Though St. Ann’s Church at 122 East 12th Street was once among the wealthiest congregations in the city in the late 19th century, it is now merely a hollow facade.
Due to changing demographics, the once thriving church was forced to close and was bought by a building developer in 2005. Though many petitioned for it to be landmarked, their efforts went unnoticed. It was soon announced that the site would home the new New York University dormitory buildings, much to the community’s distaste. To make room for the new dorm complex, the entire church–expect for the facade–was demolished. What remains today is a wall of stone and a mock steeple dating back to the 1840s.
According to the AIA Guide to New York City, the attempt to preserve the structure was futile. “No connection is made, or even attempted, between the old church and the 26-story hulk,” it said. “The effect is of a majestic elk, shot and stuffed.”
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