Blessed Sacrament Church Sold to Hyde Square Task Force

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Hyde Square Task Force

Chris Helms

Hyde Square Task Force

Hyde Square Task Force

Chris Helms

Hyde Square Task Force

Blessed Sacrament church, long the hub of life for Hyde Square, won't be turned into condos after all.

On Friday, the youth development nonprofit Hyde Square Task Force closed on the property.

“Purchasing the church building ensures that it will once again play a key role in the lives of residents and contribute to our culturally rich and vibrant community,” said Claudio Martinez, executive director of the Hyde Square Task Force, in a press release. “This architectural icon, which has been a significant part of Jamaica Plain's history, will come back to life when people gather to enjoy cultural and civic events and activities.”

Jamaica Plain News has asked the terms of the sale. We'll add that information as soon as we get it.

The future of the church has been a contentious issue. Back in 2005, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation and New Atlantic Development Corporation bought the entire 3.2 acre campus from the Archdiocese. Since then, various parts of the site have been re-developed. The site includes 83 new homes for low-income families and the formerly homeless, new retail space including Sanctuary restaurant and and 19 market-rate apartments.

At one point, there was a proposal to make the church itself into condos. But after push-back from some members of the community, that plan foundered.

Hyde Square Task Force already has a strong presence in the immediate area. The group's main offices are at 375 Centre St. and they operate the Cheverus Building around the corner as a lively youth development center with music, dance and other classes.

The sale had been announced back in summer of 2013, but there was a long delay between signing of the purchase-and-sale and the closing, which took place Friday.

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