Image courtesy of The Hyde Square Task Force.

A community group in Jamaica Plain has called for developers to submit redevelopment proposals for a deteriorating, iconic former church it owns.

The iconic Blessed Sacrament Church in Hyde Square was closed by the Archdiocese of Boston in 2004. Since then, the grand, Italian baroque revival structure has steadily fallen apart thanks to the removal of stained glass windows and other religious iconography that left the building less than weather-tight, according to the RFP issued by The Hyde Square Task Force.

HSTF purchased the landmark Blessed Sacrament Church in 2014. Studies and records indicate that the property has been in disrepair since as far back as 1991 and data gathered by the organization have developed a cost estimate of approximately $20 million to restore the structural integrity of the building, and another $4 to $5 million to make the building operational as a community space.

The RFP asks prospective developers to consider restoring aspects of the landmark and include a 250-seat community performance space in their proposals to reuse the structure. Ideas that include affordable housing will be given preference, the RFP states.

““While we appreciate the value of this prominent ‘JP’ locale, we fully understand the challenges ahead in addressing the physical and financial redevelopment of the site,” the group said in a statement. “As such, we welcome proposals from competent and enthusiastic developers and look forward to selecting the best team members to support this vital community project.”

The task force expects to receive proposals by Aug. 16. The full RFP can be found at hydesquare.org.