St. Mary’s Episcopal Church has dropped plans to demolish its historic rectory and replace it with a new sanctuary, but it will press forward with plans for a new parish hall.

The church’s architect presented the revised plans to the Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County last Wednesday. The commission had expressed serious concerns about the more extensive plans at its January meeting.

However, commission members were more receptive to the updated plans, which call for a 9,425-square foot, two-level parish hall that is moved back 15 feet farther on the property, and is 6 feet lower than the original plan.

The church’s pastor, Brent Norris, said the changes are needed to make more parish-hall space and to ensure that the facility can be handicapped-accessible.