Building Luxury Apartments in Boston’s Oldest Churches

Converting old churches into refurbished apartments and condos is hardly a new practice, but in recent months and years, this trend seems to be taking an even bigger hold on the architects, builders, and developers of Boston, as some of the city’s oldest churches are being transformed from historic landmarks to high-end apartments with the latest gadgets, appliances, and furnishings.

Some people, understandably, are not too pleased—they don’t want to see some of the Boston’s most beautiful landmarks being bought up and sold privately. However, from a design standpoint, we think this trend is pretty compelling—the interiors of these condos and apartments are unlike anything we’ve seen.

Saints Peter & Paul Church in South Boston is one of the most controversial projects to date. Built in 1844, this Gothic Revival Church is one of Boston’s oldest, and formerly one of the most popular and well-attended churches in South Boston. It lay vacant for many years before it was converted into what is now known as 45 West Broadway, the site of 44 luxury apartments and condos with going rates in the hundred thousands. Below, an impressive loft-style apartment in the building.

This beautiful space maintains the original stained glass windows, moldings, and archways. Below, the bedroom is white and bright, and the original chapel details blend gorgeously with the selected decor. 

Photo from paragonproperties.com

Impressively large and intricate moldings separate the loft into a kitchen and living space, giving this apartment unique character and personality that can blend with many different styles of decor. 

Photo from paragonproperties.com

The ceiling retains its original paint and molding design, and truly elevates this apartment into a category all its own in terms of style, character, and architectural design. 

Photo from paragonproperties.com

Another Boston church conversion that's caught our eye is the proposed transformation of the old Holy Trinity German Catholic Church at 136 Shawmut Avenue into condos and a parking garage. The rendering below reflects the current plan, which is to essentially build around and on top of the existing building, creating a unique fusion of old and new.

Rendering of 136 Shawmut Avenue plan by Finegold Alexander Architects

In Beacon Hill, the church of St. John the Evangelist is set to become the new site for a real estate investment firm, as well as a number of condos. The church, which dates back to 1831, is said to have once welcomed visitors such as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and T.S. Eliot, according to Curbed Boston. Below, the church as it stands now. Only time will tell what will become of this and other old churches within the Boston city limits, and in the meantime, what do you think of this increasingly common practice? 

Photo by Chitose Suzuki in the Boston Herald, Curbed Boston