Built between 1867 and 1869 as the Universalist Church and housing the United Methodist Church for much of the 20th century, the church building at 448 Warren Street was the subject today of a Facebook post by The Hudson Valley Explorer, who speculates of the building, "It might just be one big birdhouse at this point."
The building is owned by a limited liability corporation called Otera. Many of us know the human behind that LLC is the artist David Hammons. The building was purchased in March 2014, and, in September 2014, what was described as a "complete and accurate restoration" of the building commenced. The brick was repointed by an award-winning masonry contractor who had also done work at Olana. Brownstone needed for repairs was imported from England because it was most like the brownstone available in this country in the 1860s. The restoration was promised to be "absolutely in kind."
The last work done on the building happened in 2016, when the missing steeple, which had been purposely removed in 1971 out of concern about liability should the steeple topple in a storm, as others in the city had, was replaced with a simple cap.
For the past ten years, the building was been abandoned and neglected. Currently, $359,763.89 is owed in back taxes and penalties. The building is on the delinquent tax list and scheduled for foreclosure.
COPYRIGHT 2026 CAROLE OSTERINK
The City owes itself $200k for 98 Paddock? What’s that about?
ReplyDeleteYou're clearly coming a bit late to this party, Michael B. The City foreclosed on the house in 2017, but the owner declared bankruptcy and then there was the pandemic and god knows what else, so the owner did not vacate the house until late in 2025. So, although the City now owns the house, the back taxes are still owed because the house has not been sold. Last I heard, it was going to be sold in April https://gossipsofrivertown.blogspot.com/2026/02/update-on-those-delinquent-property.html, but it seems that didn't happen.
DeleteHaha, did you just try to shame me for not memorizing every single one of your blog posts? Good grief, lady.
DeleteNo. I was answering your question. Next time I won't bother.
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