Just Listed: Converted Church in East Falls
Located diagonally across from McMichael Park, this unique residence in East Falls’ tonier precinct makes an ideal sanctuary in these turbulent times.
Isn’t this cute parish church absolutely divine? Thanks to a total — and totally stunning — rebuild, it can be your home. It’s at 3625 McMichael St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129 | Photos: Gary Schempp Photography via Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
You’re familiar with the African saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” right?
According to the agent listing this unique East Falls converted-church house for sale, it took a village to turn this historic church into the striking modern residence you see here.
The structure itself is the (re)work of Roxborough architect Studio Torres and Manayunk developer Baker Street Partners. The latter loves old churches and has several conversions under its belt. Where the village comes in is: Once they got their hands on this 1916 church listed on the Philadelphia historic register, they went to the neighbors and worked with them to create a residence that played nice with its East Falls neighbors and also met the historic preservation guidelines.
Main floor
The product of this team effort shows off the strong Arts and Crafts-influenced bones of the chapel’s sanctuary. It also takes advantage of its undivided interior space by turning it into a totally open main floor that’s perfect for socially distanced entertaining.
Dining and living rooms
The living and dining rooms flow seamlessly into the nicely outfitted, up-to-date kitchen.
Kitchen
The kitchen has a large quartz-topped island, all the latest appliances and a pot filler over the stove. The original main entrance to the sanctuary leads into the living room, while double doors inserted into the right-side wall lead to the kitchen.
Loft
Above the kitchen is a loft space that could serve as a study or home office. Or if you’re having a party, you could put the band up here where everyone can see and hear them.
Primary bedroom
All three of this house’s bedrooms are on the main floor, making it ideal for anyone looking for accessibility. The primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and an elegant chandelier.
Primary bathroom
Its en-suite bathroom features a freestanding soaking tub and separate shower stall.
And all this sits on a nicely landscaped lot that ensures privacy. Yet it’s centrally located at the corner of McMichael Street and Midvale Avenue. McMichael Park, the focal point of East Falls’ more upscale residential section, sits diagonally across the intersection, and East Falls’ laid-back business district is about a mile away on foot or a few minutes via SEPTA’s Route K bus. Another SEPTA bus route follows nearby Henry Avenue; it zips past the storied Jack Kelly residence just up from McMichael Park on its way to Andorra and Barren Hill, and it passes Queen Lane Reservoir and Falls Center on its way to Center City.
Truly, this converted-church East Falls house for sale deserves the word “divine.“ We think you’ll find it a perfectly heavenly place to live.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 3
BATHS: 2 full, 1 half
SQUARE FEET: 2,400
SALE PRICE: $750,000
3625 McMichael St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129 [Karrie Gavin | Karrie Gavin Group | Elfant Wissahickon Realtors]
