Memphis & Pearl History
2025
April 2025
History of the Abandoned Burial Ground at the Memphis & Pearl Site: The Evolution of a Key Corner in Old Brooklyn, Cleveland
Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood is a community that values its history, and collaboratively contributes to shaping its future. For nearly two centuries, generations of residents have taken pride in shaping the heart of Old Brooklyn, especially at the corner of Memphis Avenue and Pearl Road.
After nearly two years of the community voicing their desire to see transformative economic progress along the Pearl Road commercial corridor, the residents of Old Brooklyn are on the cusp of realizing the largest investment on the corner of Memphis and Pearl in over 50 years.
Led by Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) and Pearl Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC), the property owners have authored a development plan that will restore the St. Luke’s Church to its original footprint, repurpose the Pearl Road Methodist Church’s building into expanded community amenities, and build much needed 1- and 2-bedroom rental units unlike anything else in the neighborhood.
As a result of widespread Old Brooklyn community support, the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County committed financial incentives to ensure that OBCDC and PRUMC realize the preservation of the two iconic churches and spark new construction to redefine the corner of Memphis and Pearl for the next 50 years.
This project’s success will serve as crucial case study to spark catalytic change throughout Cleveland’s middle-neighborhoods.
Honoring Old Brooklyn’s History of Evolution and Change
Through multiple rounds of community engagement, Old Brooklyn residents have expressed a desire for the new development to honor the neighborhood’s history. Project stakeholders share this commitment, aiming to ensure that the project not only respects Old Brooklyn’s rich past, but contributes to the ongoing evolution of the site and surrounding community – just as it has for generations.
With this interest in mind, the project team has undertaken extensive historical and technical research focused on the site’s past – particularly the former burial ground once located at the northwest corner of Pearl Road and Memphis Avenue. This research, conducted in partnership with civil engineering experts and historic property consultants - most recently HP Group - has produced ample documentation on the continued evolution of the site in question. Notably, it includes evidence supporting the abandoned cemetery’s transfer to the nearby Brookmere Cemetery in 1836, as well as the last known deed mentioning its former use, dated 1851.
Historic Chronology of the Northwest Corner of Memphis & Pearl (Former Burial Ground)
The 0.65-acre site previously used as a burial ground was located at the northwest corner of the current Memphis & Pearl intersection in Old Brooklyn, Cleveland, OH. For modern context, this would have encompassed the entire length of the project site along Pearl Road, to the end of the present-day PRUMC property. After the graves were transferred in 1836, research shows that buildings on this parcel were constructed, demolished, and built new through the 19th century and into the mid-20th century, eventually occupying the entire space the burial ground previously encompassed.
1836 – Brookmere Cemetery was established nearby in 1836, where trustees preemptively established plots for the remains that would be transferred from the Memphis & Pearl property.
1840 – While it is unclear when the site in question was first established as a burial ground, a deed transfer shows that a man named Richard Vaughn owned the property in the 1830s and sold it in the year 1840.
1849 – The property was sold to a new owner in 1849, with deeds referring to it as “the old burying ground,” indicating that no new burials had been occurring at that point in time.
1851 – The property was sold again in 1851 to the United German Protestant Evangelical Society, with the deed noting existing graves. This is the last deed to mention the burial ground.
1858 – An old map of Cuyahoga County shows the footprint of a small church built by the new German congregation after the property transfer (see image).
1874 – A larger “German Church” is shown to have replaced the former one. It is now located farther south and set farther back on the street. For modern context, this is the primary area in question: the “grassy area” between the old St. Luke’s Church and Greenline Building.
1898 – The 1898 Atlas of the Suburbs of Cleveland shows that additional small buildings were constructed on the property on the west and southwest sides of the newly named “Frame Church.”
1903 – A new brick church was built on the site, potentially alongside the “Frame Church,” which was later demolished. This demolition created the “grassy area” we see today between the old St. Luke’s Church and Greenline Building.
1951 - By 1951, the parcel included the St. Luke’s educational wing, commercial buildings, and a small house, which would have resulted in extensive excavation and soil disturbance throughout the site.
