Oct. 14 – NEW LONDON – A developer with ties to several downtown projects has been given permission to transform a long-vacant church into an apartment building that will provide a small number of affordable homes.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 3 approved special permit and site plan applications submitted by the Parker Benjamin firm to convert the former Apostolic Cathedral of Hope at 157 Green St. into an 11-unit complex consisting of studios, one bedroom and a mansion. style apartments.
Parker Benjamin, who specializes in real estate development and investment banking, purchased the former house of worship in April for $315,000 from local businessman Rod Cornish, who previously planned to convert the church building into an events venue.
Because the application was submitted under the city’s Incentive Housing Zone regulations, which prioritize the adaptive reuse of existing historic buildings, 20% of the units are considered affordable.
The former church is located in the Starr Street Historic District, at the corner of Starr and Green streets. The city’s Historic District Commission on Sept. 23 approved exterior renovation work, including upgrading windows. No other exterior work is planned on the stone facade of the church.
Dimitrios Karouta, director of development for Parker Benjamin, told members of the Planning and Zoning Commission that his company is working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to preserve “the historic interior” of the church, according to meeting minutes , although there will be three new floors. built to house the new apartments.
Karouta, who could not be reached for comment Monday, told committee members that it is likely that the studio apartments and a one-bedroom unit in the building will be classified as affordable housing.
Parker Benjamin is also completing the purchase of the 6 Union St. Monte Cristo building, located less than 500 feet from Green Street Church. Company officials said they hope to renovate the building, which is home to a sailmaking shop, into another apartment complex.
The City Council in June authorized Mayor Michael Passero to apply for up to $950,000 in grants from the state’s Community Investment Fund Program to help pay for work on the two buildings. Prizes require a 25% match by Parker Benjamin.
Parker Benjamin lists several New London projects – both completed and ongoing – on his resume of revitalization assignments, including the restoration of the Manwaring Building on State Street into student housing at Connecticut College; the plan to create a mixed-use luxury apartment/retail complex on Bank Street; and the proposed renovation of a former silk mill on Garfield Avenue into market-rate apartments.
Company officials previously said they hope to welcome tenants to the Green Street complex, which will be renamed “Tilley Corners” next summer.
j.penney@theday.com
