Church sold for $2.3 million for condo project

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire church has sold for $2.3 million as part of a planned development to turn the property into new condominiums.

The Portsmouth Herald reports St. James Church in Portsmouth was sold to The Westerly LLC on April 19. The church will be demolished as part of an agreement to preserve its sacredness.

The developer plans to build condominiums on the 4-acre lot.

A company representative previously said they hope to begin work in the spring.

The Rev. Gary Belliveau says parishioners are happy the church will not be turned into something else. He says the parish will use the funds to redevelop two other churches.

St. James opened in September 1958. Its real estate was earlier assessed for $2.7 million.

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Information from: Portsmouth Herald, http://www.seacoastonline.com