EAST VILLAGE — Town & Village Synagogue is outgrowing its current home and looking for a buyer to help it expand.
The synagogue's longtime space at 334. E. 14th St., between First and Second avenues, is too small for Town & Village's growing congregation, and the layout is inconvenient, according to a press release by Massey Knakal, the broker representing the synagogue.
“They would like to redevelop their current space or find a new modern space to permit their congregation to grow, and is easily accessible for their services and education programs,” the release said.
In addition to being too small for the High Holy Days and other special events, the synagogue's current space is difficult to use because the sanctuary is located on the second floor, which makes it hard for elderly members to access, although a chair lift is available, according to the release.
“It can sometimes take many minutes for T&V’s elderly and disabled members to enter or exit the space,” the release said.
The synagogue hopes to either sell its property and move to a bigger space in the East Village, or do a partial sale or joint venture that would allow it to expand its current space, the release said.
In a new space, Town & Village would need at least a 10,000-square-foot footprint and a ground-floor presence.
The synagogue’s current space, which is also home to its Hebrew school, spans about 11,300 square feet and consists of a social hall on the ground floor, as well as a sanctuary, offices and classrooms on the second floor.
“It’s our hope that by going out to market and making our client's needs known that a buyer may bring a suitable redevelopment proposal or replacement space to the table. A trade towards the purchase of 334 E. 14 St. would be the ultimate solution,” Massey Knakal broker James Nelson said in a statement.
Officials at the synagogue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
