Church renovation almost complete
August 5, 2020
The conversion of the former Holy Cross Lutheran Church building into luxury living quarters has sparked a renewed interest in historical renovations for Brian and Cody Stehlik.
Sheila Harris
This week, Brian Stehlik and his son, Cody Stehlik, are putting the finishing touches on a project they began last fall: the renovation of the historic, red-brick church building which once housed the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The building, located on the north side of 7th Street between Gravel and Townsend Streets, was originally constructed in 1908 for the First Christian Church.
“Dad had the vision for the renovation,” the younger Stehlik said. “I helped make it a reality.”
The two also had help from Brian’s mother, Val Stehlik; friend, Tim Doukas; and friend, Jamie Lynn.
“I bought the building in an auction in June of 2019,” Brian said, “but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it. I just didn’t want to see it torn down and a bare lot sitting here when so many people need a place to live.
“One night last summer, I came down here by myself and just sat on a bucket and stared at it for a while, when the idea for the layout of two apartments came to me,” he continued. “The next day I talked to Cody and we worked out a plan to make it happen.”
With no blueprint but ingenuity, in October 2019, they began the project which initially proved to be daunting.
“The interior had an auditorium with sloped sides for seating, like a theater,” Cody Stehlik said. “Bringing the floors up to level in order to begin construction of the walls was one of the biggest challenges we faced.”
The cathedral ceiling which had to be compensated for was another challenge. In spite of lowering the ceilings, they still soar to 11-foot heights inside the living quarters.
During the renovation of the interior, which involved much gutting of pre-existing elements, Brian Stehlik found an old Christmas gift tag addressed to his grandmother, Della Stehlik, who went to church there long ago, prompting him to christen the new apartments, “Della’s Place,” in her honor.
Brian Stehlik indicated that the roof replacement turned into a much larger job than he had anticipated when it was discovered that the original shake shingles had been nailed directly to rafters, with no decking beneath them.
“Shingles had been added over the years,” Brian said, “but we had to tear everything off down to the rafters and add decking at the base.”
According to Brian Stehlik, the only labor they have contracted out for was the installation of the central heat and air system.
In spite of the challenges, both Stehliks say they have enjoyed the project and hope to do similar work in the future.
Both of the renovated apartments feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, eleven-foot ceilings, new windows, central heat and air, and many custom details. Unit #1 has 2,000 square feet of living space; Unit #2 has 1,500.
An open house is planned for Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stop in and see what renovation instead of demolition can accomplish.
This week, Brian Stehlik and his son, Cody Stehlik, are putting the finishing touches on a project they began last fall: the renovation of the historic, red-brick church building which once housed the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The building, located on the north side of 7th Street between Gravel and Townsend Streets, was originally constructed in 1908 for the First Christian Church.
“Dad had the vision for the renovation,” the younger Stehlik said. “I helped make it a reality.”
The two also had help from Brian’s mother, Val Stehlik; friend, Tim Doukas; and friend, Jamie Lynn.
“I bought the building in an auction in June of 2019,” Brian said, “but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it. I just didn’t want to see it torn down and a bare lot sitting here when so many people need a place to live.
“One night last summer, I came down here by myself and just sat on a bucket and stared at it for a while, when the idea for the layout of two apartments came to me,” he continued. “The next day I talked to Cody and we worked out a plan to make it happen.”
With no blueprint but ingenuity, in October 2019, they began the project which initially proved to be daunting.
“The interior had an auditorium with sloped sides for seating, like a theater,” Cody Stehlik said. “Bringing the floors up to level in order to begin construction of the walls was one of the biggest challenges we faced.”
The cathedral ceiling which had to be compensated for was another challenge. In spite of lowering the ceilings, they still soar to 11-foot heights inside the living quarters.
During the renovation of the interior, which involved much gutting of pre-existing elements, Brian Stehlik found an old Christmas gift tag addressed to his grandmother, Della Stehlik, who went to church there long ago, prompting him to christen the new apartments, “Della’s Place,” in her honor.
Brian Stehlik indicated that the roof replacement turned into a much larger job than he had anticipated when it was discovered that the original shake shingles had been nailed directly to rafters, with no decking beneath them.
“Shingles had been added over the years,” Brian said, “but we had to tear everything off down to the rafters and add decking at the base.”
According to Brian Stehlik, the only labor they have contracted out for was the installation of the central heat and air system.
In spite of the challenges, both Stehliks say they have enjoyed the project and hope to do similar work in the future.
Both of the renovated apartments feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, eleven-foot ceilings, new windows, central heat and air, and many custom details. Unit #1 has 2,000 square feet of living space; Unit #2 has 1,500.
An open house is planned for Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stop in and see what renovation instead of demolition can accomplish.
Shown above, left to right, renovators Cody Stehlik, Brian Stehlik, Jamie Lynn, Tim Doukas and Val Stehlik.
The kitchen in Unit #1 of Della’s Place has white cabinets. Those in Unit #2 are dark.
The master bath in Unit #2 of Della’s Place gets plenty of morning sun.
