New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Former West Haven church can be yours for under $700K
WEST HAVEN — The former St. Lawrence Church, the city’s oldest Catholic church before its pastor announced its closure in late 2021, has been listed for sale.
A current Pearce Real Estate listing for 211 Main Street promises a church and rectory “conveniently located close to West Haven downtown center” for $695,000.
The property, built in 1903, is assessed at $1.22 million, according to public land records, roughly half of the listed sale price. Church officials told St. John XXIII parishioners before its closure that the building had a severely leaking roof and foundational damage to both stone and brickwork.
The Rev. José Mercado told parishioners in an announcement about the church’s closure that black mold was found under the roof, an issue that would cost in excess of $300,000 to address adequately. Following heavy rains, puddles were forming in the basement after a partial roof collapse, he said, and dripping sounds from the leaks were audible throughout the building. He told parishioners the total cost of building improvements for the parish’s facilities was estimated to exceed $2 million. Compounding those costs was the need to demolish a convent deemed unsafe by an architectural firm.
Facing an operating deficit, Mercado told parishioners that it was believed to be better fiscal stewardship to shutter the building.
Dave Melillo, the listing agent for the sale, said there have been a few inquiries about using the building for residential or commercial uses, but primarily the interest has been from other religious organizations seeking use of the 12,383-square-foot church with a seating capacity of more than 560.
“The archdiocese does have use restrictions, but other religious use or residential use would be in most cases acceptable,” he said.
The St. John XXIII Parish
The property, built in 1903, is assessed at $1.22 million, according to public land records, roughly half of the listed sale price. Church officials told St. John XXIII parishioners before its closure that the building had a severely leaking roof and foundational damage to both stone and brickwork.
continues to operate the St. Lawrence School at 231 Main St.
Requests for comment to Mercado and the Archdiocese of Hartford were not immediately returned Wednesday.