Long-neglected, landmarked Fort Greene church will get revamped

The Fort Greene church that once housed the Paul Robeson Theatre is finally getting a new lease on life. After years of decay, the 153-year-old Romanesque Revival structure at 40 Greene Avenue will be renovated, with Landmarks Preservation Commission approval, by architecture firm DXA studio.

The building, formerly used as a Roman Catholic church, was named a landmark in 2011, and had served as the Paul Robeson Theatre since the 1980s. But it hasn’t been in regular use for several years and had fallen into disrepair.

Back in 2015, the church was looking for someone to lease the building for $18,000/month after its owner allegedly couldn't afford to maintain the building. Now, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports that its next tenant could be a community theater and that owners are “speaking to a number of prospective tenants.”

As part of its revamp, the church will see its stained glass windows restored along with a restored facade and new doors, all while ensuring that the building remains a community facility.

Rendering by DXA studio via the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

• Landmarks Preservation Commission okays renovation of shuttered Paul Robeson Theatre [Brooklyn Daily Eagle]
• Crumbling 150-Year-Old Brooklyn Church Seeks Artsy Renters [Curbed]