MADISON, Wis. – A Wisconsin contractor has been giving old churches a new purpose, turning them into unique and stunning homes. Dan Majewski, a realtor and contractor, has spent the past five years flipping former places of worship into modern living spaces, and his latest project is in Madison.
The Latest Transformation
Majewski’s newest project involved the renovation of the former Lakeview Christian Church, built in 1950 on Madison’s east side. After months of hard work, the church has been transformed into a single-family home through his real estate firm, Majic Properties.
Homeowner Allison Rettig purchased the property after struggling to find a home in Madison’s competitive real estate market. When she learned the church was available, she decided to take on the ambitious project.
“I love the big windows and all the natural light,” Rettig shared. “The floor plan works perfectly for me. It might not be practical for everyone, but I feel very at home here.”
Blending History with Modern Living
Though Rettig customized the space to suit her needs, many original church elements remain intact. The home features an altar in the living room, a pew at the dining table, and a kitchen in the basement—all adding character and charm to the space.
“It’s a home,” Majewski explained. “At the end of the day, it’s a big, open-space home with high ceilings and unique features.”
The Inspiration Behind the Idea
Majewski first got the idea to flip churches into homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rising cost of houses and limited properties available to renovate, he decided to explore a new avenue. His first project was a church in the Milwaukee area, which he bought and turned into his own home.
“I found a church for sale, and at first, it scared me a little,” Majewski said. “But since I couldn’t find anything else, I took the leap and turned it into my home.”
Since then, Majewski has successfully renovated and sold several churches, including a Baptist Church in Big Bend, a Catholic Church in Belgium, and a Methodist Church in North Prairie.
Costs and Challenges
Transforming a church into a home is no small task. Majewski estimates that the cost for potential buyers ranges from $500,000 to $800,000 due to the extensive renovations involved.
The process requires creativity and careful planning to preserve the building’s character while making it functional for modern living. Despite the challenges, Majewski finds the work rewarding. “It’s not just about flipping a building; it’s about creating a unique space for someone to call home,” he said.
A Sacred Space Made Personal
For Rettig, the transformation of the church into her dream home was worth the effort. After a five-month renovation process, she now enjoys living in a space that’s both unique and deeply personal.
“It’s been a long process, but seeing it come to life is so exciting,” Rettig said. “Living here now feels absolutely wonderful.”
A Growing Trend
The idea of converting churches into homes is gaining popularity as housing markets become more competitive. Projects like Majewski’s demonstrate how historic buildings can be repurposed creatively, offering buyers something truly one-of-a-kind.
With his innovative approach, Majewski continues to redefine what it means to create a home, showing that even sacred spaces can be transformed into dream living spaces for modern families.
Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.
