More and more churches are getting out of the real estate business, Upton churches are no exception to this trend. In 2011 Holy Angels Parish was put on the market when their membership merged with St. Michael’s of Mendon to form St. Gabriel’s. To date the building is known as “the building formerly known as Holy Angels”. In 2004 the Unitarian Church on Main Street was transformed into Spaightwood Galleries, Inc.
Residents and former church goers have wondered since 2011 what will become of Holy Angels.
The building did take on another purpose for several months recently when it housed the town offices during the restoration of the Town Hall. Now that the offices have moved back to Town Hall the question remains, what will become of Holy Angels?
James and Leanne Maloney of Upton are in the process of purchasing Holy Angels. They plan on turning the old church into three condominium units with parking for six cars in a garage underneath the building. The Upton Zoning Board of Appeals has granted a variance for the project and the next step is site plan approval from the Planning Board.
The Maloney’s plan on keeping the exterior architecture the same; steeple and all. The leaded glass and large windows will be used in the design of the condo units.
James said, “The building will still look like a church, giving respect to the historical look of the building is important. Knowing people were married and had funeral services here, it’s important to keep the history in tact for the community.”
The three condo units will be about 2,200 square feet each. One unit will turn what was formerly the choir loft into a large master bedroom suite. Another unit will have french doors overlooking the stream located in the back of the building. All three units will be constructed in the original church body.
The underground parking will be accessed through the side of the building and will be located in what was known as the church basement. There will also be parking available for visitors.
The Maloney’s have renovated five buildings in downtown Upton; including 8 North Main Street, home to A Little Common Sense and 12 Milford Street which is now the home of Salon Richard Anthony. This will be their sixth project in town.
James is financing the project through Unibank. “UniBank is offering an incredibly competitive rate,” he said. James noted he is taking advantage of UniBank’s Military Banking program designed exclusively for active military service members and veterans. According to James he is one of the first to take advantage of this program.
Below is a photo of the interior of the church looking towards the choir loft, the future home of the parking garage, and James Maloney in front of the building formerly known as Holy Angels.
UPTON DAILY 