$12.2M Plan Emerges To Save West Park Church From Demolition

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A nonprofit group fighting to save the landmarked West Park Presbyterian Church has unveiled what it calls a $12.2 million alternative to demolishing the historic Upper West Side building, just days before city preservation officials are expected to decide its fate.

The Center at West Park has submitted a proposal to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission that would lease the church for 10 years while funding its restoration, arguing the plan proves demolition is not the congregation's only financial option.

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Under the proposal, the Center would pay West Park Presbyterian Church $720,000 in annual rent — or $7.2 million over the life of the lease — while assuming responsibility for maintenance, utilities, repairs and restoration of the landmarked building.

The organization also said it has established a $5 million preservation fund to pay for repairs, including façade work and the removal of the building's long-standing sidewalk shed.

"The question before the Landmarks Preservation Commission has always been whether a reasonable alternative to demolition exists," Center at West Park Board Chair Mitchell Schamroth said in a statement. "Today, the answer is yes. This proposal provides financial stability for the congregation, restores the landmark at private expense, and preserves an irreplaceable community institution. Demolition is not the only option."

The proposal comes as the Landmarks Preservation Commission prepares to rule on the church's hardship application, which, if approved, could allow the Romanesque Revival church at West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue to be demolished and replaced with a luxury condominium tower.

The Center said its lease would allow the congregation to continue using the sanctuary, chapel and office space for worship while expanding the building's role as a cultural and community hub. The nonprofit would also take over responsibility for maintaining and restoring the landmark, it said.

Supporters of preserving the church say the building has long served as more than a place of worship, hosting theater, dance, music, educational programming and community events for decades.

The preservation proposal has also drawn support from several elected officials, including Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Mark Levine, Council Member Gale Brewer, Assemblymember Micah Lasher, State Senator Erik Bottcher and Congressman Jerrold Nadler.

In a letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the officials urged the agency to reject the hardship application, arguing viable preservation alternatives have not been fully considered and warning that approving demolition could weaken landmark protections citywide.

According to the Center, more than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling on the commission to deny the demolition request and allow negotiations over a preservation plan.

"The Commission’s decision will resonate far beyond this single building," Schamroth said. "This is a defining moment for New York City’s landmark preservation laws. If preservation is possible—and today it clearly is—the law requires that opportunity be taken seriously."

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.