1858
1874
1898
1951
Conclusions Obtained Through Penetrating Radar Scans
Ground disturbances from construction, excavation, and demolition over the past 175 years have significantly altered the site in question from its original use as a burial ground in the 1830s. Therefore, in alignment with industry standards and historic context, Behr Geo Environmental LLC conducted a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey throughout the site of the former burial ground in November 2023 to ensure no active graves remained.
This survey focused on the soil area between the old St. Luke’s Church and the Greenline Building, or the location of the former “German Church.” It is expected that 1-3 feet of fill would have been placed over the historical cemetery’s location prior to new construction, and the GPR survey penetrated 4-5 feet below the ground’s surface.
Behr Geo Environmental LLC concluded that while this survey reported 3 “anomalies” within the parameters of the old burial ground, the spacing of the anomalies is inconsistent with that of a standard cemetery of the time, and they are extremely unlikely to represent grave locations. Due to this site’s history, with several buildings being constructed and demolished over the past 175 years, these “anomalies” could be caused by any number of variables, including fill material.
Behr Geo Environmental LLC. (2023, November 14). Ground Penetrating Radar Survey: Old Brooklyn CDC Property, 3426 to 3434 Memphis Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Project Team’s Approach to Demolition Around the Abandoned Burial Ground Site
Although the presence of any graves on the Memphis & Pearl project site is highly unlikely, the project team plans to take a slow and cautious approach to demolition around the parameters of the old burial ground. The 3 reported “anomalies” will be noted in the initial drawing set, and these areas will be treated with great care when excavation begins. The project’s budget allows for additional GPR scans if needed.
Due to this particular site being designated as a historic landmark, the City of Cleveland’s Superintendent of Cemeteries and Landmarks Commission will have final approval of the project team’s excavation and demolition plan prior to work beginning.
The Future of the Memphis & Pearl Site
If any one thing is clear from the research conducted on the northwest corner of the Memphis & Pearl site, it is that this area is one of evolution and change. The landscape of Old Brooklyn, Cleveland’s commercial corridor has adapted for centuries to meet the current needs of its residents while paying homage to its past. Through multiple community engagement efforts conducted throughout the project process, the community has acknowledged a need and desire for this site’s transformation. The Memphis & Pearl project team is committed to honoring the legacy of this site throughout the redevelopment process, while delivering meaningful resources and experiences that will help shape Old Brooklyn’s future for generations to come.
January 2025
PRUMC Launches Innovative Digital Platform: Expanded Community Engagement for Transformative Memphis & Pearl Redevelopment
Pearl Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC), a historic cornerstone of faith and community in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood for over 200 years, will be contributing their property and current building to Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation’s (OBCDC) Memphis & Pearl transformative real estate development plan. With a total project estimate of nearly $30,000,000, this economic development initiative marks one of Old Brooklyn’s most significant investments in over 50 years.
In partnership with OBCDC, PRUMC is announcing the launch of an innovative, digital community engagement platform to help shape the future of the community by participating in a short digital survey housed on the platform, so that the appropriate public amenities, community programs, and events can be housed in the new development. Read More
2024
December 2024
Memphis & Pearl Project Completes Community Engagement Process: Cleveland Planning Commission’s Approval of Site Strategy & Demo Plan
Old Brooklyn’s catalytic development project took a major step forward, as an exciting and productive year for the project comes to a close. The complex project including the adaptive re-use of two hundred plus year old buildings, in addition to the construction of a new six story mixed-use building, has been driven by feedback and engagement with community members across the neighborhood. The project team recently presented to the Near West Design Review Committee and Cleveland Planning Commission, who approved their site strategy and demolition plan.
The centerpiece of the plan calls for the full restoration of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary building, which will likely house a large tenant like a restaurant or tap house to take advantage of the significant outdoor space along Pearl Road. During recent community engagement which included a digital survey and in-person open house, residents and business owners reaffirmed their desire for an increase in publicly accessible greenspace and to add more housing along the main street commercial corridor. Results from the surveys which were conducted in both English and Spanish, showed 92% of respondents either lived, owned a business or worked in Old Brooklyn. Additionally, 63% of those who take part said they were “excited” about the project and its impact on the neighborhood’s future.
