Landmarks Preservation Commission could allow sale of Upper West Side church
UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- There was another step in the saga to save a landmarked church on the Upper West Side that has been home to an arts group backed by several actors -- but will star power be enough to save the building when so much money is at stake?
West Park Presbyterian Church is a 135-year-old church the Landmarks Preservation Committee itself called "one of the best examples of Romanesque Revival in NYC" when they landmarked it in 2010.
The commission is considering whether to take the rare step of stripping the church of its landmark status, citing a "hardship" application.
"I just don't think it's right to tear down historic buildings to put up generic high rises, I think it's very destructive, and I don't think it's in the best interest of the entire city," actor Matt Dillon said.
On Tuesday, the LPC's headquarters was the scene of the latest battle in the fight to save the church.
"We want to make sure that this beautiful church, which is one of the last pieces of Romanesque architecture in this city, built in 1868, and is a landmark, stays on landmarks," said actor Mark Ruffalo.
The Presbytery of New York wants to sell the church at 86th and Amsterdam, which needs significant repairs to the tune of tens of millions of dollars, to a developer with whom it has already inked a $30 million deal.
If the LPC accepts the Presbytery's claim of financial hardship was the heated topic at Tuesday's hearing.
Roger Leaf, chair of the West Park Administrative Commission, is working with the congregation on the sale.
"We don't see a way forward that includes saving the church," Leaf said. "Given the condition of the building, the cost of restoration, and the economic viability of a structure that was so restricted in its use."
If sold, a developer would put up an apartment building on the site. Leaf says the deal for the planned high-rise would include worship space for the congregation and at least $25 million for the Presbytery to use in underserved communities.
But the LPC was packed on Tuesday with Upper West Siders who say they have already raised millions for repairs.
"We have about 12 million in the bank right now," said Councilmember Gale Brewer.
Members of a theater group called The Center have been renting space in the church for years and are among its fiercest defenders.
"It's a launchpad for the city's working artists when those sorts of spaces are disappearing in the city every day," said resident producer Madelyn Paquette. "Once it's gone, is not replaceable. No one is going to put up a building like this ever again."
Supporters stressed the church is so much more than a building -- it's the site of classes, birthday parties, arts groups and religious services.
"It's a place where the community comes together," Ruffalo said.
A hardship application is extremely rare. In the 60 years since the Landmarks Law was adopted, there have only been 23 total hardship applications. Of those, roughly half were denied.
The vote for this application will likely happen in the next few weeks.
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