NEW YORK, NY – December 11, 2019 – Denham Wolf Real Estate Services and its client, the Community of the Holy Spirit (the Community), today announced the sale of the Community’s convent at 454 Convent Avenue in Manhattan. The 11,000 square foot property will require little modification to serve the program needs of its new owner, a leading provider of supportive housing and related services in New York City.

Purpose built in 2010, the convent was designed to reflect the values of the Community of the Holy Spirit. The Community’s early focus was elementary school teaching, but its current ministries include education for all ages about sustainable living, spiritual direction, and more. In keeping with the Community’s ministries, the property was designed to include environmentally sensitive features such as two green roofs, a solar hot water heater, a rainwater collection system, and a variety of sustainably-sourced building materials.

“It was always the Community’s hope that this building would act in service to New Yorkers and to the environment for years to come,” said Sister Faith Margaret, who had lived in and served from the convent since its construction. While environmentally sensitive demolitions methods are available, avoiding demolition through adaptive reuse can help to minimize negative environmental impacts. The Sisters’ previous home in Manhattan, also known as St. Hilda’s House, was itself an adaptation of three pre-existing brownstones.

Going forward, the property at 454 Convent Avenue will offer housing and programing for formerly homeless adults with mental illness. Over time, residents are able to gain or regain the skills necessary for achieving healthy, independent lifestyles. ACMH, the property’s buyer, has been committed to the mental and physical wellbeing of vulnerable New Yorkers since 1976.

The Community of the Holy Spirit was represented in the transaction by Paul G. Wolf, Christopher D. Turner, and Maxwell King of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, a real estate services firm that represents and advocates for local nonprofits.

About the Community of the Holy Spirit

Founded in 1952 with a focus on elementary school teaching, the Community of the Holy Spirit continues to inspire a love of learning across age groups. The Community’s current ministries include education about living sustainably, spiritual direction, retreat leadership, learning events, and healing opportunities. In serving the greater New York City region, the Sisters work closely with the Bluestone Farm & Living Arts Center in Brewster and with the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

About Denham Wolf Real Estate Services

An essential resource for New York City’s nonprofit community, Denham Wolf Real Estate Services provides expertise in transactions, development, and project management. Through these integrated services, the firm empowers organizations to take a thoughtful, mission-first approach to real estate. Denham Wolf has partnered with hundreds of diverse nonprofit organizations since its founding in 1998, shaping millions of square feet across New York City.