WICKER PARK — An 1870s-era church that underwent an extensive makeover and gut rehab to become 11 luxury apartments that were quickly snapped up by renters last summer is for sale, according to a realty group that's seeking bids from buyers.
Located at 1338 N. Damen Ave. in Wicker Park, the church site also includes a neighboring 5-bedroom single-family home at 2016 W. Evergreen Ave, formerly a parsonage, according to a listing.
Alisa Hauser says the church was boarded up before the renovation:
Shortly after the building opened to renters last summer, its owner Jim Jann, co-owner of JAB Real Estate Inc., a North Center-based firm, said, " We are very happy to have been able to restore it and bring it back to the way it should look."
Jann had no comment when reached on Tuesday but referred inquiries to his broker, Jim Darrow, a principal with Essex Realty Group who put the 10,000 square-foot former church and single-family parsonage home on the market in late July. There is no sale price listed; bids close at 5 p.m. Thursday, Darrow said.
Darrow described the church as "a trophy property in one of, if not the best locations in Chicago" and "truly an excellent opportunity for someone to own one of the coolest apartment buildings in Wicker Park."
Darrow said Jann thought it was a good time to market the property, due to the fact there is a shortage of good properties on the market, "let alone one renovated to this level."
Jann and his business partner Frank Campise bought the former Chicago Missionary Society church at 1338 N. Damen Ave. and a house that sits on the rear lot at 2016 W. Evergreen for $1.3 million in April 2013.
"The fact that all the heavy lifting has been done is a real bonus, all a new owner should have to do is manage the building. We have had a lot of interest in the property and everyone who tours it is amazed at how cool it is and has nothing but glowing things to say about it," Darrow said.
The apartments, all currently occupied, feature tall ceilings and restored stained glass windows, hardwood floors, in-unit washer and dryer, custom kitchens and parking.
Both the church and neighboring home are in the Wicker Park Historic District and the Wicker Park Chicago Landmark District.
2016 W. Evergreen in Wicker Park by Essex Realty Group
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