The Prospect Avenue Baptist Church in the historic West Village neighborhood has been put on the market. The circa-1867 church is approximately 24,000 sq.ft. with parking for thirty cars. It is located at the corner of Georgia and Prospect streets. The sanctuary includes seating for 900 on two levels, detailed wood work and original mahogany pews from 1867. There are also two large community halls at the back of the property along with a small garage.
The congregation has owned the church since 1998 and has put over $300,000 into the property including significant re-pointing and extensive work to the main sanctuary. But the costs to maintain the church have become overbearing.
A truss in the back has slipped and is expected to be a $100,000 repair, explaining the $199,000 asking price. The loose truss is in the back of the property and does not impact the ornate sanctuary.
"They bought the church in 1998 but the congregation started aging and or moved to other areas or churches," says David Doerr of Hunt Commercial Real Estate who is listing the property along with Chris Fetter. "They are now down to 55 or so active members and have joined up with another church located at Summer Street and Richmond Avenue."
Doerr, who is also co-listing the New Life Assembly of God church at the corner of N. Pearl and North streets, says the parking will be key to finding a buyer for this property.
"Even though lots of people like to gripe about it, the church at North and North Pearl would have sold 18 months ago if it had parking," says Doerr. "We have had very prominent local developers look at it and say no for that fact alone. Love it or hate it, it's the truth."
Get Connected: David Doerr and Chris Fetter , Hunt Commercial Real Estate, 716.854.5943
Perfect for a condo conversion.