A Christian Science congregation will partner with condo developer Ogden Properties rather than sell its historic Lincoln Park church.
The Second Church of Christ, Scientist at 2700 North Pine Grove Avenue is planning to add a 26-unit, seven-story luxury condo project that would rise above and be set back from the church, according to Crain’s.
A preservation group previously attempted to turn the Beaux Arts-style church into a cultural center, but the plan did not get enough support from the congregation. Architecture firm Booth Hansen designed the project with plans to bring a new 5,000-square-foot worship space in addition to the condos.
The condo units will be priced between $1 million to $2 million. Mark Ordower, the president of Ogden Partners, said the units could also become rentals depending on the financing options.
The building is unique because despite being constructed in 1901 it does not have landmark status. The city can place landmark status on buildings without owner consent with the exception of buildings owned by religious organizations. So the congregation kept ownership to prevent the city from landmarking the site and making redevelopment plans more difficult.
Groundbreaking is set to begin next spring. [Crain’s] — Keith Larsen