Historic Phoenix church could be renovated to accommodate restaurants, events venue

PHOENIX — A long-empty church in Phoenix could soon be repaired and renovated in hopes of bringing new life to the city, according to the Phoenix Business Journal.

First Baptist Church, located near Monroe Street and Third Avenue in downtown Phoenix, could soon see some major repairs to the historic structure if the Phoenix City Council decides to approve an $82,100 grant for the structure.

The grant would go toward repairing the roof and bell towers at the empty church, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. A complete restoration would cost the non-profit owners of the church more than $160,000.

The church was built in 1929 and has remained empty since being nearly destroyed in a 1984 fire. One of the members of the group who owns the building, Katherine Patry, said she would love to see the grant money be used to revitalize the long-empty location.

Patry said repairs to the 40,000-square-foot venue could include as many as six restaurants, a special events venue and a courtyard.

More investors would still need to be found in order to bring restaurants to the property, but Patry said the city has given their approval to host special events there, such as weddings.

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