Belfry Apartments and Mixed Use

Belfry Apartments reimagines the 1930 Calvary Lutheran Church site in South Minneapolis as a fully affordable, mixed-use community with 41 homes. The project consists of three integrated parts: the restored church sanctuary, which serves as a shared community and worship space; the adaptive reuse of the church’s education and office wing into 21 deeply affordable units; and the construction of a 20-unit residential building designed to defer visually to its historic neighbor. Set within a block of George Floyd Square, the site holds both social and symbolic importance. A mural of George Floyd, painted by a congregation member, anchors the building in its context and affirms its role within the neighborhood. All 41 homes are deeply affordable, income-restricted to households earning 30% of AMI or less. Fifteen homes provide permanent housing for people exiting homelessness or living with disabilities. The site includes a restored sanctuary used throughout the week, a community food shelf with enhanced freight access, and a courtyard for gathering. The historic sanctuary and office building were retained and adapted using careful preservation measures that kept original features—stained glass, woodwork, light fixtures—visible and intact. Additions such as a kitchen, fitness room, food shelf, and flexible gathering areas were integrated to support shared use while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture. The new residential building stands at 2.5 stories to align with surrounding homes. Materials and detailing reflect and complement nearby architecture. Interior layouts and finishes emphasize comfort, accessibility, and long-term durability. Belfry strengthens community infrastructure by adding homes, preserving gathering spaces, and connecting past and future residents through shared, everyday functions. The project team prioritized sustainability across both new construction and adaptive reuse. The design meets Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and the Minnesota Overlay, with more than 90 optional points implemented. Environmental strategies include rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances, and upgraded Type of Construction Renovation/Addition