Saving Grace: $5M Church in Washington, DC, Seeks a Heavenly Transformation

The Church of the Holy City in Washington, DC, recently hit the market for $5 million, and an offer was made on the place soon after.

Seeking divine intervention, the 15,170-square-foot structure in Dupont Circle awaits a buyer to to bring forth ideas for a spirited conversion.

“The Swedenborgian congregation is based in Cambridge, MA, and this was built as their national church back in 1894,” says listing agent Bo Billups, of  TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. “The ideal use would be for a church to take over, but we have had a nonprofit that was interested in the residential component. It is zoned [for residential apartments], so business options would be limited.”

There are two main structures on the property: the sanctuary (or church) and a three-story building known as the south wing. Initial conceptual floor plans to transform the sanctuary into condos has already been completed by Bonstra/Haresign Architects.

“A lot of developers have shown interest in converting the property into luxury condos,” Billups says. “Because of its preservation and being a landmark property in Dupont’s Historic District, you are limited with what you can with the exterior. The south wing, which was added on in 1912 has three levels and would be a no-brainer for residential development. The sanctuary would be more of a challenge to convert. The lower portion of most windows in the sanctuary do open, so you could look into installing clear glass to let in more natural light.”

The sanctuary was built at the turn of the 19th century, with construction supervised by Paul J. Pelz, who was famous for his work as the primary architect for the Library of Congress.

Billups reveals that disability rights advocate Helen Keller, who lost her hearing and vision as a child, followed the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg and spoke at the church’s DC location several times.

The impressive interior boasts a five-story tower, 44-foot ceilings, and embellished wood beams. Stained-glass windows, an organ, an altar, and rows of pews remain intact. Other rooms include offices, a library, and parlor.

“It’s such a special building because it is an iconic landmark designed with a Gothic Revival style by architect H. Langford Warren, who was also the founder of the School of Architecture at Harvard University,” Billups explains. “Most interested buyers are looking to use it as a congregation of some sort to celebrate the existing structure, making minimal changes.”

While the Church of the Holy City has been at this location for more than a century, the structure has become too big for the congregation.

“It can accommodate about 350 people and doesn’t suit their needs any more,” Billups says. “At this point, they are a much smaller congregation and are looking to downsize.”

In its convenient Dupont Circle neighborhood, the property is just a mile from The White House.

“It is a great location,” he says, noting the church’s proximity to the many restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance. The place also has parking for five vehicles.

“It has been a real privilege to present this property, and I look forward to seeing its next chapter,” Billups says.