In Jefferson Chalmers, this Gothic Revival church and grounds could be yours for $1.75M

In recent years, as congregations have dwindled, churches have been adapted to become breweries, offices, lofts, and more. One Detroit church that just hit the market is prepped for a potential commercial owner with a creative idea.

The Saint Columba Church and Parish buildings on East Jefferson in Jefferson Chalmers, along with five adjacent empty lots, are now listed through James Tumey Friedman Urban for $1.75 million.

Construction finished on the beautiful Gothic Revival buildings designed by Lancelot Sukert in the 1920s. They were bought by Fox Creek Partners in the 2010s from the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan with plans to redevelop the buildings. While those never fully came to fruition, the developer did stabilize the buildings, in particular the parish, by white boxing the first floor for a storefront, restoring the windows and masonry, conducting asbestos abatement, and installing a new boiler.

The brick and stone parish is over 21,000 square feet spread over three stories and a finished basement. The third floor has a gymnasium with lockers, showers, and large kitchen that could be used for banquets or other events.

The church is over 11,000 square feet. And while some of the stucco is stained and falling off exposing the brick underneath, the nave is still impressive. Fox Creek Partners also developed preliminary designs for a restaurant in the church, and floor plans are included in the marketing brochure.