Houses of worship have always been incredibly important to the feel of a neighborhood– they serve as community centers, architectural landmarks, and historic hubs. Often iconic structures, churches can contribute to blight when they’re dormant but can also generate traffic and improve perceptions of safety and vibrancy when they’re active and well-maintained– synagogues and mosques included. Healthy houses of worship are a sign of strength in the region’s commercial real estate industry and a positive indicator of neighborhood stability. Increasingly, community members across the Greater Boston Area are reviving derelict structures, indicating a healthy market and strong local economy. Similar patterns have been observed across the world as more and more people have come to recognize the historic and architectural importance of these definitive neighborhood structures.
Trinity Church, Boston
Sometimes, individuals have to take matters into their own hands and revitalize former houses of worship on their own time. We have witnessed a growing trend in recent times, with people converting former houses of worship into single-family homes. Do you think living in a centuries-old home with high, vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass windows may appeal to you? Take a look at some of our favorite examples and decide for yourself!
In London, a late-1800s brick church was converted into a single-family home. The church's roof structure was left exposed, while and a mezzanine was inserted into the building to take advantage of the high ceilings.
In Melbourne, Australia, architects converted an 1892 wood frame church into a single-family home and inserted a second-floor mezzanine that opens to the main level below. The architects selected wood stair treads and railings that echo the wood decking and trusses of the roof, but with a modern twist.
Last but not least, this brick church in Chicago was transformed into a single-family home. Arched stained-glass windows were maintained, and some panels were swapped out for clear glass.