Faithful Cubs fans worship at Wrigley Field. But just down the block is a real church–at least it used to be one.
Two years ago the congregation of the Church of Christ Presbyterian left their facility at 3516 N. Sheffield Ave.
Now a conversion is taking place. The four-story church, built before 1920, is being transformed into 12 condominiums.
The typical church-like facade remains, but behind the brick walls the interior has been gutted and new residential units are being created.
Developer David Dubin admits that it would have been “a lot cheaper to tear down the old church and build everything new.”
But he felt he had a better chance to get rezoning of the property from six to 12 units if the shell of the religious edifice were retained.
“That way it blends in with the neighborhood,” added Dubin, president of Dubin Residential Properties.
Is the prospect of living in an old church a lure for buyers?
“No, it’s the location,” said Michael Kaufman, president of Bear Kaufman Realty Inc., who is marketing the development.
“This is in the heart of Wrigleyville,” emphasized Kaufman. “It’s close to shopping, restaurants, bars and just a block to the `L.’ ” Not to mention the Friendly Confines of the Cubs.
The two-bedroom units, with one to two baths, are priced from $179,900 to $239,900. The monthly assessments range from $102 to $135.
Units have 8 1/2- to 9-foot ceilings, and are equipped with either balconies or decks. Parking–that all-important amenity in this popular neighborhood–is available underneath the structure for $12,000 a space.
No models will be opened, but prospective buyers can wear hardhats and tour the building while it is under construction. The first move-ins are expected in November.