Church and estate

St. Stephen’s Church was placed on the market in early April after being reposessed.

By Asher Klein

A contractor looks into the distance in the main sanctuary of St. Stephen's Church.
A contractor looks into the distance in the main sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church.
This quote from the Bible was vandalized by intruders.
This quote from the Bible was vandalized by intruders.
The main sanctuary of St. Stephen's Church
The main sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church

Boarded-up and destitute on the corner of East 57th Street and South Blackstone for years, St. Stephen's Church is finally up for sale, after its former owner declared bankruptcy. With a complicated zoning agreement in place that prevents large—and more profitable—structures from being built, the building has lain dormant. But a colorful new sign posted by Sergio & Banks Real Estate adorns the overgrown lawn letting potential buyers know the building is on the market, and many have inquired about the building, according to real estate agent Cynthia Rogan. The building has been appraised at $1.7 million (although the price isn't set in stone), but developing the dilapidated site could require much more. “It's a challenging piece,” Rogan said. “No doubt about it.”