The St. Ann church site on St. Stephen Street was purchased by Northeastern in May, nine months after the Roman Catholic parish held its final Mass.

For the next three to five years, the former university parish, which served students and community members for twenty-five years, will be used as a meeting space. A long-term use for the property will be developed by next fall, when the university is scheduled to unveil a new master plan.

St. Ann's was one of roughly seventy churches across the state closed by the Boston Archdiocese. The Fenway Community Development Corporation had also vied to buy it, in the hopes of converting it into mixed-income housing. The group has been vocal about its displeasure over Northeastern's winning the bid.

In the wake of St. Ann's closing, former parishioners have been encouraged to worship at the St. Cecilia parish, located near the Hynes Convention Center.

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