Over the course of the last three years, the project team held several public meetings and conducted various surveys which encouraged feedback from community stakeholders as well as provided updates on the development process. Old Brooklyn Executive Director Lucas Reeve commented “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to engage with over 650 people over the last few years who have helped to shape our design and drive strategy for the project” adding “It’s clear people across the neighborhood have a strong desire to reactivate our main street as a safe, vibrant, walkable area.”
The recently approved plan would require the removal of 4 structures on the site to accommodate the new market rate apartment building but most importantly to ensure the former St. Luke’s sanctuary building could be restored to its original footprint. In their presentation, the development team showed the poor condition of the buildings to be removed as well as highlighted some of the environmental issue that exist, including an old underground storage tank under the Greenline building along Memphis Ave.
As the development continues to move forward with the Old Brooklyn CDC leading the way, the organization is concerned about the tenants who will be displaced as part of realizing the project. OBCDC recently engaged with the consulting group OR Colon to help relocate tenants in the Greenline Building. Reeve described how the group will support the efforts, “We wanted to be sure the tenants had an advocate and someone with the expertise to help them find a new home. They will ensure the business owners have access to all the benefits available to them” As to ensuring the displaced businesses find a home in the neighborhood Reeve added “I hope we can find a new, better space for them to grow and continue to serve the community”
Next steps for the project team include further design development work and for an additional level of community engagement lead by partner Pearl Road Methodist Church, who looks to better understand how it can serve the community through the redesign and re-use of its building which is a key part of the development.
November 2024
Memphis & Pearl Project: Updates and Open House
The Memphis & Pearl Redevelopment Project team, consisting of Old Brooklyn CDC, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Tipping Point, and Desmone, have been working hard to make this transformative concept a reality. Below is a one-pager that highlights the project to this point, shares updates, and includes future activities. Both are available in English and Español below.
Opportunities to Connect included:
1) A 2-3 minute survey link is below to share your thoughts & guide the Development Team
2) Drop-in Open House to connect with the project team
August 2024
Memphis & Pearl Project Secures Over Two Million: State Brownfields Remediation Dollars
In early August 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced $106.9 million dollars in grants for local communities as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. Seven projects in Cuyahoga County were awarded grants, seeing over $44.3 million dollars of investment coming to the region. The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) received $2,042,027 of Ohio Brownfield Remediation grant dollars to support its Memphis & Pearl project in the heart of Cleveland’s largest and most populous neighborhood. OBCDC’s application was widely supported and submitted through the Cuyahoga County Land Bank.
OBCDC has been active on the corner of Memphis & Pearl for well over 4 years, with a vision of restoring vitality to the neighborhood center. The non-profit organization has secured land and has been working on development plans that include 80 units of market-rate housing, over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, and the adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary building. OBCDC conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP), and eventually selected Desmone as the developer and architect for the project. The development team includes OBCDC and Desmone, as well as Tipping Point who is running point on financing and Pearl Road United Methodist Church, a neighboring property owner.
OBCDC Executive Director Lucas Reeve expressed excitement on the latest grant award “The Memphis & Pearl project is a marvelous example of a public / private partnership to help stabilize and promote future investment in a community”. Reeve adds on the intention of the project “Not only are we adding critically needed housing and commercial space along a transit-oriented corridor, but we will be restoring life to our Main Street for decades to come”.
With the design process ongoing, the development team is encouraged by the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grant award, as it represents a key part of the funding needed to complete the project. The plan for the grant dollars includes dealing with hazardous material remediation, including asbestos and lead removal, as well as the demolition of certain structures to allow for adaptive re-use. The development team intends to preserve the architectural heritage of buildings on the site, making them safe, and important contributors to the larger project which also includes new construction.
To date OBCDC has done a significant amount of community engagement for the project, meeting with and getting feedback from hundreds of residents across the neighborhood. As the final designs come into focus, the organization will again engage with community members to ensure the development is on track to meet their needs.
March 2024
Memphis & Pearl Project Coming into Focus
As the calendar flips to 2024, Old Brooklyn’s most anticipated development project continues to gain momentum. Coming off an extensive community engagement process in 2023, the Development Team consisting of the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Desmone, and Tipping Point, have been hard at work with important site and building assessments.
