Madison’s St. John’s Lutheran Church is working to tear down its old worship space to make way for affordable housing, Wisconsin Public Radio reports.
Financial challenges have delayed the $58 million project’s planned groundbreaking, but the church still hopes to complete it within two years.
Leadership plans to demolish St. John’s current church building and build a new, 10-story structure at 322 E. Washington Ave., about three blocks from the state Capitol. Current plans call for a complex that includes a first-floor sanctuary, with space for community events, as well as a total of 130 housing units.
Some units would be rented out at market rates, but around 110 apartments would have affordable rents for those making 30%, 50% or 60% of the area’s median income.
St. Johns plans to help finance the project with nearly $11 million in affordable housing funds from the city of Madison and Dane County. It’s also accepting donations and is around halfway toward its $3 million private fundraising goal.
The church would continue to own the property but would partner with a management company to oversee leasing and upkeep for the apartments.
