On the market for $168K, this circa-1928 church is the perfect blank slate

Maybe it’s their soaring ceilings. Their open floor plans. Their ample natural light, tinted by stained-glass windows. For whatever reason, renovated churches appeal to lots of homebuyers in search of unique, historic residences. This 90-year-old church in Fontainebleau offers buyers the opportunity to make that dream a reality—relatively affordably. Its asking price has dropped from $239,000 to $168,000, and although the building needs a total renovation, it may be eligible for state and federal tax credits that would foot 40 percent of the bill.

Accessed by a brick entry with custom tile work and a plaque, the sanctuary occupies the entire first floor. Two half-bathrooms flank the former narthex. Several renderings illustrate the sanctuary’s potential to become an artists’ studio or coworking space.

The second floor houses two long, narrow apartments. The units mirror each other in a double shotgun-type configuration. Each 1,000-square-foot unit has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a sunroom. Original elements, including built-in shelving, brick fireplaces, and clawfoot tubs, are present throughout.

We’re not going to lie: the abandoned church does look rather spooky in its current state. But like its former congregants, the building is good at heart. It’s less than a mile from Robert’s Fresh Market, Rock ’n’ Bowl and Xavier University. Listing agent Chris Smith has also created a video tour of the space.

Via: Chris Smith of Gardner Realtors