High-end condo construction to begin at site of former South End church
Construction of the Lucas condos, at the site of the former Holy Trinity German Church in the South End, begins in September.
A construction date has been set for a soaring eight-story development that will create 33 condos unlike any others in South Boston.
Described by The Boston Globe as “an eye-popping mix of classic and contemporary architecture,’’ the site of the former Holy Trinity German Church in the South End will be remodeled into a boutique condo building featuring a gym, garage parking, library, and direct elevator access for most units. Construction begins in September, and is expected to take about a year.
South-end based developer New Boston Ventures collaborated with architect James Alexander of Finegold Alexander + Associates to maintain much of the church’s historic detail, with five stories of glass and steel rising from the original puddingstone and granite base. The duo has worked together previously to remodel a crumbling granite jail in Salem into luxury apartments.
“We are selling a very high-end product in a very boutique environment,’’ said Ricardo Rodriguez, a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker. Three floors of condos will be housed within the church, featuring windows and arches from the original structure. “It’s a beautiful structure. It’s very different for Boston.’’
The homes will range from one to four bedrooms, and are priced from the mid $600,000s up to $4 million, Rodriguez said. Two penthouse units have already sold.
Rodriguez said they’re still deciding on an intelligent home systems partner, so that residents can control things like temperature and sound systems from their smartphones.
“The homes will most likely come with an iPad that controls everything,’’ Rodriguez said. “We want people to come in and turn on the music while they’re unpacking. We want this space to be an experience for the buyer.’’
Not every one is thrilled with the unique $47 million project at 136 Shawmut Avenue, however.
In 2004, a group of parishioners fought the church’s closure, but by 2008, the Archdiocese of Boston’s decision was final, citing low attendance and millions in estimated capital needs at the parish dedicated to those of German descent. The church housed Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a program for at-risk youth, and the Cardinal Medeiros Center for the homeless.
The site was bought for $7 million by New Boston Ventures.
Christine M. Quagan, a member of the Committee to Preserve Holy Trinity Parish, told the Globe she was the only person who spoke out against the condo plan at a community meeting held by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, saying the condos “kind of ripped the soul out of the city of Boston.’’
Rodriguez said he’s seen nothing but support from the community. “When the BRA did their community meeting, they said they had never seen so much community support for one project,’’ he said. “People always have opinions about projects, but in general, it’s been very, very positive.’’
Castles that used to be private homes:
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