Jacob Leifer, a Brooklyn developer, is set to transform the Transfiguration Lutheran Church and two adjacent brownstones in Harlem into a mixed-use development, Crain’s reported.
The properties, located at 70-78 W. 126th Street, are under contract for $3.5 million, pending approval from Attorney General Letitia James due to the seller’s nonprofit status.
The buildings, appraised at $3.15 million last November, will be sold as is and delivered vacant.
A Diminishing Congregation
The church has lacked a full-time pastor since 2006 and is described in court filings as having a dwindling congregation.
These documents indicate that the community has become “scattered” and “diminished,” leaving Transfiguration Lutheran unable to fulfill its original mission.
Gentrification and Development Trends
This sale reflects a broader trend of church properties being sold for development in Harlem amidst ongoing gentrification.
Real estate broker Simon McGowan noted in 2019 that “there’s not a church in Harlem that isn’t more valuable as a stack of condos.”
- Sponsored Love: The Gemstone Store You Can Trust, Shop At CabochonsForSale
- The Rise Of Authentic Streetwear In The USA And UK
- Mayor Adams Celebrates Record Year For Housing Formerly Homeless New Yorkers
- Operation HOPE And Wells Fargo Expand Free Financial Coaching To Harlem
- Latest Advances In Diabetes Treatment In Harlem And Beyond
Renovation Plans
Unlike many other developments that involve demolition, Leifer plans to renovate the existing structures, preserving their historical significance.
Landmark Status and Preservation Efforts
In contrast to the ongoing preservation battles on the Upper West Side, where the landmarked West-Park Presbyterian Church remains protected for now, most of Central Harlem, including Transfiguration Lutheran and its adjacent brownstones, is not designated as a landmark. This lack of protection makes the area a prime target for development.
Photo credit: Transfiguration Lutheran Google screenshot.
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Harlem World Magazine, 2521 1/2 west 42nd street, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
