I’m at the cafe. I’m at the artist studios. I’m at the combination cafe and artist studios in a former church. We’ve covered countless churches being being converted to apartments over the years, but the recently approved project at the former Messiah Reformed Church at 2311 S 13th St. will take a bit of a different approach. Rather than offering residences, this adaptive reuse will instead include a first floor cafe and 14 artist studios across the rest of the building.

The church was initially planned back in 1901, with construction commencing shortly afterward. The congregation ran into some financial issues during construction and were stuck meeting in the building’s basement for a few years as they continued to raise funds to finish the building. In the early 70s the congregation added a nursury school, with the pastor justifying a desired variance with an argument that the church existed before the implementation of zoning, and thus wasn’t restricted to the residential zoning then assigned to the parcel. It’s a clever argument that seemingly worked at the time; we don’t imagine it would be quite so effective today.

The coffee shop is perhaps the most conventional aspect of the plan. Only a few months ago, we told you about a proposal to convert a historic church in Point Breeze into an apartment building with a first floor cafe, so it’s not like we haven’t seen this kind of thing before. At this location, we expect that neighbors and employees at Jefferson Methodist Hospital will absolutely appreciate a new spot for grabbing a morning coffee, given the lack of options nearby.

Where the project really takes an unexpected turn is the choice to dedicate the rest of the building to 14 artist studios, ranging from 180 sqft up to a roomy 738 square foot studio in the basement. The goal is to establish a mini-Bok Building, where independent creatives and makers will be able to lease out space and practice their craft. It’s envisioned that artists will bring in potential clients for viewings or open houses, but retail sales are not imagined at this site. We’re inclined to think that some commerce will occur here in the end, but that won’t materially change the concept.

We’re perhaps most pleased by the plans for the outside of the building. Though the building isn’t listed on the Historic Register, the exterior won’t change much, with plans only calling for a few new windows, replacement doors, and maybe some touch up work on the stone facade. From the plans included by Continuum Architecture & Design the most noticeable upgrade to anyone strolling by will be the replacement of the side alleyway and curb cut with a new garden behind a decorative gate. Along with the primary entrance to the cafe, this side garden will include a wheelchair ramp, which combined with bathroom improvements will provide the first floor with ADA accessibility.

With the support of the Lower Moyamensing Civic Association, non-opposition from the councilmember, and an endorsement from the Planning Commission, this project sailed through a recent ZBA hearing. With approvals in place, we expect this project will move forward in the coming months, bringing new life and creativity to a 125 year-old building. And that’s just great! We’re generally aggressive in cheering for apartments and density, but in this case, something a little atypical will be a welcomed change of pace. And if the new cafe is any good, all the better.