Demolition Work Begins On Former Church In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Demolition work began Wednesday on one of the most recognizable structures in Vernon.

The 8-story former Sacred Heart Church on Route 30, which rises like a concrete pyramid above the treeline between that road and Interstate-84, was turned into a construction site as heavy machinery and a big dumpster — brought in the day before — stood in the parking lot. Workers could be seen active inside and out.

Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said Tuesday the property, owned by the Catholic Discese of Norwich, has a prospective buyer, but the transaction is contingent partly upon the demolition of "the old condemned structures."

The diocese took over the property about a year ago after the merger of the Sacred Heart and St. Bernard parishes in Vernon. Sacred Heart had been using the adjacent former school facilities for weekend Masses, other church services and activities.

Wayne Gignac, the director of communications for the Norwich Diocese, said the diocese expects the project to be completed by the end of April.

The 7-acre property is on the market for $900,000.

The 13,717-square-foot former church building was ordered closed in 1997 because of structural problems and falling chunks of concrete. Repairs were deemed cost-prohibitive.

In recent years, it had been the target of trespassers and vandals, police said.

The local address of the property is 550 Hartford Turnpike.

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