Cool Conversion: A Landmark Church Turns Tony Townhouse Development

The Sanctuary has to take the title for the city's most uplifting dwelling design.

Not only is the newly completed townhouse development on Capitol Hill a sterling example of adaptive re-use of a landmark building, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, originally built in 1906 and sold to developers in 2006, but when cash fell short and construction stalled in 2010, it rebounded by securing a new lender. No easy feat in the midst of an epic real-estate slide (Divine intervention?)

Plus, The Sanctuary literally soars. The heart of the building remains the breathtaking century-old stained-glass dome hanging high over a grand new atrium designed by Seattle's Robin Chell Design, and each of the 12 town homes boasts 30-foot-high ceilings, with some homes rising six levels culminating in a rooftop terrace and inspiring views. The units, ranging from 1,600 to 3,000-plus-square-feet, showcase a chic mix of Revival-style architectural details—gorgeous Corinthian columns and cornices—and mod elements—polished concrete floors, artisan metalwork, including industrial-style spiral staircases, and high-end appliances.

Although the project strictly adhered to Landmark Preservation rules, a few special design tweaks were permitted, such as turning some of the church's glowing stained glass into large work-of-art sliding window panels. Another appealing bit of re-use: hardwood stair treads repurposed from old church pews.

"It was  a big vision, 100 years in the making, that took six years to realize," says Dean Jones, principal of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty. "But it's the most distinctive residential development in the marketplace." He adds, given our current economic climate, it's bound to be the last of the city's new multifamily projects available for some time to come. 

So, what will a portion of heavenly design set you back? Prices range from the low $500,000s to $1.1 million. (Reportedly, this is a whopping 45 percent below original list pricing.) Apparently, not dissuasive. Jones says that just in its first public viewing last weekend, more than 500 tours were given and reservations on half the homes were taken—all before the grand sales opening this weekend.

Public viewings are available this weekend. For more information, call 206.595.0983, e-mail Chris.Rossman@SothebysRealty.com or visit LiveatSancutary.com. Meanwhile, you can take a virtual tour by clicking here: King 5 News.