Victorian Village church turned wedding venue on the market for $2.4 million
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former central Ohio church that was converted into a wedding and event venue could soon be under new ownership.
Named "The Sanctuary on Neil," the building at 618 Neil Ave. was on the market for $2.4 million, an online listing by Alterra Real Estate shows. The 18,416-square-foot property was scheduled to be sold by auction on March 19, though a transaction has yet to be announced or posted in Franklin County Auditor's Office records.
Alterra's listing describes the building as a "highly visible location in historic Victorian Village," with street parking and proximity to Goodale Park. The listing also boasts The Sanctuary's walkability to the Short North and Downtown's Arena District, and notes the building is currently used an event center and dance studio.
Built in the late 19th century, the church was constructed in two parts spanning 25 years. The north half, including the building's grand rotunda, was completed in 1890, followed by a large expansion added to the south side in 1914. For many decades, the church was the home of the Neil Avenue United Methodist Episcopal Church, but was partially ravaged by a fire in 1986.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church purchased the building in 1996 to house their congregation. The building then found new ownership in 2020, who restored and rebranded the structure into an event space.
"We love historic buildings, so when the 'for sale' sign went up, we had to check it out," the owners state on their site. "The thought of what a great venue space it would make went through out minds... after almost a year of major renovations, we were ready to open."
Now, The Sanctuary is home to two ballrooms available for wedding ceremonies and receptions, additional rooms for the wedding party, a new sound system and lighting, professional bar service, and a speakeasy space in the lower level for cocktail hours.