The prolonged legal battle over the future of the West-Park Presbyterian Church on the Upper West Side took a significant step forward this week, as the Center at West Park—the arts venue operating inside the church—was served with eviction papers. As reported by West Side Rag, the Sheriff’s notice came as a result of a New York State Court of Appeals decision on May 22, effectively denying the arts center's appeal against a previous court decision.
The Center at West Park, which has occupied the over 130-year-old church since 2016, now has five business days to vacate the premises, according to the terms of the eviction notice. City Councilmember Gale Brewer conveyed profound dissatisfaction with the development in a statement to West Side Rag, indicating a deep personal and community-driven objection to the eviction: "It makes me furious. I understand the church has the right do it because of the court decision on the lease, but it angers me more than words can describe that they would take this route," Brewer said.
The eviction brings an end to a longstanding arrangement that served as both a place of worship and a community-based cultural center. According to CBS News, the Center at West Park operated as a nonprofit facility, supporting a self-sustaining arts and cultural space. It provided affordable rehearsal and performance venues for artists at different stages of their careers, making the closure a significant setback for the local arts community. "It's so exciting to be able to offer affordable rehearsal space, offer performances in a venue that artists early in their careers are often not able to access," said Madelyn Paquette, a resident producer with the arts center.
Amid ongoing developments, West-Park Presbyterian Church may proceed with plans to repurpose the property. A previously submitted hardship application to the New York City Landmarks Commission proposed selling the site for $33 million to a developer intending to build luxury condominiums. The application was withdrawn in early 2024 due to an active lease with the Center at West Park. With the lease no longer in effect following a court ruling, the church could revisit the proposal. Debby Hirschman, executive director of the Center at West Park, stated that the organization remains committed to its community role. "The Center at West Park remains steadfast in our commitment to our community and NYC and to preserving the sacred landmark West Park Presbyterian Church," Hirschman wrote in response to the court decision, as reported by West Side Rag.
The eviction affects the Center at West Park, as well as local residents and officials who have been involved in efforts related to the preservation of the historic church and its cultural programming. The church is scheduled to carry out the eviction next week by changing the locks and removing individuals from the premises. The future of the Upper West Side property has not yet been finalized.
