Point Breeze church to be transformed into a brewery and community space following preservation efforts.

Dane Jensen, an enthusiast of historic architecture rather than a professional developer, has embarked on an ambitious project to revitalize the Second Nazareth Missionary Church located at 1800 Tasker St. This 138-year-old church has long been a cornerstone of the Point Breeze neighborhood, although its congregation has dwindled in recent years, leading to a lack of necessary maintenance.

In 2024, the church leadership made the pivotal decision to sell the property. During discussions about its future, Jensen proposed a creative vision for the church’s transformation into a community-centric space, a concept that resonated with the church’s leadership. His ambition is to maintain the building’s spirit as a gathering place for the community, albeit without a strictly religious focus.

After acquiring the property for .75 million mid-year, Jensen has initiated renovations aimed at repurposing the church into a family-friendly restaurant and brewery, accompanied by an indoor playground. The renovation plan was designed not only to breathe new life into the structure but also to provide a welcoming space for families, fostering deeper community connections in an environment that invites social interaction.

Jensen has been clear about his intentions; he aims to create an establishment that serves as a social hub, where patrons can enjoy coffee during the day, share lunch with friends, and potentially have a beer in the evening, all in a family-friendly setting. He notes the importance of the building feeling accessible and inviting, especially for families with young children.

Although the church is currently zoned for single-family use, recent legislative changes have provided incentives for the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Thanks to this legislation, the church was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places earlier this month. This status allows Jensen to proceed with his plans without the delays typically associated with zoning board approvals.

In an effort to cultivate positive relationships within the community, Jensen intends to meet with local officials, including Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and engage with Registered Community Organizations (RCOs). He emphasizes the importance of integrating into the neighborhood and contributing to its well-being, not merely extracting value from it.

Jensen is applying for a sit-down restaurant and artisan industrial use permit, which could pave the way for additional services such as a bakery or coffee roastery. However, extensive renovations are required to restore the church, including structural reinforcements, roof repairs, and updates to meet fire safety and accessibility codes.

The church’s history is rich, dating back to 1886, originally established as the Presbyterian Church of the Evangel before its transition to Second Nazareth Missionary Church in 1978. The latter congregation also faced financial struggles and declining membership in recent years, mirroring the challenges encountered by previous leadership.

With a commitment to preservation and community focus, Jensen expresses his passion for the church building, envisioning a future where it continues to serve as a space for connection and togetherness, potentially thriving for another century and a half. His plans not only signify a significant renovation project but also a hopeful revival of community spirit in Point Breeze.

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