A historic former church in Buffalo, New York, is entering a new chapter after being acquired by a group connected with the local Muslim community. The property is the former St. Ann Church and Shrine, a landmark structure completed in 1886.
The church had stood largely unused after its religious operations ended. Its new owners have plans to redevelop the site as an Islamic center that includes a mosque, creating space for worship and community activities.
St. Ann Church was built in the late 19th century and became an important religious site in Buffalo. The property was sold by the Diocese of Buffalo in 2022 for $250,000 to Buffalo Crescent Holdings Inc., which is affiliated with the redevelopment effort.
The planned Islamic center would provide a place for Muslims to pray, gather and take part in community activities. The project comes as Buffalo, like many American cities, continues to experience changes in its religious and demographic landscape.
The idea is not simply about changing the function of an old building.
The Buffalo project offers an example of adaptive reuse, where an existing building is given a new function instead of being abandoned or replaced. For the Muslim community, the planned center could provide a dedicated space for worship, education and social activities.
The redevelopment has also faced challenges. Parts of the former St. Ann complex were damaged by fires in 2026, adding another layer of difficulty to plans for the property.
A historic former church in Buffalo, New York, is entering a new chapter after being acquired by a group connected with the local Muslim community.
A historic former church in Buffalo, New York, is entering a new chapter after being acquired by a group connected with the local Muslim community. The property is the former St. Ann Church and Shrine, a landmark structure completed in 1886.
The church had stood largely unused after its religious operations ended. Its new owners have plans to redevelop the site as an Islamic center that includes a mosque, creating space for worship and community activities.
St. Ann Church was built in the late 19th century and became an important religious site in Buffalo. The property was sold by the Diocese of Buffalo in 2022 for $250,000 to Buffalo Crescent Holdings Inc., which is affiliated with the redevelopment effort.
The planned Islamic center would provide a place for Muslims to pray, gather and take part in community activities. The project comes as Buffalo, like many American cities, continues to experience changes in its religious and demographic landscape.
The idea is not simply about changing the function of an old building.
The Buffalo project offers an example of adaptive reuse, where an existing building is given a new function instead of being abandoned or replaced. For the Muslim community, the planned center could provide a dedicated space for worship, education and social activities.
The redevelopment has also faced challenges. Parts of the former St. Ann complex were damaged by fires in 2026, adding another layer of difficulty to plans for the property.
