A historic church in Marin County's prestigious Belvedere enclave is looking for a new lease on life as it is put up for sale with no price listed. Boasting an impressive maritime-inspired design, this 3,583-square-foot building has the potential to be transformed into a stunning midcentury residence and awaits the right buyer to recognize its unique appeal according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
First constructed in 1951, the church was designed by renowned local architect Charles Warren Callister and is located at 501 San Rafael Ave. in Belvedere. Commissioned by the church to pay tribute to the area's maritime history, the building was handcrafted from locally-sourced redwood and Douglas fir. The structure's nautical flair is evident in its angled form, rough-formed concrete elements, and even the boat mast-like steeple.
(realtor.com)
Following the merger of two local congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this particular church has sadly become too remote and too small to accommodate the newly combined flock. As a result, realtor Matt Brown from Meridian Commercial believes that the stunning architecture of the church makes it ideal for the next buyer, and sees the potential for it to be a single-family dwelling as reported by realtor.com. One of the challenges for its conversion lies in the fact that it lacks a kitchen and has minimal restroom facilities. However, the right buyer could undoubtedly reimagine the church as a statement-making, rustic, midcentury modern house.
(realtor.com)
Housed on a 0.23-acre lot, along with a nursery and a church office, the building benefits from stunning views of the city and is just a few steps away from breathtaking vistas of the San Francisco skyline and Angel Island. Currently, the property is zoned for multifamily housing, and this adds to its appeal as a potential luxury residence in the sought-after locale of the Belvedere zip code—a place consistently known as one of the most expensive areas in the country.
With the clock ticking and the call for offers closing on August 31st, many have their eye on the property to see if someone will step forward and create a new narrative for this architectural jewel, and give it a new purpose as an upmarket home or even as unique multifamily housing.
