West Park FACT SHEET

Seven affordable spaces. One roof. Unlimited ideas.

The New York landmarked West Park Church, at West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, is facing possible demolition. The Center at West Park (CWP) is prepared to take the necessary steps to purchase the building, quickly reopen seven affordable arts and community spaces, undertake the restoration necessary to preserve the landmark, and to remove the eyesore sidewalk shed that has been in place for 25 years around the building’s facade that has lacked proper upkeep.

The Building’s History:

Built in 1889–1890 and designated a New York City landmark in 2010, West Park has served generations of New Yorkers through religious, civic, social justice and cultural activities.

West Park is one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks of its kind left in New York City due its Romanesque Revival design and unmistakable red sandstone facade. In its 2010 designation report, the Landmarks Preservation Commission even described the church as “one of the Upper West Side’s most important buildings” and recognized it as one of the city’s finest examples of Romanesque Revival religious architecture.

  • 1880s: The church welcomed Chinese worshippers during a period of widespread discrimination.

  • 1960s: The congregation was active in civil rights, anti-Vietnam War and anti-nuclear advocacy.

  • 1978: The congregation became an early leader in the Presbyterian More Light movement, advocating for LGBTQ inclusion.

  • 1980s: The building housed the Riverside Shakespeare Company and The Shakespeare Center, which received support from famed theater producer Joseph Papp.

  • 1987 – 1991: God’s Love We Deliver operated a kitchen in the church, preparing meals for New Yorkers living with AIDS.

  • 2016 – 2025: CWP brought performances, rehearsals, workshops, classes and community programming into the building, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors over the years.

The Center’s Work: 

Founded in 2016, CWP is an independent, secular nonprofit supporting affordable, accessible arts and community programming.

Its work has continued at St. Paul & St. Andrew, also on West 86th Street, as well as at venues across Manhattan, where the Center supports artists, develops new productions and brings cultural programming to New Yorkers.

Recent programs and initiatives include:

  • Affordable rehearsals: A subsidized rehearsal program offering participating artists space for $10 an hour, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts and bolstered by discretionary funding provided by City Council Speaker Julie Menin.

  • New theater & performance: The 2026 CWP Evolution Festival, featuring more than 30 works spanning theater, dance, music & comedy across Manhattan.

  • Film programming: The CWP Film Center presents independent and classic films, with screenings and discussions featuring directors and actors, while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers.

  • Development of new work: The CWP Launchpad Reading Series, including new plays and opportunities for emerging playwrights.

  • Inclusive programming: The annual CWP Inclusion Concert brings together young performers from public, private and special education schools, including students with disabilities and neurodiverse performers. The program has received $10,000 in discretionary funding from City Council Member Gale Brewer.

  • Community programming: Writing workshops, theatrical productions, concerts and other events for artists and audiences.

Seven Spaces: 

CWP’s plan would reopen seven distinct arts and community spaces at West Park to active use, accommodating everything from major performances to intimate rehearsals, classes, workshops, and creative development.

  • The Sanctuary: A 375-seat venue for theater, concerts, dance, opera and large community events, with theatrical lighting, sound and a raised stage.

  • Pushkin Hall: An intimate theater for plays, smaller productions and experimental performances, with a history of use by Theater 86 (formerly Russian Arts Theater & Studio).

  • The Chapel: A flexible gathering space for classes, workshops, rehearsals, meetings, support groups and community events.

  • Third Floor Studio: Space for dance and movement rehearsals, instruction and creative development.

  • Second Floor Studio: A smaller room for intimate rehearsals, coaching, workshops and small-group work.

  • Art Studio: Space for visual arts, classes, workshops and collaborative creative projects.

  • First Floor Dance Studio: Space for dance rehearsals, movement instruction and development of performance work.

What’s at Stake:

West Park faces the threat of demolition through a financial hardship application before the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

CWP’s vision is a future that preserves the historic building and returns it to the cultural and community uses it supported for years.

At a time when artists and smaller organizations face mounting costs for rehearsal, performance and creative space, West Park offers an opportunity to retain and expand an established cultural resource.

What We Can Do Together:

CWP is prepared to pursue acquisition of West Park, with a plan to return the seven affordable arts and community spaces to use quickly following a purchase.

The Center’s experience operating in the building provides a foundation for resuming programming without waiting for completion of every phase of exterior restoration.

Preserving West Park means protecting more than a landmark. It means keeping room for artists to create, perform, teach and bring their work to New Yorkers.