Having secured an environmental assessment grant from the state of Ohio, the Development Team engaged with a local general contractor, environmental consulting firm and various engineers to complete a full assessment of all buildings on the site. The dense report they produced provided a full history of past uses at the corner and a detailed plan for remediating and restoring parts of existing structures.
As part of the initial design phase, which led to the presentation of conceptual plans to the community in May of 2023, the Development Team performed extensive building and site feasibility analysis, with the recent environmental assessment further adding to that knowledge. “You never know what you don’t know” said Lucas Reeve, Executive Director at Old Brooklyn CDC. He added, “the state grant allowed us to better understand how the buildings can be re-used, and further refine the project budget, which is critical for financing.” From the content of the environmental report, Mr. Reeve added, “with the age and state of the buildings, particularly with the construction materials used, there are a whole host of environmental issues that will require appropriate remediation”.
With project financing coming into greater focus, the Development Team is working to further evolve the design. The current plan calls for 80 units of market rate housing, and over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including the adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary and a refreshed Pearl Road United Methodist Church space.
As the former St. Luke’s Church sits empty for another Cleveland winter Reeve described why the outcome on the corner is so important for the neighborhood, “Projects like these are inherently very challenging. Old Brooklyn has seen very little in the way of investment of this size, scale, and impact over the last fifty years.” As the neighborhood continues to grow and the need for housing across the city remains an issue, the Memphis & Pearl project will signal change and meet a growing need in the community.
As part of its strategic plan, the Old Brooklyn CDC is working with stakeholders and partners to activate its main commercial corridor along Pearl Road. Executive Director Reeve excitedly shared “Our Main Street is home to some incredible businesses. Many have served the community for decades, and there’s room for many more. We see entrepreneurs coming around to Old Brooklyn as a great place to do business, a place to be part of a something special.”
2023
May 2023
Memphis & Pearl Project Team Invigorated by Community Feedback
The Memphis & Pearl Project Team, consisting of architecture and development firm Desmone, real estate finance consultants Tipping Point, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), and Pearl Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC), had another successful round of community engagement about the transformative development of one of the neighborhood's central corners. This comes off the heels of previous opportunities for community feedback, sought by OBCDC in late December 2022, which helped their Board select the development team as a part of a competitive process for the redevelopment of Memphis & Pearl.
OBCDC lead the community engagement strategy, developing a digital survey, making plans available on their Memphis & Pearl project website, and holding an in-person community meeting May 9th. Over 160 community members responded to the call for input on the conceptual design plans. Respondents were thrilled that the plan included the re-use of the former St. Luke’s church sanctuary, with the potential to lure a large commercial tenant to the reimagined, long vacant space. “Throughout the development process we’ve remained focused on community impact, vibrancy, and transformational potential. Getting input from residents, business owners and other stakeholders is essential to meeting our goals,” says Lucas Reeve, Executive Director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Those who attended the in-person community meeting hosted at PRUMC were presented the current conceptual design plan, asked to envision how they might interreact with the project, and broke out into small group discussions with members of the development team. This allowed for direct conversations with development team members who could respond to questions and hear feedback in real time. One attendee remarked “I can’t believe we actually got to speak with the people designing the buildings. They asked great questions and really listened to what I had to say”. Members of the development team found this experience of engaging directly with community members very helpful and insightful. “We are here to listen to the community’s goals and needs, making decisions based on those needs,” says Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone. The design team will be working to incorporate community feedback as the plans continue to evolve. Desmone added “We understand this project represents a new chapter for the Old Brooklyn community. Our goal is to create a space that encourages gathering, while preserving the history and legacy of the neighborhood”.
Key takeaways of the most recent community engagement and feedback is available below.
April 2023
Memphis & Pearl Project Team Completes Initial Conceptual Design
Architecture and Development firm Desmone has completed the initial design phase for the project, collaborating with partners in the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, and Tipping Point.
The unique and ambitious project links Old Brooklyn’s past through the preservation and adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary as well as a re-imagined Pearl Road UMC space, with a new mixed-use building along Memphis Ave. The development will deliver 50+ one- and two-bedroom apartments along with over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including over 6,000 square feet of outdoor patio space. Significant enhancements to existing greenspace and opportunities for community space are key elements in the design.
