PLAINVILLE — A long-standing house of worship in Plainville has officially changed hands, marking the end of an era for the local congregation and raising the possibility of new housing in its place.

Grace Lutheran Church Inc., which has occupied 222 Farmington Ave. for more than six decades, sold the 6,692-square-foot church building along with an adjacent residential lot for $600,000, according to a press release from O, R & L Commercial, the firm that represented the seller.

The buyer, 222 Farm Ave, LLC, has indicated that the property could be cleared for housing, since it is zoned for both single-family and multifamily residential development. While demolition of the church has not yet been scheduled, the company is weighing redevelopment options.

State business records show that Robert Rossetti and James Manafort of Wethersfield are the principals of the purchasing entity. Neither Rossetti nor representatives of Grace Lutheran Church responded to media requests for comment.

For now, no official project plans have been filed. Plainville Town Planner Evan Breining confirmed that “there are no site plan applications for a specific project filed at this time but could be coming in the near future.”

Local officials say they are prepared to collaborate with the new owners once redevelopment concepts are brought forward. Plainville Economic Development Coordinator Cal Hauburger emphasized the town’s openness to the next stage of the site’s life:

“The town cherished Grace Lutheran being a part of Plainville's community providing support and respite for citizens and visitors alike for decades. All are welcome and can visit their new congregation in Bristol and the town wishes them and their supporters all the luck in their new location moving forward.”

The church has deep roots in the community, first opening its doors in 1959. Over time, declining membership led Grace Lutheran to close and merge its congregation with Saint Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, both located in Bristol. The combined congregation is now known as Faith Lutheran Church of Bristol, located at 1125 Stafford Ave.

The sale comes at a time when demand for housing continues to grow across Connecticut, especially in towns like Plainville that are balancing historic preservation with the need for new residential opportunities. Nearby communities have seen similar redevelopment trends, including in Port Chester, N.Y., where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church was recently demolished to make way for a 100-unit apartment complex.

While some residents may feel the loss of a spiritual landmark, others see potential for much-needed housing in an evolving community. As redevelopment plans take shape, Plainville leaders and residents will be watching closely to see how the property at 222 Farmington Avenue transforms in the years ahead.

Originally reported by Ciara Hooks in Greenwich Time.