In 1914, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons, began construction of what would become a beautiful, dignified home for one of its local congregations. The Provo, Utah, edifice took 10 years to build, including a four-year construction hiatus during World War I, presumably because of a shortage of construction materials or, perhaps, manpower. Construction cost was $45,000.
The handsome structure earned the affection of its congregation for nearly 60 years. But the need for additional classrooms and other functional considerations dictated that the congregation build and move into a newer building. The church then sold the older structure.
After a decade of private owners’ attempts to make the building function as office space, then a private school, a third owner turned it into a wedding-reception center. That use seemed to suit the personality and layout of the building. It successfully hosted receptions for nearly 25 years until its owners grew weary of the reception business and posted a small red and white “For Sale By Owner” sign on the front lawn.
When I first saw that sign, it almost startled me. I’d seen and admired the old church hundreds of times. But the concept that it would ever be for sale had never crossed my mind. I pulled over, stared at the building, and a vision of what I thought ought to be done with it came together in about 15 seconds.
It was obvious—in my mind, anyway. Restore the exterior to as pristine condition as possible and create some unusual, high-end living space inside. I imagined fun, funky, creative space you’d never expect to find in our community. I wanted to build single-bedroom space, specifically designed for working professionals. Important to that concept is the fact that Utah’s business climate is booming, particularly in technology, driving growth in our community.
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My primary career has been in the advertising-agency business. I’m really not a real-estate guy. I have some entrepreneurial instincts, enjoy real estate and developed a complex of 63 upscale apartments about 20 years ago. (Some take exception to the claim that I’m not a real-estate guy.) That entrepreneurial spirit kicked in again as I looked at the 12,000-square-foot, 3-story church. I was hooked.
The owner, however, was not quite as anxious to sell as the For Sale sign implied. Persistence won, however, and a year later, I owned a church. I didn’t steal it, but I didn’t overpay, either. I found myself, once again, in the position of “hobby job” owner/developer.
Inspections by multiple structural engineers concluded the Utah craftsmen who built churches 100 years ago knew how to do it right. The structure was deemed amazingly sound.
PHOTOS: N. Gregory Soter