Church For Sale - Possible Multi-family??
I just found a chruch on a large lot. It's been on the market a while, so the owners must be getting serious.
The church doesn't really look like a church from the outside - more like a big rectangular building with a flat top. It is two story, and has no steeples.
I looked up the zoning, and the property profile says R-3 - multiple restricted. I will be sure to call the town's building department tomorrow and see if I can make the R-3 part of this designation stick, and also call the listing agent to see if the current owners would be amenable to having a private party buy it instead of another church group.
The town's own website loudly proclaims that it is in desperate need of multiple family dwellings.
So here's my question - has anyone in this forum ever heard of turning a church into a multi-family? Are there any particular issues I need to know about??
Cautions, concerns, go-getm's??
Thanks for your help.
MarleneM 
I have heard of changing a church into an
office complex.
You need to check with the city for zoning
requirements etc... Why dont you buy it and lease it out to another church?
Best Riches,
Jeff Adam
[addsig]
I have seen several churches in my area successfully converted to loft apartments with a live/work environment. I have also seen them house art studios. AND ALSO, I have seen them house banquet halls and nightclubs!!! There are numerous possibilities, just use your imagination and see what the property can accomodate! Good Luck.
Marlene,
About 30 years ago I attended a forclosure sale in the valley and watched the bank take over a Church. Yes it had a steeple, cross the whole thing. Small little minority church.
The following week I went into a Denny type restaurant and there was the REO officer of the bank. Long and the short I bought the church for some really low amount of money. I checked the zoning it was in an R-3 zone which in those days meant multiple dwellings and some parking requirements.
I gave it an awful lot of thought about five minutes and we converted it into a single family house with guest quarters and super parking. Really pretty, in Van Nuys two blocks from the main drag which as you know is called, Van Nuys Blvd.
We sold it prior to completion, the selling point actualy was the large loft area which became a studio for a Graphic Artist whose family had money. I think his son still owns the building. They took the big plus sign off the roof. I think they were Jewish non orthodox but still calling for Barabas.
It was profitable. We recaptured all expenses and downpayment plus a little more and the big profit was in the very large second we took back as an accomodation. It worked well.
Watch the price, check the zoning and the Building Department to see if the
Certificate of Use change is a problem. It was no problem out here.
Cheers Lucius
Where I went to college there is a post office that was once a church. Tim
Hey! These are great answers (I love YES) and ideas. I particularly like the idea of a large single family, with guest accomodations and ample parking. This place is so big (5600+ sq feet) that making several garages out of one whole side would be a natural.
But the question is, can I realistically get a higher price as a single than as a triplex? Yes, some properties in the neighborhood are toping the 1,000,000 mark, but they are older, Victorian or Craftsman duplexes.
All other ideas welcomed!
Thank you,
MarleneM
Lucious......I'm still dying laughing!
". I think they were Jewish non orthodox but still calling for Barabas. "
I'm christian, been to Israel, love the jews and the palestinians both, but I still think that's a hilarious way to put it. ....ah
Have you considered a reception hall for weddings? How about a mortuary? Not sure what your town is like, but could it be an inn or a bed and breakfast? Dance Studio and Gymnastics Center?
If the asking price is right the possibilities are endless. I've seen churches turned into restaraunts, inns, houses, multiplexes, etc...The easiest route is to follow the city and their zoning because they'll like the "church" entering the tax base because as you know churches/synagogues/mosques don't pay real estate taxes. Use the fact that the city will be gaining a tax body and they should be more than willing to listen to you in your zoning needs.
Good luck...
PD
P.S. What are they asking? Have you run any numbers yet?
"The Barabas Project: : We walked free because He walked to the Cross!
Sounds like a neat project to me!
their is a really nice restaurant in houston called marks located in a former church building.
There is a really nice building on the strip in LV, all green glass (the owner is probably vegetarian) and the same is looking like a plus from the helicopter I flew over several days ago. Ovner put on the front and on the back his monogram (MGM)so it looks like a big glass warehouse. I am bot sure what the hell is that building anyway? BTW, before I forgot, I heard it has the problem with the windows. They cannot open so, can we call it a rehab and ask for discount It looks to me that it could also be converted into nice large 4-plex or SFR with the few to many garages.
Al ideas are welcome. I need the answer fast.
The Church was sold a few weeks ago, but the agent hasn't bothered to take down the sign. Dand - he got me dreaming for nothing.
It was fun to hear all your creative ideas. I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for another such opportunity. Drop me a private line if you hear of any Chruches becoming available!
Thanks again,
MarleneM
For years I have wanted to buy, convert and live in a Church. I am pretty particular about the looks of the building though. And it would be just too cool if I could find one on the water somewhere. Somewhere warm preferably.
If you give us the address I am sure you can watch all the different investors on here doing something great with it...on the other hand you can BUY IT and do it yourself