Church of the Ascension sells some space to condo developer

Condos and churches will co-exist in at least one corner of Brooklyn: Greenpoint’s Church of the Ascension at 122 Java Streethas agreed to sell the top two floors of its parish hall too a developer, who is slated to turn the space into apartments. It is unknown how soon construction will begin.

According to Reverend John Merz, the deal provides the funds to preserve and maintain the historic 156-year-old church without giving up its history and community space — which is frequently used for community meetings and, during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, even a temporary headquarters for Occupy Sandy volunteers.

Merz said that the size of the congregation, as well as its donations, has steadily shrunk in the last decade, so this “partnership” will “ensure financial stability for the church.”