KALAMAZOO, MI - A plan to renovate a blighted church into office and living space on Kalamazoo's north side is moving forward.

After an April 13 public hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals, a variance was approved for three parcels between Rose and Burdick streets. The board unanimously voted to allow Catalina Holdings LLC to renovate the former Trinity Temple 7th Day Adventist Church at 117 W. North St. into three apartments and 1,400 square feet of commercial office space, with one apartment on the ground floor.

Design documents show the floor plan for apartment and office space at the development on 117 W. North St. in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Courtesy | City of Kalamazoo)

The building is located in a commercial community district in the Northside Neighborhood. Apartment space is not allowed on the first floor under that zoning, necessitating a variance. The variance does not change the zoning of the site.

Zoning board member Chris Flach said churches can often be difficult to repurpose, but would provide an option for residents being priced out of housing.

"In this community, specifically in this area, a lot of people have this kind of vision," Flach said. "I think the community could use it. Rents are going up in the area because there is a lack of housing. The more apartments we have the better."

The three apartments will be two-bedroom units. Two on the top floor will be 1,600 square feet, with loft bedrooms overlooking a living area. The ground floor apartment will be 1,000 square feet.

"(The variance) will allow reuse of the property and the structure in the public interest," said AIA Architect Nelson Nave. "The use could serve the downtown and Northside Neighborhood.

Brian Halbower, a local dentist, said he is looking to start a private practice in the building. He bought the property in July 2016, seeking to be a part of new development in the city.

"I'm a big fan of Kalamazoo," he said.

According to city documents, the property has been vacant for several years, and redevelopment would resolve some blight in the area. Discarded trash and liquor bottles can be seen strewn across the lawn, which is also home to large woodchucks.

A stone on the building's facade indicates the church was established in 1925. Nave said the property would likely have to be demolished if left undeveloped.

The site is located near several other churches, two beauty salons, Lincoln International Studies School and the Kalamazoo Metro Transit station.

Zoning Administrator Pete Eldridge said the project is similar to other mixed-use developments encouraged by the city. Board member Matthew McClelland agreed.

"This is a great opportunity for the north side and people to see how businesses will transform spaces that have been abandoned into new vibrant spaces."