Built in 1924, the Deliverance Evangelistic Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places and locally registered with the Historical Preservation Committee of Newark in 2007. Now, after a long history of serving as a house of worship, the recent sale of the building will allow the space’s legacy in education and community service continue with its new owner.

Coldwell Banker Realty on Jan. 3 announced the sale of the property at 621-635 Clinton Ave. along with two adjoining buildings – 826 S. 10th St. and 109 Shanley Ave. – in Newark to People’s Preparatory Charter School for $2.5 million.

Brokers Yvonne Taylor and Eulondia Reese-Turner represented the seller, New Hope Church dba Deliverance Evangelical Center, in the sale. The buyer was represented by Senior Vice President Doug Rowe of Lee & Associates New Jersey.

“As natives of Newark, Eulondia and I find it refreshing to see the city rebuilding commerce. We are elated to be a part of the team that has facilitated the revival of this landmark,” Taylor said in a prepared statement. “People’s Preparatory Charter School will play a huge role in the efforts to restore the beauty of the Clinton-Hill section of Newark while educating its community. I am hopeful for much success for the charter school and the children it will educate.”

Taylor and Reese-Turner, who both grew up in Newark and have longstanding ties to the neighborhood, were approached by Deliverance Evangelistic Center to sell the property.

Originally built to house Temple B’nai Abraham, by the 1940s the Deliverance Evangelistic Center was the largest synagogue building in the state, according to Preservation NJ, with a 2,000-seat sanctuary. Deliverance Evangelical Ministries purchased the former temple in 1972 to serve as its headquarters church after the Jewish congregation relocated out of the city.

The building encompasses 44,676 total interior square feet, including a circular temple sanctuary with prominent Doric columns than can seat 2,500. Highlights of the sanctuary include: stained glass windows, hardwood flooring, original leather seating and cathedral ceilings.

The building also offers a 300-seat auditorium, dining hall, kitchen, administrative office, a school and day care, a one-bedroom living quarters and more, according to Coldwell Banker.

“We are so excited to continue serving Newark’s students and families in our future home at 621 Clinton Ave.,” People’s Preparatory Charter School said in a statement. “When complete, the fully restored and updated facility would not only reflect the deep and rich history of the building and the city, but also the importance of our mission, all while providing our students, families, alumni, and the broader community with a neighborhood centerpiece that will honor past generations and inspire future ones.”

Work is yet to begin on upgrades, but People’s Prep intends to submit plans for approval to the historic society, according to the buyer’s agent.

Based in Madison, Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc.