The property
Executive summary
Well-traveled northeast corner of 79th & Jeffrey Boulevard in Chicago's South Shore community offers this former religious compound - church, school, rectory, and convent - all interconnected with interior access. The church building with main access on East 79th Street, was completed in 1935, and designed by Joseph W. McCarthy & Associates Architects in a Romanesque cathedral style - constructed of structural steel framing with masonry walls and exterior limestone cladding. The church footprint is about 12,800 sq ft (75 existing pews) plus a full basement with 11 ft ceilings. Soaring ceilings and double level stained glass windows provide an iconic and historical presence. The church has a 130 ft bell tower and is serviced by a 400-amp electrical system. The church basement provides direct interior access into the adjacent school. The school, opened in 1923, is a two-story building also of limestone construction on a concrete foundation with a full basement - approximately 21,200 sq ft plus the basement of nearly 6,000 sq ft. Eight classrooms plus a coatroom on each level. There is a sprinkler system, and all…