tom Tripoli in the bedroom of one of the sold units at Angel Arms on Pius St. on the South Side. Click photos for larger image.

The one-bedroom loft around the corner at The Classroom Lofts has the breezy, wide-open spaces associated with lofts, nearly 14-foot original tin ceilings and the school's original, 130-year-old maple floors and beadboard wainscoting. The loft, designed by David Morgan & Associates of the South Side, offers views of South 14th Street and the Slopes.

Four large windows with deep sills fill the main living space with light, and a steel spiral staircase winds its way to an 11-by-11-foot mezzanine overlooking the kitchen. The integrated kitchen has stainless steel appliances and natural maple cabinetry. There's also a door leading to a small balcony overlooking 15th Street.

The master bedroom and bath are located behind a pair of frosted glass doors and a second full bath is near the front door. The loft -- which comes with a $160 monthly condo fee -- includes about 1,521 square feet of living space.

Unit J on the third floor of Bedford School Lofts on Bingham Street has many of the same features. The original 18-foot tin ceilings and maple floors date back to when the school was built in 1850. There are also plenty of exposed brick, a large transom over the front door and the original wainscot and chair rail.

The loft also features a black slate chalkboard that winds around most of the perimeter. Other eye-catchers include original brass lamps, 10 oversized windows overlooking East Carson Street and a large mezzanine with steel railing that holds the master bedroom and a home office.

A full bath has green ceramic floors and a vessel sink, but the tub was placed outside the bathroom in front of a mirrored wall. The gourmet kitchen has a Viking gas range, center island and striking blue ceramic tile backsplash.

The unit is priced by Howard Hanna Real Estate at $335,000, with a $175 monthly condo fee. The buyer also gets two parking spaces in a gated lot and use of a community courtyard on the west side of the building.

If you're in the market for something less expensive, a one-bedroom, one-bath unit in South Side Lofts is priced at $159,900, with a $178 monthly condo fee.

The 14-unit condominium complex was built in the old St. Adalbert School at 171 S. 15th St. in the South Side Flats. The one-bedroom unit features lots of windows, hardwood floors and a spiral staircase leading to a small mezzanine. There's a large wood-burning fireplace in the main living area, which measures 26 by 23 feet and includes an all-white kitchen.