The Massachusetts Building Code Appeals Board is rejecting a request by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield to have the Mater Dolorosa church in Holyoke demolished.
The diocese had argued that the 116-year-old church is structurally unsound, but the board disagreed in its ruling issued last month, criticizing church the diocese for not wanting to pay for maintenance and upkeep.
Holyoke's historical commission had previously issued a stay of demolition to work with the diocese to find alternative solutions.
Officials representing the diocese and the city said on Wednesday they are planning the next steps.