West Angeles Church of God in Christ in the Crenshaw District announced Oct. 2, that it has sold some of its property so it can be used to beautify and revitalize the area, while ensuring “nuisance businesses” will be prohibited on the land.
According to the church, it sold off property including its administrative offices, church annex and theater. Financial details were not released, but church officials said the sale will enable it to build a Family Life Center, while also paying off the mortgage on its cathedral, with enough left over to establish a financial reserve.
“Paying off the cathedral’s mortgage ensures that the Crenshaw Corridor will forever have a house of worship that cares about its community,” Bishop Charles E. Blake said in a statement. “I am thankful to God that West Angeles Church of God in Christ can play such an important part in the future development and beautification of the South Los Angeles community.”
The sale of the church’s property included restrictions on its future use to prevent “nuisance” businesses from ever being located on it — “including, but not limited to bars, cannabis businesses and strip clubs.” The deal was also structured to close in phases to allow the church to continue occupying its North Campus facilities while the Family Life Center
is being built, officials said. The center is expected to be home to the church’s offices and educational facilities.
