A vacant north Buffalo church could soon be living space.  Creative Structures Services Inc. is seeking City approvals to covert the North Park Presbyterian Church at 700 Parkside Avenue to market-rate apartments and a small amount of office space.

"The building and site lend itself to conversion," says Creative Structures Services' David Pawlik.  "The structure itself is beautiful.  We are looking to do 11 to 13 market-rate apartments.  They will be high-end units." 

The circa-1937 church and attached two-story social center have 13,409 sq.ft. of space.  It has been vacant for some time and is listed for sale with a $250,000 asking price.  Pawlik and partner Russell Kyte have the property under option while they do their due diligence, refine their design and obtain City and neighborhood approval.

Pawlik, who grew up to blocks from the church, says he has been looking to do something in the area for a long time.  He had a 15 year career with the City of Buffalo, serving as Commissioner of Housing/Community Development and left ten years ago.

"The whole surrounding area is a beautiful part of north Buffalo," says Pawlik.  "It's an exciting project."

Conceptual plans for the property include adding a floor inside the sanctuary and retaining the stained glass windows.  Creative Structure Services, a general contracting, project management and development firm, may relocate its five employees, now on Summer Street, to the site. 

The $1.3 million project requires a set-back variance from the City.  A Zoning Board of Appeals hearing is scheduled for February 24.

A similar conversion project was completed in late-2006.  SEB Development transformed the former Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church into residences.  The Tacoma Lofts project at 618 Tacoma Avenue features 13 loft-style apartments.

Entry image by Karl Josker