Photo credit: Matt Vacca courtesy of Compass.

New York City’s church conversions always draw interest and curiosity; whether they symbolize tranquility–or just offer a unique setting that often includes stained-glass windows with heavenly light and miles-high cathedral ceilings–they transcend the ordinary. This historic, landmarked Harlem church, built in 1897, is now on the market for $6.25 million. Home to the Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church since 1985, the building is zoned residential, so, according to the listing, it can become a single-family home. Built in the English Gothic style and first dedicated as St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church, the house of worship is a reflection of the neighborhood’s many layers of history. The listing calls on “sophisticated buyers and developers” to seize the chance to be responsible for the next chapter in the life of this neighborhood icon.

From 80-foot spires to a classic church basement

Photo via Wikimedia

Developers are planning to build a massive office project on top of a Billionaires’ Row church. The Real Deal reported on Monday that Alchemy and ABR Investment Partners have partnered to buy properties owned by Calvary Baptist Church at 123-141 West 57th Street. The proposed boutique office building would rise 26 stories atop church space and sit next to Extell Development’s supertall, One57.

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Real estate is almost on a par with religion for many New Yorkers, and this $1.95 million co-op in a 1850 Gothic church at 99A Clinton Street in the heart of Brooklyn Heights could be the answer to your prayers. The stunning stone church was converted to a 10-unit co-op in the 1970s.

Become a believer

This historic 19th century building was once home to a German Lutheran church–and now it’s the site of a super-cool live music venue and recording studio in upstate New York. Located in the charming town of Hudson, at 21 North 6th Street, the space now offers a buyer some unique opportunities. At an ask of $1.59 million, the listing says, “with certificate of occupancy allowing for both commercial and residential use, this remarkable property can also be reimagined and adapted for any number of commercial uses like a concert hall or an event space, a live and work space for artists, or a phenomenal private residence.” One thing’s for sure, the bones of this former house of worship–including everything from a spiral staircase to stained glass–are unbeatable.

Look around

This unusual property has an enchanted background even before you see it: Situated in the Hudson Valley between the towns of New Paltz and Kingston, built into a stone ledge above the Wallkill River at the mouth of the Sturgeon Pool, this former church made of hand-cut stone dates from the 19th century. With an industrial past behind it, the 7,000 square-foot building is now used as a multi-level living and working space, with a three-story tower, balconies, an indoor fire pit and three bedrooms within, surrounded by lush gardens, water views and an outdoor grill. It’s also for sale, asking $799,000.

Explore this amazing live-work building

This 1890s brick church and school, located at 626 Bushwick Avenue right in Bushwick, has gotten a second life as a new development rental known as the Saint Marks. The church details aren’t all extinct, with brickwork and vaulting in some of the apartments. This two-bedroom unit is one of the most stunning in the building–and it’s now asking $3,925 a month. The top-floor location means that the elaborate arched ceilings decked out with mosaic tilework and carved wood tower above this lofty pad.

Get a closer look

A full and careful renovation has transformed this historic, 1890s church upstate into a single-family residence. When we say unique, we mean it–details like large stained glass windows, arched doorways, wood floors and exposed brick all hint at the church’s previous life. A stunning main room with soaring ceilings–the former sanctuary–is just waiting for a designer to transform it into an incredible living space. Located in Philmont, New York, a small town about two-and-a-half hours outside of New York City, this house-of-worship turned home is asking a modest $515,000.

You have to see the interior

401 Hicks Street in Cobble Hill was originally St. Peters Church and Academy, built in 1858. In 2005, like a lot of churches around Brooklyn, the historic structure went residential. Now, this two-bedroom condo is up for sale here and you wouldn’t necessarily guess it’s located inside a former church. The unit lacks details like stained glass–which you often see in church conversions–and it’s got a fun, modern aesthetic that feels more “Brooklyn” than “house of worship.” It’s asking $1.525 million.

Take a look

The St. George’s Church conversion, at 205 East 16th Street in Gramercy, did an amazing job of preserving church details as well as integrating them into residential units. Now known as the Abbey Condominium, it’s not unusual for these luxury units to boast stained glass, pews or wrought iron lantern lights. This triplex, which has just hit the market, is decked out with remnants from the church–even in the apartment’s solarium–and it’s asking $6.35 million.

Go inside

This landmark-district building in Boerum Hill was most recently a church, and before that a warehouse. The design team at Delson or Sherman Architects recently led the conversion of the property into a modern home that pays homage to both of these former incarnations by leaving raw materials visible while creating a bright and open floorplan.

See the whole space