CHURCH CONVERSIONS

A piece of history

Imagine owning a piece of history.

You're living in a home with high ceilings, in wide open spaces, with stained glass windows and timeless architectural features. Church conversions offer home buyers a unique experience. Realize this, you're moving into a sacred place that stood the test of time. A sanctuary that hosted life's important moments, happy or sad - weddings, baptisms and funerals.

The most stunning conversions include elements like exposed brick, a fireplace to add coziness. There's an extensive list of other elements. The use of brick arches, wood beams, columns and ceiling frescoes. These properties make great homes, secondary homes or rental homes !

A modern trend

A renovated church transformation most likely will have elevated ceilings that go up about 30 feet. The original frame can be kept or modified with more modern construction materials, like steel. The large windows allow the space to get natural lighting. The layout is a blank canvas, where you decide what you want, a spacious entrance, kitchen, main living room and bedrooms.

Major cities across the province of Quebec are seeing this. Historic churches deteriorating converted into residential homes in cities or cottages in rural areas. This type of renovation project is like discovering a treasure. It's finding out about the history of the church, the year of construction and the parishioners. Typical renovations include restoring stained glass windows, turning church pews into custom furniture and sanding. These incredible properties were once home to a community of believers living in the surrounding neighborhood. Some of these churches were owned by Presbyterians, so you may discover a pot of gold somewhere or if you dig deep, who knows ?

See Gardenville United Church in Longueuil, Quebec

Wall paneling, gypsum boards, a steel frame and wood.

Most churches sold become the new home of another church denomination.

Oh, for the love of God !

The church was a place of gathering for people of all age groups, at a time when spirituality was high, biblical education and God were more at the center of the community. The building was a masterpiece, where craftsmanship brought the finest in design and construction.

For about a century now, almost 850 churches have closed, were demolished or sold. The conversion of churches in Montreal - is a report by Lyne Bernier in 2011 where she writes about the 70's. That's when many churches were sacrificed in the interest of urban planning operations, especially in downtown, Montreal. Selling churches today has become a thing, a trend that's on the rise. Even the Wall Street Journal wrote an editorial - Montreal where the churches convert. They covered the story of the Saint-Jude Spa in 2013. But what's interesting and also concerning with this trend is the selling price, let's get into that.

In the real estate market 28 church buildings were sold at a price between $100 000 and 249 999 $ There were 35 units sold between 250 000 and $ 500 000. The price range between 500 000 and 749 999 recorded 21 transactions. 8% of buyers benefited from a sales price at $0 or the symbolic sum of $1. Unbelievable data, yet true.

Churches have great bones. Interior design can turn a space into a modern dream home. Minimalist is not a recommended style. Instead a luxurious decor sets the tone, adding value and giving it the second life it deserves. Natural stone, curvy decor pieces, striking entryways that draw the eye, large tile patterns, lighting effects and a soft color palette. The exterior can be dramatically improved with an outdoor pool, a deck or water feature.

Architectural heritage

The nature of these projects conveys an ecologically forward approach. In Quebec where energy is heavily regulated, there could be an exception. To allow the installation of solar panels for heating in large spaces with irregular window sizes.

Professionals especially the architects are the key here. They work with the voluminous interiors and apply construction techniques. Turning them into unconventional living spaces, well-preserved and built for modern living.