New London housing project breaks ground at site of church collapse
More than two years after the collapse of a historic downtown church stunned the city, construction is beginning on a new development that will bring housing and retail spaces to the site.
Officials, community members, and members of the First Congregational Church gathered Tuesday for a groundbreaking ceremony at the former church property next to City Hall.
“I heard a noise, and I ran out onto State Street to an ominous dust cloud and the sound of boulders tumbling,” said Julie Savin, CEO of Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities, or ECHO.
The nonprofit developer is leading the approximately $26 million project, which will include 46 apartments and retail space on the ground floor.
Among the housing units planned are nine apartments designated for people with intellectual disabilities. The development will feature a mix of income levels, according to project officials.
The groundbreaking ceremony included members of the church congregation, who reflected on the site’s history and future.
“We pray that this sacred ground nourishes new life for those who will call this home in the years to come. Amen,” a church member said.
Developers said reaching the construction phase required years of planning following the collapse.
“I am feeling so excited. The energy is palpable. It is exciting that we’re going to be rebuilding out of a place where something so tragic happened,” Savin said.
Project leaders also plan to preserve parts of the church’s legacy. About 20 tons of granite salvaged from the historic structure will be incorporated into the new building.
Mayor Michael Passero said the development will help meet a critical housing need while honoring the role the church played in the community for generations.
“Nothing could replace the historic church, right? And really for all of us involved that day and the moment of the collapse is so shocking and so quick. You know, you don’t get over that,” Passero said. “But this is us moving forward with I couldn’t think of a better project to replace that historic structure. This is going to serve people like that church, that congregation served the people in the city for 150 years.”
Construction is expected to take about 17 months. Applications for the apartments are expected to open several months before the project is completed.
Following the collapse, the Engaging Heaven Ministries, which owned the church, moved its services to the Second Congregational Church on Broad Street.
That property later faced its own challenges when city officials condemned the structure over safety concerns, forcing the congregation to relocate again.
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