In 1906, the First Church of Christ, Scientist building was constructed at 16th and Howell. 100 years later, the congregation sold the building to developers for $1.1 million. The key to the sale: The developers were planning an audacious overhaul of the old building that would retain the character and incredible architectural elements of the church while updating it for modern — and luxury — living. Many other amazing old churches in Seattle were simply torn down.

After three years of construction, the townhouses are finally being unveiled and, not surprisingly, they come with large notable pricetags.

The townhouses (not condominiums) in the First Church of Christ, Scientist at 16th and Howell (1841 16th Ave) are now for pre-sale. Two units of the twelve have already been sold. The model unit is outfitted with original pieces from the church. Developer Joel Lavin has done major redesigning with the space.

Prices range from $925,000 – $1,687,000 (big bucks). If you’re interested, there will be a showing of the project and space this Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm. Reportedly, as the building is now a historic landmark (a designation it couldn’t get when it was operated as a church, by the way), buyers will qualify for a 10-year property tax rebate.

I had a chance to speak with Matt Goyer (a Seattle condo specialist) over the phone. He says this is a very unique project which is unlike anything out there. When asked what he believes the overall effect of this project will have, he said, “It will be one of those places which people will still be talking about in ten years.”

The modern interior mixed with an amazing old exterior creates what are hoped to be million dollar townhomes. The project will be complete in August.

For more information about the homes…

Matt’s review: http://www.urbnlivn.com/2009/05/31/the-sanctuary-first-churc

The Site: www.sanctuaryseattle.com

List of prices/square footage according to unit:

Unit 1: 2594 sq ft – $1,687,000

Unit 2: 2453 sq ft – $ 1,475,000

Unit 3: 2622 sq ft – $1,575,000

Unit 4: SOLD

Unit 5: 2531 sq ft – $1,295,000

Unit 6: 2476 sq ft – $1,295,000

Unit 7: SOLD

Unit 8: 1543 sq ft – $925,000

Unit 9: 2170 sq ft – $1,025,000

Unit 10: 2230 sq ft – $995,000

Unit 11: 2221 sq ft – $995,000

Unit 12: 2090 sq ft – $1,254,000

Larissa is finishing up her final week as an intern at CHS. Please join us in thanking her for her fine work and wish her luck in the big wide world.

Don’t miss out on the Stevens Elementary spring carnival coming up this Friday. The carnival will be featuring traditional carnival games such as; golf ball tub, water balloon toss, water squirt, nail hammering (safe, of course), stomp rocket, airplane toss, ring toss, cake walk (!!!), hoop shoot, air blaster (?), marble grab pond (formerly soap grab), fortune telling, face painting (get a unicorn, obvi), water ballooon launch, recycle race (teaching kids good habits), nut cracker (nut allergies beware). And for the little ones, hoop shoot, bean bag toss (a personal favorite) and toys in the hay.

In addition to carnival games, there will be a raffle for an e-100 razor electric scooter. This is a zero waste event – biodegradable materials will be used and composting/recycling bins will be convenient and encouraged.

I emailed with Susan Goubert, the coordinator of this event, who said, “The carnival is a fun way to promote community for the school & neighborhood. Proceeds from the event are used for student programs that directly support learning programs. This event is specially important amidst current budget cuts.”

Keep in mind, game tickets cost 25 cents, meals cost $8 (catering done by Flame Catering), raffle tickets are $2 a pop and the carnival will be held from 5-8 pm.

Thursday, as I was doing my internly duties, I stopped by Seattle Central Community College’s Unity Fair. On SCCC’s red brick quad, students flooded the area to enjoy the sun, free music and their time away from class. As I was walking around, I wanted to know what the students perspectives on the concert and Capitol Hill combined.

Curiously, I got the same answer from each student I asked questions to.

Q: When was the last time you saw a free concert on Capitol Hill?

A: Never.

Q: Is Capitol Hill a good spot to see a free concert?

A: Yeah, for sure. There are students everyone ranging from high school to college age and most of which who enjoy music and wouldn’t mind stopping into a free concert – especially a publuc one.

Q: Where would be the most ideal spot to see a concert on Capitol Hill?

A: Either here on Seattle Central’s quad or over at Cal Anderson Park.

Q: If Capitol Hill is such a prime spot for free concerts, why do you think there aren’t more?

A: Not sure –  but there should be! It’s great promotion for your band. Capitol Hill is definitely the most effective place to get publicity toward your band.

The Unity Fair was a fun way to kick off Capitol Hill’s summer.