ReferencesHistoric Remodels in a Growing City,
Historic Remodels in a Growing City,
USA
Historic Remodels in a Growing City
Challenge
In a Pittsburgh suburb, developers are breathing new life into a historic school, convent, and chapel. With city preservation guidelines requiring the retention of architectural features, such as stained-glass windows, wood floors, and hallway configurations, the plumbing contractor needed a solution to transform the existing spaces into 148 apartments with modern multifamily water demands, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
Solution
Mays Plumbing, a trusted local team specializing in historic remodels and custom builds, chose Uponor AquaPEX® for the in-unit plumbing and domestic water distribution. The flexibility and durability of the PEX-a pipe allowed crews to efficiently navigate through the tight wall cavities common in older buildings. Paired with Uponor ProPEX® ASTM F1960 cold-expansion fittings and multiport tees, the system eliminated the need for soldering or open flame. The crews were able to install quickly and safely, while respecting the building’s historic features. In addition, the freeze resilience of the polymer piping system, along with the trusted 25-year warranty on the Uponor PEX-a pipe, ProPEX rings, and fittings, added confidence for the contractor and the developer.
Results
The historic school has been converted to 62 thoughtfully designed apartments; the convent and chapel are under construction to have 80 and 6 units, respectively. By leveraging Uponor products, systems, and support, Mays Plumbing was able to minimize disruption to the structure and blend historic beauty with modern comforts, proving that the past and present can coexist with the right approach.
In a Pittsburgh suburb, developers are breathing new life into a historic school, convent, and chapel. With city preservation guidelines requiring the retention of architectural features, such as stained-glass windows, wood floors, and hallway configurations, the plumbing contractor needed a solution to transform the existing spaces into 148 apartments with modern multifamily water demands, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
Solution
Mays Plumbing, a trusted local team specializing in historic remodels and custom builds, chose Uponor AquaPEX® for the in-unit plumbing and domestic water distribution. The flexibility and durability of the PEX-a pipe allowed crews to efficiently navigate through the tight wall cavities common in older buildings. Paired with Uponor ProPEX® ASTM F1960 cold-expansion fittings and multiport tees, the system eliminated the need for soldering or open flame. The crews were able to install quickly and safely, while respecting the building’s historic features. In addition, the freeze resilience of the polymer piping system, along with the trusted 25-year warranty on the Uponor PEX-a pipe, ProPEX rings, and fittings, added confidence for the contractor and the developer.
Results
The historic school has been converted to 62 thoughtfully designed apartments; the convent and chapel are under construction to have 80 and 6 units, respectively. By leveraging Uponor products, systems, and support, Mays Plumbing was able to minimize disruption to the structure and blend historic beauty with modern comforts, proving that the past and present can coexist with the right approach.
Location
USA
Completion
2026
Building Type
Multifamily homes
Project Type
Renovation
Historic Remodels in a Growing City![Historic Remodel 1]()
“I can’t imagine doing this project with any other product. Transforming a school, convent, and chapel into multifamily structures with bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry — without damaging the building — would not have even been feasible with a rigid piping material. Uponor made it not only possible, but extremely easy and efficient.”
–Greg Mays
Owner and Master Plumber, Mays Plumbing
–Greg Mays
Owner and Master Plumber, Mays Plumbing
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