WeBuild Concord turns vacant church into 13 attainable apartments

WeBuild Concord is opening The Sanctuary Apartments in Concord, North Carolina, after converting a more than 100-year-old church that sat vacant for over two decades. The project adds 13 attainable units near the city’s emerging Arts District as Kerr Street sees new public and private investment.

Why it matters: - The Sanctuary Apartments add attainable housing in a part of Concord that is drawing more arts activity, recreation planning, and small business interest. - The project puts local workers and families closer to downtown Concord and near the city’s growing Arts District. - The conversion shows how older vacant properties can be reused to address housing demand without starting from scratch.

What happened: - WeBuild Concord is celebrating the ribbon-cutting for The Sanctuary Apartments in Concord, North Carolina. - The project transformed a more than 100-year-old church that had sat vacant for more than two decades. - The redevelopment created 13 attainable apartments near Concord’s emerging Arts District. - The development is on Kerr Street, near Clearwater Arts Center, the Academy-Gibson Park area, and an upcoming bike and skate park across the street.

The details: - The Sanctuary Apartments include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. - The apartments are designed for local workers, families, and residents seeking an affordable home near downtown Concord. - The property is currently leasing and has already drawn active interest from prospective residents. - The apartments feature exposed ceilings, sleek finishes, quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets, and modern, efficient layouts. - Guests at the ribbon-cutting will be able to tour the apartments. - More information is available through WeBuild Concord's website.

Between the lines: - The project fits WeBuild Concord’s broader approach of repurposing existing properties and expanding attainable housing. - The location near arts and recreation amenities positions the apartments to benefit from, and support, neighborhood growth. - The design emphasis suggests WeBuild Concord is trying to change perceptions that affordable housing must sacrifice quality. - Dr. Patrick Graham said the organization wants residents to feel welcomed, connected, and part of what comes next in Kerr Street’s growth.

What's next: - WeBuild Concord will continue leasing the 13 units as the corridor around Kerr Street develops. - The ribbon-cutting will give the public a first look at how the church was converted into housing. - The neighborhood’s mix of arts, recreation, and investment is likely to shape demand for the apartments.

The bottom line: - A vacant church is becoming a small but visible sign of Concord’s growth, with affordable housing arriving alongside the city’s arts-led revitalization.