Dragon’s Den (Former St. Mary Magdalene)

1008 Amity Street, Homestead | 10 am - 4 pm

YOUR EXPERIENCE

Visitors will be invited to admire the architecture details of St. Mary, while learning about the history of this former church. You can see how it has been reimagined into a European-inspired youth challenge course. Dragons Den’s team will demonstrate how to navigate our challenge courses on the hour, each hour (10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm). Our founders will relate the beautiful story behind the unique mission of Dragon’s Den. Visitors will be then invited to exit on 10th Street where they will receive discount coupons to come back and experience the challenge course firsthand.

ABOUT THIS BUILDING

Dragon’s Den operates in the historic former St. Mary Magdalene, a restored Italianate Renaissance church, certified as a historic building by the National Register of Historic Places. The very image of the towering architecture of St. Mary’s continues to be one of the identifying landmarks of Homestead PA. Founded originally in 1881, St. Mary Magdalene was destroyed by fire in 1890. Rebuilt in 1895 it met the same destiny in 1932. A new church was built and dedicated on May 21, 1936. This church was also struck by fire in November 1977. Although the church suffered significant damage, the building itself was saved and restored. Today St. Mary continues to be an icon in the community with its two huge bell towers and classic style, these bell towers survived the 1932 fire and are original to the 1895 structure. Although no frescoes could be saved, ornate stone columns, carved woodwork, massive timber beams, terracotta medallions and glazed tiles adorn the building and can still be admired in our location that is being reborn once more, now as Dragon’s Den–an innovative community center.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: YES

• Wheelchair Accessible Restrooms: YES

• Public Restrooms: YES

• Photography Allowed: YES