Middle Collegiate Church

This project focuses on the restoration and adaptive reuse of a five-story community facility that was previously connected to the historic Middle Collegiate Church at 112 2nd Avenue. Following a devastating six-alarm fire on December 5, 2020, which severely damaged the church, this initiative seeks to preserve and integrate the remaining elements of the sanctuary into a newly renovated facility, maintaining the site’s historic and cultural significance. All restoration efforts are carefully coordinated with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines, including material matching, facade restoration, and historically accurate construction methods.

Advanced preservation techniques are being employed to stabilize and restore the fire-damaged sanctuary into the renovated community facility, including structural reinforcement and adaptive reuse strategies. Specialized methods for fire-damage assessment and mitigation are being used to assess and mitigate fire damage, ensuring the safety and longevity of preserved portions.

In addition to preservation efforts, the project navigates complex zoning and building code requirements, integrating modern life safety systems, accessibility improvements, and updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems while maintaining the building’s historic character. Future reconstruction and reconnection of the church have been strategically planned, allowing for seamless integration with the restored facility as phased development progresses. Given the complexity of working on a partially damaged structure alongside an active community facility, a multi-stage construction approach has been implemented to minimize disruptions and ensure efficient coordination across all trades. This project represents a delicate balance between preservation and modernization, safeguarding the legacy of Middle Collegiate Church while creating a revitalized space that serves the community’s evolving needs.