What is the next life for the graceful granite building on the northside of our campus, formerly used as a home for our minister? If you would like to be part of the discussion, contact us here.
South’s session formed a Manse Use Committee in February 2025 to creatively consider this exciting and important question. The Committee met in the Manse – once. In March, a compromised sink faucet on the second floor of the Manse caused a substantial flood. The building has been closed since, due to lead and mold remediation and building repair.
Guided by Committee Chair George Epstein, the Committee agreed that the building should be mixed use, allowing some access for South’s events, and that the use must align with South’s mission, vision and values.
The committee presented the result of their four-month inquiry to Session at the end of May. Ideas included affordable housing, a café on the bottom floor, office and administrative use on the second floor, and a healing and wellness center.
The creative envisioning continues with the Manse Use Committee | Phase 2. Its charge is to research, engage stakeholders and (1) present a specific, fiscally sustainable option regarding the future of the Manse (understanding that South Church wishes to maintain ownership of the building and property), and (2) determine an actionable path forward for short-term rental use.
Session members Lenore Person and Tristan Gravenor will be the Co-Chairs. If you would like to be part of the discussion, contact them here.
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Thank you to the Manse Use Committee | Phase 1 of church members George Epstein, Laura Giannone, Katy Gravenor and Tristan Gravenor; church elders Kay McCoy and Lenore Person. Pastor Margery Rossi. Community members Melanie Dobbs, a local realtor and former president of the Dobbs Ferry Chamber of Commerce; Janet Donat, long-time community educator and advocate for individuals and families impacted by justice involvement; Emily Higgins, president of Ensemble Companio chamber choir; Robin Larkins, South Church administrator and director of SPRING Community Partners; and Malcolm MacDougal, a sculptor and Days of Wonder parent.