NYC Arts Center 'Center at West Park' Evicted from Landmark Church

Eviction from Landmark Church

• 📌 An arts center, Center at West Park, has been served eviction papers from the West Park Presbyterian Church on the Upper West Side.
• 🗓️ The center must vacate the premises by Monday, after a year-long battle to keep its lease.

Legal Battle and Church's Intentions

• ⚖️ The church's lawyer stated that the court of appeals agreed the lease violated religious corporation law.
• 🏗️ This ruling allows the 135-year-old church to pursue landmark preservation and potentially demolish and rebuild the structure.
• 🔒 The church plans to change the locks on Tuesday and remove anyone remaining on the property.

Impact on the Arts Community

• 🎭 Center at West Park is described as the only not-for-profit building of its kind, offering a self-sustaining arts and culture community space alongside a sacred space for Lighthouse Chapel.
• 💸 The center provides affordable rehearsal space and performance venues for artists, especially those early in their careers.
• 💔 The eviction is considered devastating, threatening the existence of this unique community space.

Community Response and Future Plans

• ✊ Supporters have been signing a petition to help the center remain at its current location.
• 🗺️ While the Center at West Park has backup locations prepared, its executive director states that the fight is not over.