“We are incredibly excited by the transformational potential of this project. The design reflects a significant amount of community feedback and clearly exceeds our goals of creating vibrancy at the corner of Memphis and Pearl,” says Lucas Reeve, Executive Director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
The proposed plan was presented to the Near West Design Review Committee on April 26th, for conceptual review, the first stage in the design review process.
Representatives from Desmone Architects, OBCDC, PRUMC, and Tipping Point will now turn their attention to continuing community engagement around the project with a digital survey and in-person meeting on Tuesday, May 9 from 6-8pm at PRUMC. “Throughout the process, OBCDC has engaged with hundreds of local community stakeholders, getting their feedback on our work. Our project team is excited to share updates and continue that effort. The optimal outcome is a project that’s impactful and signals Old Brooklyn is on the rise,” says Reeve.
2022
December 2022
Old Brooklyn CDC chooses Proposal: Desmone for Memphis & Pearl Revitalization Project
Architecture and Development firm Desmone was selected by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation to revitalize the corner of Memphis and Pearl. Now, the two groups and other stakeholders will work together in the first quarter of 2023 to turn the proposal into an actionable project.
The OBCDC board evaluated two quality proposals from development groups after receiving input from over 275 community members through an online survey and in-person community meeting.
“We were so pleased to have two strong plans submitted for consideration. We also are especially pleased that so many neighbors gave their feedback about those proposals and what they want to see happen in Old Brooklyn’s main street district,” says Lucas Reeve, executive director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Desmone’s proposed plan resonated with the community and aligned well with the goals outlined by the Old Brooklyn CDC. As one person explained in their survey comments: “This is a far better vision for the space that includes features that would actually attract residents and future businesses alike, while still serving the existing members of the community with a new and exciting area to enjoy.”
Desmone Proposal Details
As Desmone explains in their proposal: “Our hope is the development of the Memphis and Pearl will be a catalyst that ignites a rebirth for the business corridor. Our thoughtful design concepts pay homage to what the community continues to cherish while also providing them their wants and needs.”
The proposal includes the adaptive reuse of the abandoned St. Luke’s church and the addition of new structures to accommodate:
74 apartments: 23 studios, 42 one-bedroom, and nine two-bedroom units
3,600 square feet of apartment amenity space
6,500 to 9,600 square feet of retail/restaurant space
6,500 to 9,600 square feet of community space
“This proposed plan fits well with the requirements we outlined earlier this year for multi-family housing as well as commercial opportunities. In fact, it goes well beyond the minimum expectations of 25 to 50 apartment units and 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of commercial space. That’s one of the reasons we opted for the Desmone proposal,” says David Margolius, president of the Old Brooklyn CDC board.
Representatives from Desmone Architects and the Old Brooklyn CDC staff will kickstart project planning in early 2023. Updates on the project’s progress will continue to be shared with the community and posted on its website: www.oldbrooklyn.com/memphispearl.
November 2022
2 Developers Submit Proposals for Memphis & Pearl Revitalization
Two organizations submitted detailed proposals for the revitalization of the corner of Memphis and Pearl by the November 30 deadline set by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation.
OBCDC staff, board and subcommittees reviewed the proposals and sought public input.
An online survey was available so neighbors could share their thoughts on the proposals. And for those who preferred to give their input in person, a community meeting was held on Thursday, December 15.
July 2022
New Request for Proposals: Old Brooklyn CDC Releases New Request for Proposals To Develop Memphis & Pearl
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation issued a new request for proposals for development at the corner of Memphis and Pearl, the prominent properties anchoring its main street, also known as the Brighton Corridor.
“We’re eager to establish a vibrant anchor and facilitate the development of housing for all,” says OBCDC Executive Director, Lucas Reeve. “Our long-term strategy recognizes the Memphis & Pearl project as a catalyst for future investment in the neighborhood.”
The Memphis & Pearl collection of properties includes the abandoned St. Luke’s Church, the Greenline commercial building, a vacant lot and an uninhabited single-family home.
