West Philly Church to be Converted into 20 Apartments

St. Petri Evangelical German Lutheran Church
St. Petri Evangelical German Lutheran Church

St. Petri Evangelical German Lutheran Church, also known as St. Pete’s, is located at 838 1⁄2 N. 42nd St. in the Belmont neighborhood of West Philadelphia and was designated to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2013. The original, small structure that fronts Parish Street was built in 1872. The larger church structure was built between 1895 and 1906.

The complex was still being used for worship until recently, but sold earlier this year for $375,000. From the real estate listing photos, it does not look like the interior of the main building was in good shape. However, it seems like this building is going to get a complete overhaul in the near future.

St. Petri Evangelical German Lutheran Church
The interior of the church
St. Petri Evangelical German Lutheran Church
The interior of the church

Zoning permits were issued today to convert the church into 20 apartment units. The project also entails adding a 2-story addition on the rear of the property with a roof deck. We assume the rear of the property is the original structure along Parish Street.

Although this project is by-right due to the property’s RM-1 zoning, the development team should have to appear before the Historical Commission’s Architectural Review Committee before proceeding with construction since the church is historically designated.

We’re happy to hear that someone is interested in investing in a beautiful piece of Philadelphia’s architectural history and can’t wait to see the building reactivated. It’s also great to see some residential density planned just off of the Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor and trolley line.

How do you feel about this project? Would you like to live in an old church?

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