Church to become luxury apartments in “a new and changing Boston, where nothing is sacred”

From The Boston Globe:

Three years ago, Cardinal Sean O’Malley designated the Holy Trinity Church in the South End for secular purposes – in official church language, “for profane but not sordid use.”

That decree triggered a $7 million sale of the building to developers and a plan — just approved by the city — to turn it into luxury condos. The design features a glass and steel structure rising from the base of puddingstone and granite that was created by 19th century architect Patrick Keely. Aesthetics aside – if you can put them there — this project dramatically showcases a new and changing Boston, where nothing is sacred.

A church that served as base of operations for a day program for homeless adults and at-risk youth will now be marketed as housing for the wealthy.

The $47 million project at 136 Shawmut Ave., developed by New Boston Ventures, will include 33 condos and a basement garage for 28 cars. Because no zoning variances were necessary, there are no requirements for affordable units, according to Nicholas Martin, a spokesman for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

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