8-story tower of former Fort Pitt Brewery set to come down in Jeannette

One major section is all that is left of the former Fort Pitt Brewery site in West Jeannette — an eight-story brick tower.

Brian Lawrence, executive director of the Westmoreland County Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank, wants residents and passersby to stay away from the site next week when the majority of that building is expected to be demolished.

“The highest portions of the tower will be coming down,” he said.

That increases the potential for risks — Lawrence estimated the tower is 90 feet tall. A ramp is being constructed by contractor GEMM Demolition in preparation for heavy machinery to reach the upper part of the building that once housed brewery equipment.

Demolition work at the site has been ongoing since mid-July. On Tuesday, the property was clear of most of the deteriorated buildings that had occupied it for years.

The complex was acquired by the Westmoreland County Land Bank for $1,876 in a judicial sale two years ago. The buildings had been a headache for city officials for many years prior, previously being targets for vandals and other troublemakers.

The project is being paid for through a $10.4 million pot of American Rescue Plan funding set aside by Westmoreland County for blight remediation in seven communities, including Jeannette. Demolition work was expected to take about six months. The contractor ran into some unexpected concrete and steel during the demolition which may push the timeline back, Lawrence said.

The bulk of the work on the tower will take place 7 a.m. to dusk Dec. 6 and 7.

“We encourage residents and business owners to be alert and practice awareness around the site during these times,” Lawrence said. “In fact, we’re encouraging folks to stay as far away as possible, out of an abundance of caution.”

Senior project manager Hallie Chatfield will be on site both days. Anyone with questions can direct them to her at 724-201-6784.

A second environmental assessment will be conducted after the demolition and help guide potential reuse of the property.

The West Jeannette site previously was home to Victor Brewing Co., which organized in 1907. Fort Pitt Brewing bought the property in 1941, according to news accounts. In the mid-1950s, Papercraft Corp. expanded its gift wrap manufacturing operations there before the plant went dormant in the mid-1970s.

It later was purchased by Laurel Mould, which produced plastic food containers. The property was sold at sheriff’s sale and later purchased by Rufus Corp.