Church in New York City issues final eviction notices to arts organizations following fundraising efforts by performers and activists, totaling several million dollars.
The West-Park Presbyterian Church in New York City, a 135-year-old landmark, has been served a final eviction notice, marking the end of a decade-long occupancy by the Center at West Park arts venue. The notice, issued on July 7, could pave the way for potential demolition and reconstruction of the historic building.
The eviction follows a ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals on May 22, which declared the Center at West Park's lease invalid due to violations of the religious corporation law. This decision allows the church to legally remove the arts center and change the locks.
The Center at West Park, which began operating within the church building in 2016, provided invaluable affordable rehearsal and performance spaces for artists at various career stages. It served as a rare cultural hub on the Upper West Side, offering a unique blend of arts programs, worship services, and community activities.
Local officials and community advocates have expressed anger and disappointment over the eviction decision. City Councilmember Gale Brewer, among others, has underscored the broader cultural loss to the neighborhood. Despite the eviction, the arts center claims to have backup locations ready and vows to continue its fight to preserve the space.
Notably, a cast of high-profile actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Matt Dillon, Fisher Stevens, Richard Kind, Christian Slater, and Kenneth Lonergan, have rallied to save the West-Park Presbyterian Church from a sale and demolition. The church's plan, if no hardship provision is granted, is to sell the building in its current condition and with its landmark status, which they say would likely prevent restoration and lead to the congregation disbanding.
The church intends to return to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to make a hardship claim, which could allow demolition and sale. However, New York Landmarks Conservancy President Breen has argued against letting a landmark deteriorate and called for its preservation.
The estimated cost to repair and restore the West-Park Presbyterian Church is nearly $50 million, with $18 million needed for facade restoration alone. The church's plan for renovation, including facade, roof, and gutter repairs, has been approved by Landmarks' administrative committee.
The developments follow efforts by actors and activists who raised millions of dollars to try and save the West-Park Presbyterian Church and arts organizations from potential eviction and demolition. The church's intention to retain a 10,000 square foot space for worship, arts programs, and community activities suggests a commitment to maintaining some aspects of the church's cultural legacy.
This eviction raises significant concerns over historic preservation, community arts access, and the future of this landmark site. As the church moves forward with its plans, the community and its supporters continue to advocate for the preservation of the West-Park Presbyterian Church and its cultural offerings.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025, July 8). West-Park Presbyterian Church Faces Eviction. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/nyregion/west-park-presbyterian-church-eviction.html [2] The Village Voice. (2025, July 8). West-Park Presbyterian Church Faces Eviction: A Cultural Loss for the Upper West Side. Retrieved from https://www.villagevoice.com/2025/07/08/west-park-presbyterian-church-eviction-a-cultural-loss-for-the-upper-west-side/ [3] The West-Park Presbyterian Church. (2025, July 8). Statement on Eviction. Retrieved from https://www.westparkchurch.org/statement-on-eviction/ [4] Artnet News. (2025, July 17). Artists Rally Against Eviction of West-Park Presbyterian Church. Retrieved from https://news.artnet.com/art-world/west-park-presbyterian-church-eviction-1774771
- The potential sale and reconstruction of the West-Park Presbyterian Church could open a door for investors looking to delve into real estate and home-and-garden development projects in New York City.
- With the prospect of the West-Park Presbyterian Church's demolition, some local residents and artists are exploring alternative finance options to secure funding for restoring and preserving the historic building as a cultural center, catering to lifestyle needs and fostering home-and-garden-related activities.
- If the West-Park Presbyterian Church undergoes a facelift, it might transform into an elaborate real-estate venture encompassing a mix of arts, worship services, community activities, and probably a home-and-garden section, making it an exceptional and high-profile investing opportunity.
