Nestled in the shadow of the State Capitol, 129 Lafayette Street in Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s rich history. This once-majestic church, built in the 1920s, has remained mostly empty since its acquisition by the state in 2007. But now, this piece of Hartford’s architectural heritage is set to experience a revival. Jeff Derderian, an investigative reporter, recently did this story for WTNH TV and it shows the challenge for cities on how to deal with vacant buildings.
A Vision for Renewal
Vox Church, the new owner of 129 Lafayette Street, has grand plans for the property. Pastor Jeremiah Johnson shared his excitement, stating, “This is the kind of building we had our eyes on for the last number of years, hoping to buy a permanent location in the city of Hartford.” The purchase of the building for $750,000, significantly lower than the $2.3 million the state paid in 2007, marks a new chapter for the church and the community.
The news of the sale has been welcomed by local residents who have long lamented the neglected state of the property. Over the years, the once-beautiful structure had become an eyesore, with trash, weeds, and tall grass marring its surroundings. Now, there is hope that the building will be restored to its former glory, contributing to the revitalization of the area.
Community Impact
Hartford’s Mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, expressed optimism about the potential positive impact on the neighborhood. “I live in that neighborhood, I live about two blocks away, and we’ve got a lot of blighted properties. We love to see properties turn around,” he said. The mayor’s comments underscore the broader implications of this sale for the city, suggesting that it could spark further investments and renovations of other vacant buildings in the area.
The state received four proposals to purchase the church, with offers ranging from a mere dollar to $550,000. Vox Church’s successful bid of $750,000 reflects its commitment to investing in the community. John McKay, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Administrative Services, expressed hope that the new occupants would attract people to the area, not just for Sunday services, but throughout the week, thereby supporting local businesses and aiding in the neighborhood’s rejuvenation.
The Challenge Ahead
While the sale represents a significant step forward, Pastor Johnson acknowledges that the road ahead will not be easy. The building requires substantial renovations, both inside and out. “We’re going to look to beautify the interior and the exterior and have it look really nice,” he said, noting that millions will need to be spent to bring the church back to life.
This effort is part of a broader initiative in Hartford to breathe new life into abandoned and neglected buildings. Many cities in Connecticut face similar challenges, and Hartford’s struggle with vacant properties is emblematic of a wider issue.
A Tale of Two Buildings
The fate of 129 Lafayette Street stands in stark contrast to another prominent building in Hartford, the old Xerox building off of I-84. Despite efforts to address its state of disrepair, the building remains vacant and neglected, with broken glass and graffiti marring its facade. The city has been imposing fines of $1,500 per day on the building’s owner, accumulating to around $111,000 in blight fines. However, the owner, Spartan Towers, LLC, is appealing the fines and has no plans to sell or lease the building.
Mayor Arulampalam highlighted the ongoing struggle between the city and the owner, noting that there is no quick fix for such issues. “We’ve got to convince people to make private contributions in the turning over of these buildings – we can’t do that all with city or state dollars,” he explained. This statement reflects the complexity of addressing urban blight and the need for a collaborative approach involving private investment and public support.
A Hopeful Future
The transformation of 129 Lafayette Street is a beacon of hope for Hartford. It symbolizes the potential for renewal and the positive impact that committed community members and organizations can have on their surroundings. As Vox Church embarks on this ambitious project, it is not just restoring a building, but also contributing to the revival of a neighborhood, inspiring others to join in the effort to rejuvenate Hartford’s urban landscape.