The neighborhood has been named a national historic district, and the Johnstown Area Heritage Association wants to make sure the churches remain intact.

The association is proposing a master plan for Cambria City that will bring more visitors and national attention to Johnstown. Part of that plan includes the churches, which association officials say help tell the story of a way of life, immigration and industrialization.

The association members said they hope the five churches slated to be closed can be saved so they don't end up like St. Emerich's Catholic Church, which was gutted and demolished.

Diocese officials said, even after the churches close, they will still belong to the newly merged parish, so it will be up to the parish to decide what to do with the remaining church buildings.

The association's plan also includes a cultural and entertainment district in Cambria City, similar to a scaled-down version of Pittsburgh's South Side.

Stay with Channel 6 News and WJACTV.com for continuing coverage.