Just a few years ago, Calvary Lutheran was facing an uncertain future. The church, which was built in 1930, had fallen into disrepair, accumulating a million dollars in deferred maintenance costs. However, a remarkable transformation has taken place in south Minneapolis, as the aging church has been converted into dozens of affordable homes for individuals with modest incomes.
On Thursday, city leaders celebrated the opening of the Belfry Apartments near George Floyd Square. Not only does this project provide much-needed housing, but it also ensures that the church's congregation can remain in their cherished space with a newly renovated worship area. The church, which was on the verge of closure, has found a renewed sense of purpose through this repurposing.
The road to this transformation was not easy for the church congregation. Faced with dwindling funds and limited options, including the possibility of moving or merging with another congregation, the members made a bold decision to stay at their current location on 39th Street and Chicago Avenue. Their desire to continue their social outreach work, particularly their food shelf, motivated them to seek alternative solutions.
Fortunately, Calvary Lutheran connected with Trellis, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit developer. Together, they embarked on a mission to build affordable apartments for individuals earning 30 percent or less of the area median income. In the Twin Cities, this translates to an annual income of $37,250 for a family of four.
The commitment to this project mirrors the dedication of Calvary's founders, who had built the church during the Great Depression. Now, almost a century later, the congregation has once again demonstrated faith and resilience by securing a future for themselves and their community.
The $15 million project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including tax credits, the Minneapolis Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and Public Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers. The impact of this endeavor is already evident in the lives of individuals like Talicha Whitmore.
Whitmore, a long-time resident of the neighborhood, found herself struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Working at a school cafeteria in Bloomington for over 20 years, Whitmore had to move back in with her mother due to financial constraints. However, her fortunes took a turn when she stumbled upon the construction site of the Belfry Apartments during a walk.
Initially mistaking it for luxury housing, Whitmore decided to call the number on the sign anyway. From that point on, things moved swiftly, and she received the keys to her new apartment just a week before Christmas. As she and her 10-year-old daughter Brooklyn settle into their new home, Whitmore reflects on the positive impact this transition has had on their lives.
The Belfry Apartments now house 41 new tenants, with half of the units located in the church and the old Sunday school building, and the remainder in a newly constructed adjacent building. Fifteen units are specifically reserved for individuals facing homelessness or those with disabilities.
As part of the renovation process, the sanctuary of the church has been restored and now serves as a community room for the tenants during the week. On Sundays, the Calvary Lutheran congregation continues to lease the space for worship. Additionally, the church's food shelf remains operational, now equipped with a freight elevator capable of accommodating full pallets of donations.
The project has not faced any opposition from the local community. In fact, Council Member Andrea Jenkins, representing the area, highlights that affordable housing was one of the demands made by activists following George Floyd's murder in 2020. The Belfry Apartments not only fulfill this demand but also provide deeply affordable housing to individuals in need.
While this project represents a significant step forward in the city's efforts to build affordable housing, Mayor Jacob Frey emphasizes the need for continued progress. More deeply affordable housing is required to address the ongoing housing crisis in Minneapolis and the surrounding region.
The nonprofit developer Trellis, which spearheaded this initiative, hopes that the Belfry Apartments serve as a model for future projects. Its success should inspire other organizations to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the creation of more affordable housing options for communities in need.
As Minneapolis continues to tackle the challenges of housing affordability, the transformation of Calvary Lutheran into the Belfry Apartments stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment. With this innovative approach, a community can breathe new life into historic spaces and make a lasting impact on the lives of its residents.
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