A Stanford developer is transforming the property into an apartment complex while preserving the historic church.
The history of Stanford First Congregational Church dates back to the 1600s. The current church building was built in 1913. The congregation has moved many times over the years.
Due to mounting debt, the church was sold for $5 million a few years ago to Copperline Partners, who have bigger things in mind.
“We’re talking about 224 units,” said Rick Redniss, a consultant at Copperline Partners.
The developer plans to keep the church building, which is currently vacant, while building 224 apartments behind the church.
“It’s been a whole process that spans decades. How do we protect and reuse these buildings, or how do we monetize the surrounding land so that the church can stay there and afford to maintain it?” Will you?” said Mr. Redniss.
According to the Stanford Historical Society, the First Congregational Church is the center of Stanford life and once housed both a church and a town meeting.
The developer has said that the exterior of the church building will remain the same, but the interior of the church will have an amenity space for residents.
The congregation has since moved nearby. The Zoning Commission should give final approval within the next month.
Copperline Partners owns approximately 1,000 apartments in Stamford.