I took the photos in late August after learning Centenary's sale was impending, but saw no reason to "break" the story.
Everything in due time.
Now that it's public knowledge, reuse options are an interesting diversion; somewhere between 80 and 100 parking spaces are in back, which might also be prime for anti-car-centric infill.
Mike Kopp has the realtor's brief. We don't need any more food and drink, do we?
Housing, on the other hand ...
Centenary United Methodist Church in New Albany for sale, by Chris Morris (Tom May Hyper Content Meatgrinder)
Congregation plans to move to another site
NEW ALBANY — Centenary United Methodist Church in New Albany will celebrate its 180th birthday next year. While the congregation continues to be very active in the community, the numbers of those attending Sunday service have dwindled in recent years. It is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain the building at 309 E. Spring St., prompting church members to make a difficult decision.
The property, including the church, parsonage and parking lot, is now for sale ...
From the listing:
ReplyDelete"A fantastic opportunity in Downtown New Albany. Maybe you're not looking for a church home, but what about living space? Something cool, hip and funky with a millennial vibe. We also need more senior housing with some independent living. You could mix it up with co-existence of space that caters to all walks of life. This property offers lots of creative uses. What about a boutique hotel? "
What about a homeless shelter?
From the story:
"Centenary does its share to feed those in need by opening its food pantry from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Free meals are also served at the church twice a week — at 6 p.m. Thursday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Centenary serves 18 percent of Floyd County residents through its food pantry where those in need are allowed to take items once a month. Akins-Banman also said more families are coming to the weekly free meals.
"Yesterday [Tuesday] we had so many veterans come in who needed food," Akins-Banman said. "There is so much need.""
Hopefully one of the other churches or organizations downtown pick up those Thursday and Sunday free meals times, because that's going to be a huge loss for the community.
Excellent point, and if you don't mind, I'd like to lift your comment to the marquee in a stand-alone post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe heavy lifting is all yours!
ReplyDelete