Townhome in a former church listed for $2.15 million

On the corner of 16th and Denny in Capitol Hill stands the First Church of Christ, Scientist, a striking church with dramatic stained-glass windows. The Beaux Arts building, featuring a massive central atrium, was built for the congregation in 1906.

Today, although it still quacks like a church, it’s no longer a church. In the mid-2000s, the church sold the property and moved to South Lake Union. The building was converted into 12 townhouses called the Sanctuary, with entrances lining the central atrium under a domed skylight. The homes have some modern additions, like open staircases, lofts, and glass panels—but largely minimalist, designed to highlight the original features of the church.

A two-bedroom unit currently for sale in the building is especially opulent, with a central gathering space under, appropriately, a gilded, domed cathedral ceiling. While some of its neighbors’ ornamentation is limited to framing the stained glass, this corner unit is covered in ornate, Corinthian-style reliefs on two walls. The work is especially apparent in a library lofted above the kitchen.

This home also benefits from a massive, private balcony accessible from the loft.

The lower level is no less elaborate, though, with its own stained-glass windows surrounded by ornamentation, archways, and rich wood accents.

All together, the home has 2,902 square feet of space—bigger than some single-family homes—plus secure parking and storage.

A historic church this elaborate doesn’t come cheap; it’s listed for a cool $2.15 million, plus $1,504 a month in HOA fees. But at least living in a landmark comes with cheaper property taxes.

• 1841 16th Ave [CBB]