Some older buildings are destined to stay standing. North Chapel in Point Loma is a landmark that has had its fair share of ups and downs. Constructed in 1942, and once a place of worship for sailors stationed at the Naval Training Center San Diego, it closed in 1997 with the operational closure of the base. But not was all lost as it is now listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places and stands at the ready to be renovated – once again – at 2881 Roosevelt Road in the Quarter District of Liberty Station. Renovations and revitalization
Speaking of renovations North Chapel did undergo its first in 2007 and saw little use even though two local congregations used it on a periodic basis for services. But it wasn’t enough to keep it open.
However, in 2018, McMillin sold part of its leasehold – including the North Chapel – to Seligman and Pendulum Property Partners. Pendulum later selected 828 Venue Management as a tenant because of “its proven experience creating unique venues, including BRICK at Liberty Station, formerly a warehouse.” Then, 828 Venue Management selected Bennett + Associates as the architect “because of its experience with historic properties.” Although 828 has been marketing North Chapel since September 2018 and rented it out for a handful of ceremonies, it has still faced consistent challenges. “The clear conclusion is that a flexible event venue will be successful and preserve this historic building,” said Joe Haeussler, executive vice president of Pendulum. New tenant
Also, 828’s CEO Tim Wirick said before the company signed the lease on North Chapel the 8,777 square-foot property it struggled to generate enough interest and revenue to sustain its maintenance and operation. “Having run the risk of closure, 828’s investment to rehabilitate the North Chapel ensures that the historic property can maintain its vitality for generations to come,” according to Wirick.
While work won’t begin until the city approves the plans on North Chapel, there is an excitement in the air and things are already moving at a steady pace as NTC’s theatre will be opening in Building 178 after an extensive renovation is completed.
“It’s exciting to see the North Chapel as the next major property to be included in this mix. Once work begins, the process will take several months to complete,” Wirick added.
In a news release the company issued Dec. 10 following a review by the California State Office of Historic Preservation and the National Park Service, 828 has received confirmation that its proposed renovations are approved. The National Park Service has reviewed the Historic Preservation Certification Application – Part 2 for the above-named property and has determined that: “We plan to continue the operation of the North Chapel as a community event venue,” Wirick said. “We want to create a more inclusive space that’ll give more people the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this historic building.” To be branded as CHAPEL, “the facility will continue to be available for a wide range of community events throughout the week including weddings, religious gatherings, performances, receptions, a variety of other events and faith-based celebrations, as permitted by Liberty Station’s guiding NTC Precise Plan,” the news release added.
Additionally, Liberty Station has become the “largest historic preservation project in San Diego and is recognized as one of the most successful adaptive reuse communities in the U.S. – with a dozen military barracks, an old mess hall, a fire station, and an auditorium having been repurposed through the highly creative endeavors of locally based operators.” “For us, CHAPEL truly offers the best of both worlds – integrity to the building’s history as a place of worship and important life events, and renovation to become a vital venue for generations to come. We’re definitely excited for what the future holds for this beautiful space,” Wirick said. Final approvals
The news release said in order to begin work on the project, 828 will seek final approval from the city of San Diego Development Services Department. Given the state and federal approvals, the city should find that the project meets the required historic review criteria as it has been determined that all proposed improvements meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties.
Haeussler said: “Liberty Station is a special place, as is the North Chapel. I respect the community’s concerns. We worked extensively with our tenant to follow historic rehabilitation policy and have a use that celebrates the architecture of the building. “828 events specialize in weddings and other life celebrations. Having 828 operate the building will fit so well. During the last nine months, we conducted an extensive survey of the building and the national guidelines for historic rehabilitation. We look forward to getting approval from the city of San Diego so that work can commence and the building can be open for events of all types.
“At the same time, the result will be a community asset that will create synergies with all of Liberty Station and truly benefit the community for generations to come,” Haeussler said.