OBCDC seeks proposals that incorporate multi-family housing as well as commercial opportunities to help establish a vibrant, walkable district. Proposals should detail how the project will:
Incorporate 25 to 50 apartment units
Provide 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of commercial space
Developers also must commit to retaining OBCDC as a minority partner in the development and providing a viable project financing plan. “We also want the developer to have a clear understanding of Old Brooklyn and a desire to work collaboratively with shared goals,” says OBCDC Board President, Dave Margolius.
Developers should submit a letter of interest by Aug. 31, 2022. Those selected to move to phase two of the process must submit detailed proposals by Nov. 30, 2022.
The RFP is viewable by clicking on the image.
May 2022
Old Brooklyn Remains Committed to Revitalization of Memphis & Pearl
The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corp. will continue to pursue opportunities to create a vibrant future for the neighborhood’s prominent corner of Memphis & Pearl.
“We are disappointed the Ohio Housing Finance Agency decided not to award tax credits to the proposed project. However, it does not affect our commitment to fostering a vibrant future for the dilapidated Memphis & Pearl property,” says David Margolius, board president of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Old Brooklyn’s Memphis & Pearl Master Plan, reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission earlier this year, will move forward. “We will continue the community's work to explore opportunities to transform the neglected property into a successful anchor of the Brighton Corridor, our neighborhood's unique main street,” Margolius says.
“It has been a privilege to work with The NRP Group on its forward-thinking residential and business plan for the property. While their immediate plan will not move forward this year, our multi-year work to bring new development and reenergize this prominent property continues,” says Lucas Reeve, interim executive director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
January 2022
Old Brooklyn Public Meeting
View the presentation from January 2022 by clicking the image to the left that reviews the history of the property, structural conditions, and a proposed redevelopment.
2021
March 2021
Memphis & Pearl: Master Plan
Working closely with the Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Old Brooklyn CDC created a master plan to comprehensively evaluate all considerations for the corner of Pearl and Memphis.
The master plan was reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission on March 5, 2021.
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation has been working to bring life to the Memphis & Pearl site since it was abandoned by the former St. Luke’s Church in 2014 and its utilities turned off in 2016. After countless interested parties toured the property over six years, no buyers came forward, and Old Brooklyn CDC accepted the property as a donation.
OBCDC continued its research into the existing condition and potential for the property, working with local firm Architecture Office, meeting with engineers, requesting a report from the Sacred Landmarks Support Initiative of the Cleveland Restoration Society, and engaging with the community.
In 2021, it purchased the adjacent Greenline Building to maximize the corner’s development prospects. That same year, the Memphis & Pearl Master Plan was created and reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission. Over 30 interested developers toured the property, with two ultimately showing interest. The Old Brooklyn CDC board selected to move forward with The NRP Group’s new residential-business project as the best choice for their long-term dynamic vision for the neighborhood. In May 2022, the Ohio Housing Finance Authority announced it did not award the necessary tax credits to move The NRP Group development forward this year. The Old Brooklyn CDC continues its efforts to bring new development to revitalize Memphis & Pearl.
The Master Plan is viewable by clicking on the image.
Spring 2021
Progress and plans continue at the former St. Luke’s Church: Summary
Old Brooklyn CDC published a summary of the February community meeting, progress on considerations for redevelopment, and a summary of the master plan in the March issue of the Old Brooklyn News.
The article is viewable by clicking on the image.
February 2021
Old Brooklyn Public Meeting
View the presentation from February 2021 by clicking the image to the right that reviews the history of the property, structural conditions, results from a master plan, considerations for redevelopment, and next steps.
The video for the meeting can be viewed here.
As presented in the public meeting above, the cost of stabilizing the building is likely more than $1 million due to the poor condition of the masonry, windows, roof, and foundation.
Further, the access and systems would likely create a $3-$6 million initial subsidy to reuse the vacant church with potential need for ongoing annual subsidy due to the likely revenues created in the building not covering facility management costs.
2020
Winter 2020
OBCDC continues evaluation and potential future: Former St. Luke’s Church
Old Brooklyn CDC published a lengthy update on its due diligence and partnership with the Pearl Road United Methodist Church in the December issue of the Old Brooklyn News.
The article is viewable by clicking on the image.