In 2006, as part of our ongoing campaign to preserve the Far West Village, we were able to secure landmark protections for St. Veronica’s Church at 149 Christopher Street (between Washington and Greenwich Streets), along with dozens of other surrounding buildings, as part of two historic district designations we won in the area. Built between 1890 and 1903, the church has long been a defining presence in this neighborhood — architecturally, culturally, and socially. 

Unfortunately, the Archdiocese has increasingly curtailed services at and access to the building, combining the parish with surrounding ones. But in an even more consequential step, earlier this month the Archdiocese issued a “Decree of Relegation” for the church, meaning they intend to end use of the property, setting it up for sale.

We and parishioners who we work with have had concerns about the condition of the building for some time, as repairs to the roof have been consistently deferred. If the Landmarks Preservation Commission does its job, the building should be protected and preserved no matter what its fate. In light of this most recent development and the possibility that needed maintenance might be even further deferred, we have written to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to urge them to closely monitor the site to ensure the building’s condition remains sound and stable. We will also continue to closely monitor the site and work with concerned parishioners to try and help ensure the church’s integrity and preservation.